Dense bagged seed
Compact pallet of tightly packed field-seed bags
48 × 40 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 2200 lb
- Cubic feet
- 40.00
- Density
- 55.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
50
Seed LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Seed
To estimate your shipment, use the Seed Freight Class Calculator.
The Seed 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.
Seed density calculator
Calculate Your Seed Freight Class
A palletized seed shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your seed freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
53.33
Density
35.63
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
55
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Seed shipment examples
Seed 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 seed shipments.
Palletized sacks
Mixed seed sacks on a standard pallet
48 × 40 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 1900 lb
- Cubic feet
- 53.33
- Density
- 35.63 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Light specialty seed
Low-density specialty seed in larger cartons
48 × 40 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 800 lb
- Cubic feet
- 66.67
- Density
- 12.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
85
Seed shipment comparison
Seed Freight Class by Shipment Type
Seed shipments can be very dense in compact bags or much lighter in bulky specialty packaging. Freight class depends on seed type, bag or tote construction, package cube, moisture protection, treatment status, contamination control, and whether the load can safely accept top load.
| Seed shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagged field seed | Multiwall or woven sacks on pallets | Very high | Usually stackable | Protect against moisture and puncture. |
| Bulk seed totes | FIBCs or rigid bulk bins | High | Limited | Support discharge spouts and control settling. |
| Small specialty packets | Cartons on pallets | Low to medium | Stackable if cartons are rated | Keep lots and varieties separated. |
| Treated seed | Sealed bags, drums, or totes | High | Limited | Verify labeling and handling requirements. |
seed shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Seed
The right service depends on seed size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Seed shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Uniform palletized seed bags | Standard LTL |
| Bulk totes or seed boxes | LTL with packaging review |
| Treated or regulated seed | Carrier-reviewed LTL |
| High-value specialty seed | Protected or dedicated service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled seed shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Seed Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Seed Packaging
- Use moisture-resistant multiwall bags, woven sacks, lined totes, rigid bins, or sealed drums appropriate to the seed type.
- Interlock bags, add slip sheets and corner boards, and wrap the load without crushing sacks or blocking required ventilation.
- Separate varieties, lots, treated seed, inoculants, and organic or identity-preserved seed with clear labels and barriers.
Seed Stackability
- Uniform bagged seed may stack when bags are interlocked, palletized squarely, and capped with a rigid top sheet.
- Bulk totes require verified load ratings and stable bases before accepting any top load.
- Treat bulging bags, open-top seed boxes, treated-seed drums, and mixed small-package pallets as limited-stack or non-stackable.
Seed Moisture, Contamination, Lot Integrity, and Treatment Protection
- Prevent bag puncture, moisture intrusion, contamination, seed loss, germination damage, and mixing between varieties or treatment lots.
- Protect treated coatings, inoculants, purity, lot identity, temperature limits, and any required ventilation or segregation.
- Document crop type, variety, lot number, treatment status, package count, net weight, and storage conditions.
Before Requesting a Seed Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Seed Shipment
- Measure after all bags, totes, drums, bins, liners, top caps, and securement are installed.
- Include bulging sacks, tote spouts, carton overhang, corner boards, and moisture covers.
- Use the total packaged weight of seed, bags or containers, pallet, liners, and securement.
Seed Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished seed-bag pallet, bulk tote, seed box, drum load, or specialty-carton shipment.
- Record the total packaged weight, crop or seed type, lot count, treatment status, and package count.
- State whether the load can accept verified top load or must remain limited-stack because of bags, totes, treatment, or ventilation needs.
- Include photos of bag seams, lot labels, treatment markings, tote spouts, moisture protection, and pallet securement.
- Confirm moisture controls, treatment or regulatory review, forklift access, liftgate, inside delivery, and appointment requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Seed 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.