Dense compact units
Multiple compact refrigerators on one pallet
48 × 40 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 950 lb
- Cubic feet
- 53.33
- Density
- 17.81 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Refrigerator LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Refrigerators
To estimate your shipment, use the Refrigerator Freight Class Calculator.
The Refrigerator Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 70 to 175.
These are density-based estimates.
Refrigerator density calculator
Calculate Your Refrigerator Freight Class
A boxed refrigerator shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your refrigerator freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
66.50
Density
4.81
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
175
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Refrigerator shipment examples
Refrigerator 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 refrigerator shipments.
Boxed household refrigerators
One tall household refrigerator in factory packaging
42 × 36 × 76 in
Packaged weight: 320 lb
- Cubic feet
- 66.50
- Density
- 4.81 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
175
Large display coolers
Bulky commercial merchandiser with glass doors
84 × 36 × 84 in
Packaged weight: 780 lb
- Cubic feet
- 147.00
- Density
- 5.31 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
175
Refrigerator shipment comparison
Refrigerator Freight Class by Shipment Type
Refrigerators are bulky relative to weight, and freight class can rise quickly as packaged cube increases. Packaging, upright-only handling, exposed coils, glass doors, compressor protection, and whether the unit ships boxed or crated all affect the final shipment profile.
| Refrigerator shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact refrigerators | Factory cartons on pallets | Medium | Limited | Keep upright and protect compressor base. |
| Household refrigerators | Tall cartons with corner posts | Low to medium | Non-stackable | Protect doors, handles, and rear coils. |
| Commercial reach-ins | Crated or open-skid refrigerators | Medium | Non-stackable | Brace doors and support heavy refrigerators. |
| Glass-door merchandisers | Custom crates with glazing protection | Low | Non-stackable | Protect glass, frames, and refrigeration lines. |
refrigerator shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Refrigerators
The right service depends on refrigerator size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Refrigerator shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compact factory-boxed units | Standard LTL |
| Household refrigerators | Upright appliance LTL |
| Commercial reach-ins | Protected LTL with handling review |
| Large glass-door or display units | Dedicated or specialized service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled refrigerator shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Refrigerator Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Refrigerator Packaging
- Use rigid corner posts, foam blocking, door restraints, skid protection, and a moisture-resistant outer wrap or crate.
- Keep the refrigerator upright, immobilize shelves and drawers, and secure power cords, handles, hinges, and loose accessories.
- Protect rear coils, compressor mounts, refrigerant lines, control panels, glass doors, and finished exterior panels from impact.
Refrigerator Stackability
- Factory-boxed compact units may accept limited top load only when carton and corner-post ratings are verified.
- Household and commercial refrigerators are generally non-stackable because tall refrigerators, doors, coils, and compressor systems can be damaged by top load.
- Treat glass-door merchandisers, open-skid units, and any refrigerator with protruding handles or exposed refrigeration components as non-stackable.
Refrigerator Upright Handling, Glass, Coil, and Compressor Protection
- Prevent refrigerator racking, door misalignment, broken glass, dented panels, crushed coils, compressor mount damage, and refrigerant-line impact.
- Maintain upright orientation unless manufacturer instructions explicitly allow another position and settling procedure.
- Document model, dimensions, packaged weight, door count, glass content, refrigerant status, center of gravity, and approved lifting points.
Before Requesting a Refrigerator Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Refrigerator Shipment
- Measure after all cartons, crates, skids, corner posts, door guards, and protective wraps are installed.
- Include protruding handles, rear coil guards, feet, hinges, control housings, and skid runners.
- Use the total packaged weight of the refrigerator, shelves, accessories, crate or carton, skid, and securement.
Refrigerator Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished compact-unit pallet, household refrigerator carton, commercial reach-in skid, or glass-door crate.
- Record the total packaged weight and model count for the complete refrigerator shipment.
- State that the unit must remain upright and whether any verified top-load allowance exists.
- Include photos of doors, handles, glass, rear coils, compressor base, corner protection, and skid securement.
- Confirm liftgate, appliance-dolly, inside delivery, appointment, residential access, and upright-handling requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Refrigerator 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.