Compact process tank
Dense tank and frame secured to a skid
72 × 48 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 1,900 lb
- Cubic feet
- 120.00
- Density
- 15.83lb/cu ft
Estimated class
70
70
Tank LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Tank
To estimate your shipment, use the Tank Freight Class Calculator.
The Tank Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 70 to 250.
These are density-based estimates.
Tank density calculator
Calculate Your Tank Freight Class
A crated vertical tank is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your tank freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
384.00
Density
6.51
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
125
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Tank shipment examples
Tank Freight Class Examples
These examples use finished outside dimensions and total packaged weight. They show how three realistic tank shipment formats can produce different density-based class estimates.
Crated vertical tank
Tank shell, legs, nozzles, and fittings protected
96 × 72 × 96 in
Packaged weight: 2,500 lb
- Cubic feet
- 384.00
- Density
- 6.51lb/cu ft
Estimated class
125
125
Large empty tank
Broad lightweight vessel with substantial protective clearance
120 × 96 × 96 in
Packaged weight: 1,600 lb
- Cubic feet
- 640.00
- Density
- 2.50lb/cu ft
Estimated class
250
250
Tank shipment comparison
Tank Freight Class by Shipment Format
Tank freight class can change with the vessel diameter and length, support frame or saddles, nozzles, protective clearance, and top-load restrictions. Use the finished packaged dimensions and total weight rather than the equipment's unpackaged size.
| Tank shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact process tank | Reinforced pallet or skid with blocking, restraint, and weather protection | Medium to higher | Limited | Dense tank and frame secured to a skid; this example calculates to 15.00 lb/cu ft and Class 70. |
| Crated vertical tank | Framed crate with internal restraint and protection for controls and moving parts | Medium to lower | Possible with engineered crate | Tank shell, legs, nozzles, and fittings protected; this example calculates to 6.51 lb/cu ft and Class 125. |
| Large empty tank | Elongated or oversized crate with structural bracing and protective clearance | Lower | Usually non-stackable | Broad lightweight vessel with substantial protective clearance; this example calculates to 2.50 lb/cu ft and Class 250. |
| Vessel with drive, fittings, and support frame | Main vessel or tank plus separately protected agitator parts, instruments, valves, legs, and controls | Varies | Usually limited | Large empty vessels can occupy substantial cubic space even when their packaged weight is moderate. |
Tank shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Tank
The appropriate service depends on finished dimensions, packaged weight, piece count, loading method, value, stackability, and whether specialized handling is required.
| Tank shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compact process tank | Standard LTL with packaging and handling review |
| Crated vertical tank | Standard LTL with packaging and handling review |
| Large empty tank | LTL with handling review or volume service |
| Vessel with drive, fittings, and support frame | LTL, volume, partial truckload, or dedicated service after piece-count and handling review |
Heavy, long, high-value, non-stackable, multi-piece, or rigging-dependent tank shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Tank Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Tank Packaging
- Support the vessel, mixer, or shaft on engineered saddles, frames, or skids that prevent rolling and point loading.
- Cap nozzles, ports, manways, instruments, and fittings and brace long shafts or projecting drives.
- Protect shells, linings, coatings, nameplates, load cells, controls, and polished product-contact surfaces.
Tank Stackability
- Treat round vessels, tall tanks, open frames, and projecting nozzles as non-stackable.
- Use structural framing rather than the shell or vessel roof to carry any load above the shipment.
- Mark sling points, center of gravity, upright orientation, and areas where forks must not enter.
Tank Fragility and Liability
- Prevent rolling, shell distortion, nozzle damage, coating abrasion, and movement of internal components.
- Drain or secure approved contents and document cleaning or contamination-control requirements.
- Confirm declared value and specialized handling for pressure-rated, lined, polished, or custom-fabricated equipment.
Before Requesting a Tank Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Tank Shipment
- Measure after the tank is secured and all pallet, skid, crate, framing, guards, and protective materials are complete.
- Include runners, saddles, legs, controls, fittings, attachments, overhang, and every projecting packaged component.
- Measure to the longest, widest, and tallest finished point and use the total tendered shipment weight.
Tank Freight Quote Checklist
- Record the finished packaged length, width, height, and total weight.
- State whether the shipment is stackable and whether top loading is prohibited.
- Include photos showing packaging, securement, labels, lift points, and exposed risk areas when practical.
- List detached controls, guards, accessories, tooling, fittings, and other separate pieces.
- Confirm forklift, dock, crane, rigging, liftgate, or specialized loading requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Tank 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.