Dense hardwood bundle
Compact bundle of heavy hardwood boards
96 × 48 × 24 in
Packaged weight: 3000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 64.00
- Density
- 46.88 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Lumber LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Lumber
To estimate your shipment, use the Lumber Freight Class Calculator.
The Lumber Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 55 to 85.
These are density-based estimates.
Lumber density calculator
Calculate Your Lumber Freight Class
A bundled lumber shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your lumber freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
96.00
Density
27.08
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
65
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Lumber shipment examples
Lumber Freight Class Examples
These examples use packaged outside dimensions and the site’s density-to-class chart. They are examples only, not fixed classes for all lumber shipments.
Dimensional lumber pack
Standard long lumber bundle
96 × 48 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 2600 lb
- Cubic feet
- 96.00
- Density
- 27.08 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
65
Light long boards
Low-density specialty boards with more cube
120 × 36 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 1200 lb
- Cubic feet
- 90.00
- Density
- 13.33 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
85
Lumber shipment comparison
Lumber Freight Class by Shipment Type
Lumber is often dense but can create long, narrow, or irregular freight that requires careful banding and forklift support. Species, moisture content, board dimensions, bundle density, length, and whether the wood is surfaced, finished, or loose all affect the shipment profile.
| Lumber shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensional softwood lumber | Squared bundle with dunnage and bands | Very high | Usually stackable | Keep ends aligned and bands tensioned across solid blocking. |
| Hardwood boards | Wrapped and banded bundle | Very high | Usually stackable | Protect finished faces, edges, and moisture-sensitive stock. |
| Long trim or specialty boards | Long narrow bundle or crate | High | Limited | Support the full length and prevent bowing or forklift damage. |
| Mixed or loose lumber pieces | Crate, rack, or contained bundle | Medium | Limited | Separate lengths and prevent shifting or protruding ends. |
lumber shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Lumber
The right service depends on lumber size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Lumber shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Standard dimensional lumber bundle | Flatbed, volume, or LTL by size |
| Hardwood or finished-board bundle | Protected LTL or dedicated service |
| Long specialty lumber or trim | Long-freight or flatbed service |
| Oversized building-material package | Volume, flatbed, or dedicated service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled lumber shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Lumber Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Lumber Packaging
- Square the bundle with aligned ends, weight-rated bands, edge protectors, and solid dunnage.
- Wrap kiln-dried, finished, or moisture-sensitive lumber while allowing appropriate ventilation.
- Support long boards at multiple points so the pack does not bow, twist, or sag during handling.
Lumber Stackability
- Dense squared lumber bundles usually stack when dunnage and banding are aligned.
- Finished hardwood and specialty trim may need limited-stack handling to protect faces and edges.
- Treat irregular, mixed-length, or loosely contained lumber as non-stackable.
Lumber Length, Moisture, Banding, and Surface Protection
- Protect finished faces, sharp edges, tongue-and-groove profiles, board ends, and long unsupported spans.
- Control moisture exposure, staining, warping, splitting, and band damage during transit.
- Document species, grade, moisture condition, bundle count, lengths, and visible surface condition.
Before Requesting a Lumber Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Lumber Shipment
- Measure after all boards, dunnage, bands, edge protectors, wrap, and skids are installed.
- Include protruding board ends, irregular layers, runners, and any overhang beyond the skid.
- Use the total packaged weight of the lumber, dunnage, wrap, bands, and support frame.
Lumber Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished bundle, crate, rack, or skid containing the lumber.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete lumber shipment and the longest board length.
- State whether the bundle has aligned structural dunnage for stacking or requires limited-stack handling.
- Include photos of board ends, banding, dunnage, finished surfaces, wrap, and moisture condition.
- Confirm long-freight, flatbed, forklift-length, tarp, appointment, and unloading requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Lumber Shipment
Use the freight class, density, pallet, and linear-feet calculators to plan your packaged LTL shipment.
Freight Class Calculator
Estimate freight class from packaged dimensions, weight, and density.
Freight Density Calculator
Calculate cubic feet and pounds per cubic foot for packaged freight.
Pallet Freight Calculator
Plan pallet dimensions, shipment weight, density, and configuration.
Freight Linear Feet Calculator
Estimate trailer-space usage for pallets and non-stackable freight.
Freight classes shown on this page are density-based estimates for shipment planning. Actual classification may also depend on value, handling requirements, liability, stowability, dimensions, and other commodity-specific factors. Confirm the final freight class with your carrier, broker, or official NMFC resources before shipping. NMFC® is a registered trademark of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. FreightClassCalculator.tools is an independent calculator and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by NMFTA.