Freight Density Calculator
Freight class from weight and L × W × H in inches, for one item or up to 20 lines: density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), NMFC class and dimensional weight. How it works
Use the Freight Density Calculator
About the Freight Density Calculator
A 40 × 30 × 30 in shipment weighing 500 lb is 20.83 cubic feet and 24.00 lb per cubic foot, NMFC density class 65. The freight density calculator divides the weight by the cubic feet (L × W × H ÷ 1,728) and looks the density up in the 13-tier table that followed NMFTA Docket 2025-1, in force from 19 July 2025. Several items, up to 20 lines with a quantity each, are added together and classed as one shipment.
NMFC density classes after Docket 2025-1
| Density | Class |
|---|---|
| less than 1 lb/ft³ | 400 |
| 1 to less than 2 lb/ft³ | 300 |
| 2 to less than 4 lb/ft³ | 250 |
| 4 to less than 6 lb/ft³ | 175 |
| 6 to less than 8 lb/ft³ | 125 |
| 8 to less than 10 lb/ft³ | 100 |
| 10 to less than 12 lb/ft³ | 92.5 |
| 12 to less than 15 lb/ft³ | 85 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 lb/ft³ | 70 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 lb/ft³ | 65 |
| 30 to less than 35 lb/ft³ | 60 |
| 35 to less than 50 lb/ft³ | 55 |
| 50 lb/ft³ or more | 50 |
The table in force from 19 July 2025, as given in the DTS and TLI summaries of the docket listed under References. A later docket can change it, so check the current NMFC tariff or ask your carrier. Density classes apply only to commodities whose NMFC item is classed by density.
Class of a 48 × 40 in pallet by cargo height and weight
| Cargo height | Weight | Cubic feet | Density | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 2,000 lb | 33.33 | 60.00 lb/ft³ | 50 |
| 36 in | 1,500 lb | 46.67 | 32.14 lb/ft³ | 60 |
| 48 in | 1,200 lb | 60.00 | 20.00 lb/ft³ | 70 |
| 48 in | 800 lb | 60.00 | 13.33 lb/ft³ | 85 |
| 48 in | 500 lb | 60.00 | 8.33 lb/ft³ | 100 |
| 48 in | 300 lb | 60.00 | 5.00 lb/ft³ | 175 |
| 60 in | 400 lb | 73.33 | 5.45 lb/ft³ | 175 |
On a 6 in pallet, which is added to the cargo height.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate freight density?
- Multiply length × width × height in inches, divide by 1,728 for cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by that. 48 × 40 in with 48 in of cargo on a 6 in pallet is 48 × 40 × 54 = 103,680 cubic inches, 60.00 cubic feet; at 800 lb that is 13.33 lb/ft³, class 85.
- What freight class is 10 lb per cubic foot?
- Class 92.5: the tier runs from 10 to less than 12 lb/ft³. Just under 10 lb/ft³ is class 100, so a small change in weight or height can move a shipment one class.
- Does the pallet count in freight density?
- Yes, the handling unit includes it. Tick Pallet shipment and the pallet height (6 in by default, 0 to 12 in) is added to the cargo height. The 40 × 30 × 30 in, 500 lb shipment goes from 24.00 lb/ft³, class 65, to 20.00 lb/ft³, class 70, on a 6 in pallet.
- What is dimensional weight?
- A parcel-carrier rule: cubic inches ÷ a divisor the carrier sets, with 139 a common starting point. The carrier bills the larger of actual and dimensional weight, so a 100 lb box of 36,000 cubic inches bills at 258.99 lb with 139, or 216.87 lb with 166. LTL freight is billed by weight and class under the carrier’s tariff instead.
- How do I find the freight class of a mixed shipment?
- Give the first item a quantity and add a line for each other size, up to 20 lines. The calculator adds the cubic feet and the weights of every piece and classes the total: one 40 × 30 × 30 in crate at 500 lb and two 48 × 40 × 40 in crates at 700 lb each make 109.72 ft³ and 1,900 lb, 17.32 lb/ft³, class 70. A carrier may class each handling unit on its own, so ask how yours bills a mixed load.
- Does it estimate the shipping cost?
- No. An LTL charge depends on the carrier’s tariff, discounts, minimums, fuel surcharge and accessorial fees, none of which the calculator has. Use the density class and the weight when you ask for a quote.
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