Dense beam bundles
Nested steel beams on a compact skid
96 × 40 × 24 in
Packaged weight: 3200 lb
- Cubic feet
- 53.33
- Density
- 60.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
50
Pallet Racking LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Pallet Racking
To estimate your shipment, use the Pallet Racking Freight Class Calculator.
The Pallet Racking Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 50 to 100.
These are density-based estimates.
Pallet Racking density calculator
Calculate Your Pallet Racking Freight Class
A pallet racking shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your pallet racking 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.
Pallet Racking shipment examples
Pallet Racking 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 pallet racking shipments.
Mixed rack components
Beams, decks, braces, and hardware on one skid
96 × 48 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 2600 lb
- Cubic feet
- 96.00
- Density
- 27.08 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
65
Tall upright frames
Long upright frames with lower density
144 × 48 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 1900 lb
- Cubic feet
- 192.00
- Density
- 9.90 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
100
Pallet Racking shipment comparison
Pallet Racking Freight Class by Shipment Type
Pallet racking shipments can be very dense, but long beams, tall uprights, irregular bundles, loose hardware, and overlength skids can increase cube and handling difficulty. Freight class depends on the finished package, not the steel weight alone.
| Pallet Racking shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rack beams | Nested and banded beam bundles | Very high | Limited | Block ends and protect connector tabs. |
| Upright frames | Stacked frames on long skids | Medium | Non-stackable | Brace against racking and twist. |
| Wire decking | Flat bundles on pallets | High | Usually stackable | Protect edges and prevent bundle shift. |
| Mixed rack system | Beams, frames, braces, and hardware | Medium to high | Limited | Separate hardware and label installation groups. |
pallet racking shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Pallet Racking
The right service depends on pallet racking size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Pallet Racking shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compact beam or deck bundles | Standard LTL |
| Tall upright frames | Overlength or limited-stack LTL |
| Mixed rack system loads | LTL with handling review |
| Full warehouse rack packages | Partial or full truckload |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled pallet racking shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Pallet Racking Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Pallet Racking Packaging
- Nest beams and braces where possible, use long skids with blocking, and band bundles at multiple structural points.
- Protect beam connector tabs, upright footplates, wire-deck edges, and painted or powder-coated surfaces.
- Box and label anchors, clips, bolts, shims, and other hardware separately while securing cartons to the main load.
Pallet Racking Stackability
- Flat wire-deck or beam bundles may accept top load only when blocking transfers weight into the skid.
- Upright frames and mixed-height rack components are usually limited-stack because they can rack, bow, or twist.
- Treat exposed connector tabs, protruding footplates, and irregular long bundles as non-stackable.
Pallet Racking Bend, Twist, Edge, and Long-Load Protection
- Prevent bending of connector tabs, twisting of uprights, crushed wire decks, chipped coatings, and lost hardware.
- Control bundle movement so long beams cannot telescope, slide, or strike adjacent freight.
- Document beam lengths, upright heights, deck counts, hardware cartons, finish color, and installation-group labels.
Before Requesting a Pallet Racking Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Pallet Racking Shipment
- Measure after all beams, uprights, decks, braces, skids, blocks, bands, and hardware cartons are installed.
- Include protruding connector tabs, footplates, edge guards, blocking, and any overhang beyond the skid.
- Use the total packaged weight of rack components, hardware, skids, and securement.
Pallet Racking Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished beam bundle, upright-frame skid, wire-deck pallet, or mixed rack-system load.
- Record the total packaged weight of all steel components, hardware cartons, skids, and blocking.
- State whether the bundle can accept top load or must remain limited-stack because of length, protrusions, or frame geometry.
- Include photos of connector tabs, footplates, wire-deck edges, banding points, blocking, and hardware labels.
- Confirm overlength handling, forklift tine length, side-loading, liftgate, appointment, and jobsite access requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Pallet Racking 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.