Dense copy-paper cases
Reams packed tightly in uniform cartons
48 × 40 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 2400 lb
- Cubic feet
- 40.00
- Density
- 60.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
50
Paper LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Paper
To estimate your shipment, use the Paper Freight Class Calculator.
The Paper Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 50 to 85.
These are density-based estimates.
Paper density calculator
Calculate Your Paper Freight Class
A palletized paper shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your paper 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.
Paper shipment examples
Paper 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 paper shipments.
Sheet-stock pallets
Flat paper or board sheets on a pallet
48 × 40 × 42 in
Packaged weight: 2000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 46.67
- Density
- 42.86 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Light paper products
Converted paper goods in larger cartons
48 × 40 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 950 lb
- Cubic feet
- 66.67
- Density
- 14.25 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
85
Paper shipment comparison
Paper Freight Class by Shipment Type
Paper can be extremely dense when case-packed or stacked as sheets, but rolls, converted paper products, tissue, and mixed cartons may occupy more cube. Moisture, edge damage, compression, and pallet overhang are major handling concerns.
| Paper shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copy paper and reams | Sealed cases on a pallet | Very high | Usually stackable | Keep cartons dry and square. |
| Sheet stock and board | Flat wrapped sheets on a pallet | High | Usually stackable | Use top sheets and edge protection. |
| Paper rolls | Wrapped rolls on cradles or pallets | High | Limited | Prevent rolling and end damage. |
| Converted paper products | Cartons of forms, bags, or tissue | Medium | Usually stackable | Control carton crush and humidity. |
paper shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Paper
The right service depends on paper size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Paper shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Uniform copy-paper cases | Standard LTL |
| Flat sheet-stock pallets | Standard LTL |
| Large paper rolls | LTL with cradle review |
| Humidity-sensitive or high-value stock | Protected or expedited service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled paper shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Paper Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Paper Packaging
- Use moisture-resistant liners, sealed cartons, stretch wrap, top sheets, and edge boards suited to the paper grade.
- Keep sheet stacks flat and fully supported; use cradles, chocks, or end blocks for rolls.
- Avoid pallet overhang and distribute banding pressure so sheets, roll edges, and carton corners are not crushed.
Paper Stackability
- Uniform case-packed paper is usually stackable when cartons stay dry and compression ratings are adequate.
- Flat sheet-stock pallets may accept top load when a rigid top board spreads pressure evenly.
- Treat large rolls, bowed sheets, damaged cartons, and humidity-compromised loads as limited-stack or non-stackable.
Paper Moisture, Edge, Compression, and Roll-End Protection
- Protect sheet edges, corners, coated faces, roll ends, cores, and printed surfaces from impact and abrasion.
- Prevent moisture exposure, condensation, carton collapse, telescoping rolls, and pressure marks from bands.
- Document paper grade, sheet or roll size, basis weight, coating, count, lot, and moisture-control needs.
Before Requesting a Paper Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Paper Shipment
- Measure after all cartons, sheets, rolls, pallets, cradles, top boards, and moisture barriers are installed.
- Include roll chocks, edge boards, top caps, corner guards, and any sheet or carton overhang.
- Use the total packaged weight of paper, packaging, pallet, and securement.
Paper Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished case pallet, sheet-stock stack, roll cradle, or converted-paper carton load.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete paper shipment, including pallets and top boards.
- State whether the load is uniformly stackable or contains rolls, bowed sheets, or moisture-sensitive cartons requiring limited stack.
- Include photos of sheet edges, roll ends, cores, carton seams, moisture wrap, top boards, and labels.
- Confirm dry-service, humidity control, forklift, clamp prohibition, liftgate, and appointment requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Paper 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.