FREE LTL TOOL
Calculate shipment density in pounds per cubic foot, estimate density-based freight class, and check reclassification risk before requesting LTL rates.
Density-based LTL class estimate
Freight class is a classification system used for LTL shipping in the United States. It helps carriers price shipments based on how dense, easy to handle, easy to stow and risky the freight is.
Density is one of the biggest inputs, but it is not the only factor. Commodity rules, liability, handling difficulty and stowability can all affect the final NMFC class.
For LTL density:
Higher density usually means lower freight class, but carrier and NMFC rules still apply.
Dense freight generally trends toward lower classes like 50–70.
Mid-density freight may land in classes around 85–125.
Bulky lightweight freight often moves into higher classes.
NMFC commodity rules can override pure density estimates.
The calculator above uses this standard density scale. Find your shipment density (weight in lbs ÷ cubic feet), then read across to the density-based class estimate.
| Freight class | Density | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 50 | 50 or more lbs / cu ft | Bricks, cement, steel, hardwood flooring |
| Class 55 | 35 to under 50 lbs / cu ft | Car parts, motors, books, cased goods |
| Class 60 | 30 to under 35 lbs / cu ft | Car accessories, boxed food products |
| Class 65 | 22.5 to under 30 lbs / cu ft | Bottled beverages, books, auto parts |
| Class 70 | 15 to under 22.5 lbs / cu ft | Auto engines, food items, frozen seafood |
| Class 77.5 | 13.5 to under 15 lbs / cu ft | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| Class 85 | 12 to under 13.5 lbs / cu ft | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves |
| Class 92.5 | 10 to under 12 lbs / cu ft | Computers, monitors, refrigerators |
| Class 100 | 9 to under 10 lbs / cu ft | Boat and car covers, canvas goods |
| Class 110 | 8 to under 9 lbs / cu ft | Cabinets, framed art, table saws |
| Class 125 | 7 to under 8 lbs / cu ft | Small household appliances |
| Class 150 | 6 to under 7 lbs / cu ft | Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases |
| Class 175 | 5 to under 6 lbs / cu ft | Clothing, stuffed furniture |
| Class 200 | 4 to under 5 lbs / cu ft | Sheet metal and aircraft parts |
| Class 250 | 3 to under 4 lbs / cu ft | Bamboo furniture, mattresses |
| Class 300 | 2 to under 3 lbs / cu ft | Wood cabinets, tables, chairs |
| Class 400 | 1 to under 2 lbs / cu ft | Deer antlers, very low-density goods |
| Class 500 | Under 1 lbs / cu ft | Ping pong balls, low-density foam, gold dust |
Density is only one factor. NMFC commodity item rules, handling, stowability and liability can set a different class, and carriers can reweigh, remeasure and reclassify on inspection. Note that NMFTA Docket 2025-1 (effective July 19, 2025) moved many items to a simplified 13-band density scale, so always verify the final class against the carrier tariff or your NMFC item number before shipping.
No. This tool gives a density-based planning estimate. Official class may depend on NMFC commodity rules and carrier review.
Convert the shipment volume to cubic feet, then divide weight in pounds by cubic feet.
Usually yes. Dense freight often receives a lower class than bulky lightweight freight, but commodity-specific rules can override density.
Yes. Carriers can inspect, weigh, dimension and reclassify shipments if the submitted details are inaccurate.