Freight Class Calculator — NMFC LTL Density
Enter package weight and outer dimensions to find the NMFC freight class that determines your LTL shipping rate — based on density in pounds per cubic foot.
lbs
in
in
in
Lower class = denser freight = lower LTL shipping cost per lb
- 1
Volume (in³)
48 × 40 × 28 = 53,760 - 2
Volume (ft³)
53,760 ÷ 1728 = 31.111 - 3
Density (PCF)
500 ÷ 31.111 = 16.07Pounds per cubic foot — the NMFC density key. - 4
NMFC freight class
PCF 16.07 ≥ 15 → Class = 70
How does this calculator work?
PCF = weight(lbs) ÷ [L × W × H(in) ÷ 1728]. Match PCF to the NMFC table: ≥ 50 PCF → Class 50 (cheapest), < 1 PCF → Class 500 (most expensive). Lower class = denser freight = lower LTL cost per lb. Measure outer dims including pallet; some commodities have fixed class overrides — confirm with your carrier.
Formula
How this is calculated
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) assigns every LTL (less-than-truckload) shipment to one of 18 classes — 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500 — primarily based on density. The lower the class number, the denser (and cheaper per pound to ship) the freight.
This calculator converts the outer package dimensions from inches to cubic feet by dividing length × width × height by 1,728 (cubic inches per cubic foot), then divides the total shipment weight in pounds by that volume to get density in PCF (pounds per cubic foot). The PCF value is matched against the standard NMFC density-to-class table: ≥ 50 PCF maps to Class 50, 35–50 to Class 55, and so on down to below 1 PCF, which maps to Class 500.
This calculator uses the density-based lookup and is accurate for most general commodities. However, some NMFC item numbers carry a fixed or sub-class assignment that overrides density — for example, hazardous materials, perishables, very high-value electronics, or products with unusual stowability. Always confirm the specific NMFC item number with your carrier or the NMFC directory for your commodity type. Measure outer dimensions to the nearest inch and include the pallet in both weight and dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) groups LTL shipments into classes 50–500 based on density, stowability, handling difficulty and liability. Carriers use the class as the starting point for pricing. Class 50 (≥ 50 lbs/ft³) is the cheapest per pound; Class 500 (< 1 lb/ft³) is the most expensive.
Use the outer dimensions of the entire palletised load including the pallet itself and any overhang. Measure length as the longest side, width as the shorter side, and height from the floor to the top of the load. Round each dimension up to the nearest inch.
For most general commodities yes, but some NMFC items have a fixed class regardless of density. Auto parts, electronics, artwork, and hazardous goods often fall into this category. Check your specific NMFC item number with your freight broker or carrier — especially if your PCF sits near a class boundary.
Also known as
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Freight Class Calculator — NMFC LTL Density [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/freight-class-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Freight Class Calculator — NMFC LTL Density." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/freight-class-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Freight Class Calculator — NMFC LTL Density," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/freight-class-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_freight_class_calculator, title = {Freight Class Calculator — NMFC LTL Density}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/freight-class-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
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