Freight Class Calculator

Estimate an LTL shipment's NMFC freight class from its density, on the current density-based scale.

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Estimated freight class

Class 125

Density of 6 lb/ft³, from 640 lb across 106.7 ft³, on the current NMFC density scale.

Density: 6 lb/ft³
Total volume: 106.67 ft³
Total weight: 640 lb

This covers the 13 density-based classes from NMFC Docket 2025-1 (effective 19 Jul 2025). Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 are still assigned by specific commodity, not density, and items with unusual handling, stowability or liability (HSL) can carry a fixed class regardless of density. Confirm an unusual or high-value item's class with your carrier or the NMFTA's ClassIT+ lookup before you book.

Breakdown

Volume per piece (L × W × H ÷ 1,728): 53.33 ft³
Pieces: 2
Total volume: 106.67 ft³
Total weight: 640 lb
Density: 6 lb/ft³
NMFC density-scale class: Class 125
Density scale (lb/ft³ → class)
under 1 lb/ft³: Class 400
1 to under 2 lb/ft³: Class 300
2 to under 4 lb/ft³: Class 250
4 to under 6 lb/ft³: Class 175
6 to under 8 lb/ft³: Class 125
8 to under 10 lb/ft³: Class 100
10 to under 12 lb/ft³: Class 92.5
12 to under 15 lb/ft³: Class 85
15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³: Class 70
22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³: Class 65
30 to under 35 lb/ft³: Class 60
35 to under 50 lb/ft³: Class 55
50+ lb/ft³: Class 50

Density decides most freight classes now

NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective 19 Jul 2025, replaced most commodity-by-commodity classifications with a density-based scale: 13 of the 18 standard classes are now assigned purely by pounds per cubic foot. It updated an earlier, narrower 11-tier density scale that some older calculators still use, which can quote a class the carrier no longer recognizes.

Density = total weight (lb) ÷ total volume (ft³), where volume = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728

Example: the default numbers (2 pallets, 48 × 40 × 48 in, 320 lb each)

Volume per pallet: (48 × 40 × 48) ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 ft³
Total volume: 53.3 × 2 = 106.7 ft³
Total weight: 320 × 2 = 640 lb
Density: 640 ÷ 106.7 = 6.0 lb/ft³

A density of 6.0 lb/ft³ falls in the 6-to-under-8 band, which is Class 125 on the current scale.

Classes that density doesn't decide

77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 stay assigned by specific commodity rather than density, so a match on those densities isn't automatic.
HSL freight (unusual handling, stowability or liability, like odd shapes or high value) can carry a fixed class no matter how it measures.
Reweighs and reclasses. Carriers measure and weigh LTL freight at their terminal. If your numbers are off, expect a bill adjustment: measure carefully and round up, not down.

Using the class

Lower classes (50 to about 100) are denser and cheaper to ship per pound. If your density sits just above a class boundary, a smaller box or tighter pack can drop you a class and cut the freight bill, especially on repeat LTL shipments.

Questions people ask

How is freight class calculated?

For most general commodities, from density: total weight divided by total cubic feet, matched against the NMFC's density scale. A handful of specific commodities and HSL items keep a fixed class instead.

What changed with the 2025 NMFC update?

Docket 2025-1, effective 19 Jul 2025, expanded and revised the density-based scale from 11 to 13 tiers for most commodities, replacing many item-by-item classifications with a straight density lookup.

What's a good freight class for cheap LTL shipping?

Lower numbers cost less: classes in the 50-to-100 range are typically the cheapest to ship per pound, since they're dense and use trailer space efficiently.

Does the class depend on the carrier?

No, NMFC classes are set by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and used industry-wide, though individual carriers may still inspect and reclassify a shipment at pickup.

What if my item is an odd shape or fragile?

It may carry an HSL designation that overrides density. Check the item's specific NMFC code, or ask your carrier or broker, before you quote a class to a customer.

Last reviewed 30 September 2026.

Sources: Old Dominion: 2026 NMFC classification changes · NMFC 13-tier density scale (density ranges by class)