Enter your shipment dimensions and weight to get the density (PCF) and estimated NMFC freight class instantly — with reverse calculation, multi-item batch mode, pallet presets and a truck loading 3D preview that recommends the best-fit vehicle.
| ITEM | L | W | H | WT | QTY | TYPE |
|---|
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Freight class is a standardized rating (50 to 500, in 18 steps) defined by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) that LTL carriers in the United States use to price shipments. A lower class generally means cheaper freight. The class is determined by four transportation characteristics: density (pounds per cubic foot), stowability (how easily it loads with other freight), handling (special care needs), and liability (value, fragility, hazard risk).
For most general commodities, density is the dominant factor: measure the handling unit as tendered (pallet included), compute cubic feet as L × W × H ÷ 1,728 in inches, then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet to get PCF (pounds per cubic foot). This calculator applies the official FCDC density guidelines to that number — and also shows the July 2025 13-sub density scale result used by density-based NMFC items.
On July 19, 2025, the NMFC moved thousands of commodity-specific items to density-based classification and expanded the FCDC density scale from 11 to 13 sub-provisions. Items with no unusual handling, stowability or liability characteristics now reference the standard 13-sub density progression below. Commodities with special characteristics keep uniquely assigned classes — which is why a density estimate can differ from your item's actual NMFC class.
| Density (lbs / ft³) | FCDC guidelines class | 2025 13-sub scale class |
|---|---|---|
| 50 + | 50 | 50 (sub 13) |
| 35 – 50 | 55 | 55 (sub 12) |
| 30 – 35 | 60 | 60 (sub 11) |
| 22.5 – 30 | 65 | 65 (sub 10) |
| 15 – 22.5 | 70 | 70 (sub 9) |
| 13.5 – 15 | 77.5 | 85 (sub 8) |
| 12 – 13.5 | 85 | 85 (sub 8) |
| 10.5 – 12 | 92.5 | 92.5 (sub 7) |
| 10 – 10.5 | 100 | 92.5 (sub 7) |
| 9 – 10 | 100 | 100 (sub 6) |
| 8 – 9 | 110 | 100 (sub 6) |
| 7 – 8 | 125 | 125 (sub 5) |
| 6 – 7 | 150 | 125 (sub 5) |
| 5 – 6 | 175 | 175 (sub 4) |
| 4 – 5 | 200 | 175 (sub 4) |
| 3 – 4 | 250 | 250 (sub 3) |
| 2 – 3 | 300 | 250 (sub 3) |
| 1 – 2 | 400 | 300 (sub 2) |
| < 1 | 500 | 400 (sub 1) |
Source: NMFTA FCDC Density Guidelines and the 2025 NMFC Changes FAQ (Docket 2025-1). The 13-sub scale applies to density-rated NMFC items; the FCDC guidelines remain the general estimation reference.
These are commonly quoted examples only — many items were re-classified to density-based ratings in 2025, and your NMFC item may differ. Always verify with ClassIT+ or your carrier.
| Commodity | Commonly seen class | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bricks, ceramic tile | 50 – 55 | Very dense, durable |
| Car engines / transmissions | 70 – 85 | Dense machinery |
| New tires | 70 | Often fixed by NMFC item |
| Boxed appliances | 92.5 – 125 | Density-based since 2025 |
| Computers / electronics | 92.5 – 150 | Liability can raise class |
| Boxed clothing | 100 – 175 | By density |
| Upholstered furniture | 100 – 250 | Moved to density scale in 2025 |
| Mattresses | 250 – 300 | Light & bulky |
| Assembled chairs | 175 – 250 | Poor stowability |
| Ping pong balls | 500 | Classic lowest-density example |
Freight class sets the base rate, but accessorial fees are added on top when the shipment needs extra service. Exact amounts vary by carrier and tariff — these are the common triggers:
Multiply the greatest straight-line length, width and height of the handling unit in inches (including pallet and any overhang), divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. Example from the NMFC: a 48 × 40 × 45 in pallet weighing 450 lbs is 50 ft³, so 450 ÷ 50 = 9.00 PCF → Class 100.
Yes. The NMFC measures the handling unit "as tendered for shipment," which includes the pallet's own height and weight, and any overhanging projections. Excluding the pallet usually overstates density and can get the shipment reclassified at inspection.
Effective July 19, 2025 (Docket 2025-1), the NMFC moved many commodity items to density-based classification and expanded the density scale to 13 sub-provisions — sub 11 became 30–35 PCF at class 60, sub 12 is 35–50 PCF at class 55, and sub 13 is 50+ PCF at class 50. Items with unusual handling, stowability or liability characteristics keep uniquely assigned classes.
Density is only one of four classification factors. Items with special stowability, handling or liability characteristics (hazmat, fragile, very long, high-value…) carry NMFC-assigned classes that override the density estimate. Some commodities also have their class fixed by a specific NMFC item number.
Per NMFC Item 110 Sec. 8(d), density is calculated per handling unit; but when shipping papers show only a total weight, density may be calculated from the total weight and total cube. The Batch mode of this calculator shows both: per-row classes and the combined-shipment result.
Often yes — densify the shipment. Shrink carton sizes, compress soft goods, and avoid pyramid-shaped or overhanging loads. Use the Reverse mode: pick the class you want and it shows the maximum cube (or minimum weight) needed to reach it. Never misdeclare — reclassification fees usually cost more than the savings.