Compact VFD cartons
Boxed variable frequency drives on a pallet
48 × 40 × 24 in
Packaged weight: 500 lb
- Cubic feet
- 26.67
- Density
- 18.75lb/cu ft
Estimated class
70
70
VFD LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
To estimate your shipment, use the VFD Freight Class Calculator.
The VFD Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 70–92.5.
These are density-based estimates.
VFD density calculator
Calculate Your VFD Freight Class
A single enclosed drive in a crate is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your vfd freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
26.67
Density
13.12
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
85
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
VFD shipment examples
VFD Freight Class Examples
These examples use finished outside dimensions and total packaged weight. They show how three realistic vfd shipment formats can produce different density-based class estimates.
Enclosed VFD
Single enclosed drive in a crate
40 × 32 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 350 lb
- Cubic feet
- 26.67
- Density
- 13.12lb/cu ft
Estimated class
85
85
Cabinet VFD system
Floor-standing drive cabinet on a pallet
48 × 40 × 72 in
Packaged weight: 950 lb
- Cubic feet
- 80.00
- Density
- 11.88lb/cu ft
Estimated class
92.5
92.5
VFD shipment comparison
VFD Freight Class by Shipment Format
VFD freight class can change with finished packaging, density, weight distribution, protective clearance, and stackability. Use the finished packaged dimensions and total weight rather than the unpackaged product size.
| VFD shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact VFD cartons | Boxed variable frequency drives on a pallet | Moderate | Stackable | Use anti-static packaging and protect terminal covers. This example calculates to 18.75 lb/cu ft and Class 70. |
| Enclosed VFD | Single enclosed drive in a crate | Moderate | Limited | Protect heat sinks, fans, and operator interfaces. This example calculates to 13.12 lb/cu ft and Class 85. |
| Cabinet VFD system | Floor-standing drive cabinet on a pallet | Medium to lower | Non-stackable | Anchor the cabinet and brace internal power components. This example calculates to 11.88 lb/cu ft and Class 92.5. |
| Multi-piece or accessory shipment | Main vfd package plus separately protected components, accessories, or mounting hardware | Varies | Confirm each piece | List every separate piece and include its finished dimensions, weight, packaging, and stackability in the quote request. |
VFD shipping options
How Shipping Method Affects VFD Freight Class
The appropriate service depends on finished dimensions, packaged weight, piece count, loading method, value, stackability, and whether specialized handling is required.
| VFD shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compact VFD cartons | LTL with packaging, stackability, and handling review |
| Enclosed VFD | LTL with packaging, stackability, and handling review |
| Cabinet VFD system | LTL with packaging, stackability, and handling review |
| Multi-piece, high-value, or special-handling shipment | LTL, volume, partial truckload, dedicated, or specialized service after piece-count and handling review |
Compact drives may ship parcel or palletized LTL; enclosed and cabinet systems need protected upright LTL.
VFD Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
VFD Packaging
- Heat-sink protection, anti-static cushioning, cabinet restraint, and moisture control.
- Use anti-static packaging and protect terminal covers.
- Protect heat sinks, fans, and operator interfaces.
VFD Stackability
- Stackable in approved cartons.
- Limited stacking in a rigid crate.
- Non-stackable.
VFD Fragility and Liability
- Bent fins, cracked displays, loose power modules, and hidden vibration damage.
- Anchor the cabinet and brace internal power components.
- Confirm declared value, coverage, orientation, and any top-load or special-handling restrictions before tendering vfd freight.
Before Requesting a VFD Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged VFD Shipment
- Measure after the vfd is secured and all cartons, pallets, skids, crates, framing, and protective materials are complete.
- Include runners, legs, reels, doors, fittings, cables, brackets, accessories, overhang, and every projecting packaged component that applies.
- Measure to the longest, widest, and tallest finished point and use the total tendered shipment weight.
VFD Freight Quote Checklist
- Record the finished packaged length, width, height, quantity, and total weight.
- State whether the shipment is stackable and whether top loading or side loading is restricted.
- Include photos showing packaging, securement, labels, lift points, and exposed risk areas when practical.
- Describe the exact vfd shipment format and list detached components, accessories, cables, mounting hardware, or separate pieces.
- Confirm forklift, dock, liftgate, crane, rigging, inside-delivery, or specialized loading requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your VFD 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.