Compact handling equipment
Dense powered unit secured to a reinforced skid
72 × 48 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 2,200 lb
- Cubic feet
- 96.00
- Density
- 22.92lb/cu ft
Estimated class
65
65
Material Handling Equipment LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Material Handling Equipment
To estimate your shipment, use the Material Handling Equipment Freight Class Calculator.
The Material Handling Equipment Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 65 to 100.
These are density-based estimates.
Material Handling Equipment density calculator
Calculate Your Material Handling Equipment Freight Class
A crated material handling machine is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your material handling equipment freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
140.00
Density
21.43
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
70
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Material Handling Equipment shipment examples
Material Handling Equipment Freight Class Examples
These examples use finished outside dimensions and total packaged weight. They show how three realistic material handling equipment shipment formats can produce different density-based class estimates.
Crated material handling machine
Frame, drive, controls, and guards protected
84 × 60 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 3,000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 140.00
- Density
- 21.43lb/cu ft
Estimated class
70
70
Large handling equipment
Irregular machinery and attachments using added space
120 × 72 × 72 in
Packaged weight: 3,000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 360.00
- Density
- 8.33lb/cu ft
Estimated class
100
100
Material Handling Equipment shipment comparison
Material Handling Equipment Freight Class by Shipment Format
Material Handling Equipment freight class can change with the transport position, frame length, hydraulic or drive components, attachments, protective clearance, and loading method. Use the finished packaged dimensions and total weight rather than the equipment's unpackaged size.
| Material Handling Equipment shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact handling equipment | Reinforced pallet or skid with blocking, restraint, and weather protection | Medium to higher | Limited | Dense powered unit secured to a reinforced skid; this example calculates to 22.92 lb/cu ft and Class 65. |
| Crated material handling machine | Framed crate with internal restraint and protection for controls and moving parts | Medium to higher | Possible with engineered crate | Frame, drive, controls, and guards protected; this example calculates to 21.43 lb/cu ft and Class 70. |
| Large handling equipment | Elongated or oversized crate with structural bracing and protective clearance | Medium to lower | Usually non-stackable | Irregular machinery and attachments using added space; this example calculates to 8.33 lb/cu ft and Class 100. |
| Equipment with attachments and controls | Main equipment unit plus separately restrained attachments, controls, chains, cables, guards, or hydraulic parts | Varies | Usually limited | Transport dimensions may differ greatly from operating dimensions, so measure only after securement. |
Material Handling Equipment shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Material Handling Equipment
The appropriate service depends on finished dimensions, packaged weight, piece count, loading method, value, stackability, and whether specialized handling is required.
| Material Handling Equipment shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compact handling equipment | Standard LTL with packaging and handling review |
| Crated material handling machine | Standard LTL with packaging and handling review |
| Large handling equipment | LTL with handling review or volume service |
| Equipment with attachments and controls | LTL, volume, partial truckload, or dedicated service after piece-count and handling review |
Heavy, long, high-value, non-stackable, multi-piece, or rigging-dependent material handling equipment shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Material Handling Equipment Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Material Handling Equipment Packaging
- Lower, fold, or stow booms, platforms, decks, hooks, forks, and other moving equipment into the approved transport position.
- Secure the frame to a skid or transport base and restrain wheels, trolleys, chains, cables, and attachments.
- Protect controls, hydraulic lines, batteries, sensors, motors, gearboxes, and projecting components.
Material Handling Equipment Stackability
- Lifts, cranes, levelers, and irregular handling equipment are generally non-stackable.
- Only small boxed or crated components should be considered stackable when the package is load-bearing.
- Mark lift points, tie-down locations, center of gravity, and any required upright orientation.
Material Handling Equipment Fragility and Liability
- Prevent movement of booms, platforms, decks, drums, chains, or trolleys during handling and transit.
- Secure batteries and approved fluids and protect hydraulic cylinders, hoses, controls, and safety devices.
- Confirm carrier equipment, loading method, declared value, and specialized handling before pickup.
Before Requesting a Material Handling Equipment Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Material Handling Equipment Shipment
- Measure after the material handling equipment is secured and all pallet, skid, crate, framing, guards, and protective materials are complete.
- Include runners, saddles, legs, controls, fittings, attachments, overhang, and every projecting packaged component.
- Measure to the longest, widest, and tallest finished point and use the total tendered shipment weight.
Material Handling Equipment Freight Quote Checklist
- Record the finished packaged length, width, height, and total weight.
- State whether the shipment is stackable and whether top loading is prohibited.
- Include photos showing packaging, securement, labels, lift points, and exposed risk areas when practical.
- List detached controls, guards, accessories, tooling, fittings, and other separate pieces.
- Confirm forklift, dock, crane, rigging, liftgate, or specialized loading requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Material Handling Equipment 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.