Compressed boxed mattress
Dense boxed mattress on a compact pallet
80 × 40 × 18 in
Packaged weight: 220 lb
- Cubic feet
- 33.33
- Density
- 6.60 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
125
125
Mattress LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Mattresses
To estimate your shipment, use the Mattress Freight Class Calculator.
The Mattress Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 125 to 400.
These are density-based estimates.
Mattress density calculator
Calculate Your Mattress Freight Class
A compressed mattress shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your mattress freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
44.44
Density
4.05
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
175
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Mattress shipment examples
Mattress 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 mattress shipments.
Bagged mattress
Full-size mattress protected in heavy bagging
80 × 60 × 16 in
Packaged weight: 140 lb
- Cubic feet
- 44.44
- Density
- 3.15 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
250
250
Loose oversized mattress
Large mattress with substantial handling cube
84 × 72 × 18 in
Packaged weight: 120 lb
- Cubic feet
- 63.00
- Density
- 1.90 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
400
400
Mattress shipment comparison
Mattress Freight Class by Shipment Type
Mattresses occupy substantial cube compared with their weight. Compression, rolling, boxing, size, foam density, spring construction, and whether units are palletized strongly affect shipment density and handling.
| Mattress shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compressed mattress-in-a-box | Reinforced retail carton | Low to medium | Usually stackable | Protect carton corners and prevent moisture intrusion. |
| Rolled mattress | Wrapped roll in carton or bag | Low | Limited | Keep roll restrained and prevent telescoping. |
| Bagged full-size mattress | Heavy poly bag with edge protection | Very low | Limited | Protect fabric, seams, corners, and handles. |
| Loose oversized mattress | Custom bag or crate | Very low | Non-stackable | Plan for oversized handling and no top load. |
mattress shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Mattresses
The right service depends on mattress size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Mattress shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compressed boxed mattresses | Standard LTL |
| Rolled mattress cartons | LTL with limited-stack review |
| Bagged or loose mattresses | Oversize or specialized LTL |
| Large mixed mattress order | Volume or dedicated service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled mattress shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Mattress Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Mattress Packaging
- Use heavy moisture-resistant bags, reinforced cartons, or fitted covers sized to the mattress.
- Protect corners, seams, handles, and fabric faces with edge pads and abrasion barriers.
- Secure rolled or compressed units so straps do not cut packaging or allow expansion in transit.
Mattress Stackability
- Boxed compressed mattresses may stack when carton compression ratings are followed.
- Bagged mattresses need a rigid top cap before accepting any top load.
- Treat loose, pillow-top, adjustable-base, and oversized mattresses as non-stackable.
Mattress Moisture, Compression, Fabric, and Oversize Protection
- Prevent punctures, moisture exposure, fabric abrasion, seam damage, deformation, and uncontrolled expansion.
- Keep mattresses away from dirty freight, sharp edges, liquids, and concentrated top loads.
- Document size, construction, compressed state, packaging condition, and any cleanliness requirements.
Before Requesting a Mattress Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Mattress Shipment
- Measure after all cartons, bags, edge pads, straps, pallets, and top caps are installed.
- Include compressed bulges, rolled ends, protective covers, and pallet overhang.
- Use the total packaged weight of the mattress, packaging, pallet, and securement.
Mattress Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished carton, roll, bagged unit, or pallet containing the mattress.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete mattress shipment, including protective packaging.
- State whether the unit is boxed and stackable or requires limited-stack or no-top-load handling.
- Include photos of corners, seams, fabric surfaces, compression straps, outer bagging, and labels.
- Confirm oversized-freight, liftgate, inside-delivery, residential, appointment, and cleanliness requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Mattress 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.