Dense pails and drums
Heavy coating containers on a compact pallet
48 × 40 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 2400 lb
- Cubic feet
- 40.00
- Density
- 60.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
50
Paint LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Paint
To estimate your shipment, use the Paint Freight Class Calculator.
The Paint Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 50 to 70.
These are density-based estimates.
Paint density calculator
Calculate Your Paint Freight Class
A palletized paint shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your paint freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
46.67
Density
45.00
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
55
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Paint shipment examples
Paint 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 paint shipments.
Case-packed cans
One-gallon paint cans in reinforced cartons
48 × 40 × 42 in
Packaged weight: 1800 lb
- Cubic feet
- 46.67
- Density
- 38.57 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Light retail assortments
Mixed small cans and accessory cartons
48 × 40 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 1050 lb
- Cubic feet
- 66.67
- Density
- 15.75 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Paint shipment comparison
Paint Freight Class by Shipment Type
Paint shipments are often dense, but freight class and handling depend on container type, fill level, solvent content, closures, pallet pattern, leakage protection, and whether the product requires hazardous-material review.
| Paint shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case-packed paint cans | Partitioned cartons on a pallet | High | Usually stackable | Protect lids and keep cartons dry. |
| Five-gallon pails | Lidded pails on a containment pallet | Very high | Limited | Secure handles and lid rings. |
| Paint drums | Restrained steel or plastic drums | Very high | Limited | Protect bungs and verify compatibility. |
| Mixed coatings and supplies | Cases, pails, and accessory cartons | Medium to high | Limited | Build a level top and segregate products. |
paint shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Paint
The right service depends on paint size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Paint shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Uniform case-packed cans | Standard LTL |
| Pails on containment pallet | LTL with packaging review |
| Drums or regulated coatings | Hazmat-capable LTL |
| Temperature-sensitive or high-value coatings | Specialized service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled paint shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Paint Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Paint Packaging
- Use compatible cans, pails, or drums with lids, rings, bungs, and caps fully secured and protected.
- Add liners, absorbent pads, spill trays, or secondary containment appropriate to the coating and container type.
- Keep containers upright, place heavier pails low, and band or wrap the completed load without distorting lids.
Paint Stackability
- Uniform case-packed cans may stack when carton compression strength and can orientation are verified.
- Pails should accept top load only when lid design, pallet pattern, and top-cap support are rated for it.
- Treat exposed bungs, mixed-height containers, damaged lids, and containment overpacks as non-stackable.
Paint Leakage, Closure, Temperature, and Regulatory Review
- Prevent lid release, can denting, pail puncture, bung damage, leakage, and contamination between incompatible coatings.
- Verify solvent content, flash point, curing sensitivity, freeze protection, and hazardous classification before tender.
- Document product type, container size, count, lot labels, color codes, and safety data when applicable.
Before Requesting a Paint Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Paint Shipment
- Measure after all cans, cartons, pails, drums, trays, top caps, and securement are installed.
- Include lid rings, pail handles, bung guards, spill trays, overpacks, and pallet overhang.
- Use the total packaged weight of paint, containers, containment materials, pallet, and securement.
Paint Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished case pallet, pail load, drum group, or coating overpack.
- Record the total packaged weight and container count for the complete paint shipment.
- State whether the load has a level stackable top or requires limited-stack or upright no-top-load handling.
- Include photos of lids, rings, bungs, labels, containment trays, carton seams, and pallet securement.
- Confirm hazmat status, freeze or heat limits, spill-containment, liftgate, and appointment requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Paint 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.