Free freight tool
Freight class calculator
Enter your pallet weight and dimensions to get the NMFC freight class — the number every LTL carrier uses to price your shipment. Then run a live quote with the right class so your invoice matches the rate.
Enter your pallet
Total weight and outside dimensions of one pallet (including the pallet itself).
Density = weight ÷ cubic feet. Standard pallets are 48" × 40" (one of those should match yours). Use the tallest point of the load for height — not just the box itself.
NMFC freight class table
Density-based class ranges with example commodities. Some items have a fixed NMFC code that overrides density — when in doubt, check your NMFC number.
| Class | Density range (lb/ft³) | Example freight |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Bricks, durable metal goods, freight that fits in standard pallet dimensions |
| 55 | 35–50 | Bricks, cement, hardwood flooring, building materials |
| 60 | 30–35 | Car accessories, steel cables, machined metal parts |
| 65 | 22.5–30 | Car parts, boxed books, bottled drinks |
| 70 | 15–22.5 | Auto engines, food items, machinery |
| 77.5 | 13.5–15 | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| 85 | 12–13.5 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves |
| 92.5 | 10.5–12 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators |
| 100 | 9–10.5 | Boat covers, canvas, wine cases |
| 110 | 8–9 | Cabinets, framed art |
| 125 | 7–8 | Small household appliances, boxed furniture |
| 150 | 6–7 | Auto sheet metal, bookcases |
| 175 | 5–6 | Couches, stuffed furniture |
| 200 | 4–5 | Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts |
| 250 | 3–4 | Bamboo furniture, mattresses, plasma TVs |
| 300 | 2–3 | Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup |
| 400 | 1–2 | Deer antlers, large hollow items |
| 500 | < 1 | Ping pong balls, foam, low-density gold dust |
Freight class FAQ
- What is freight class?
- Freight class is a number from 50 to 500 set by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) that determines your LTL rate. Lower numbers mean denser, easier-to-handle freight and cheaper rates. Higher numbers mean lower-density freight that takes up trailer space without weight, and costs more.
- How is freight class calculated?
- For most commodities, freight class is based on density (pounds per cubic foot). Divide your total weight by your pallet volume in cubic feet (length × width × height in inches, divided by 1728). The denser your shipment, the lower your class. Some commodities have a fixed NMFC class regardless of density — check your NMFC code if you ship the same product repeatedly.
- What happens if I use the wrong freight class?
- The carrier will reclassify your shipment at the dock and add a reclassification fee. The corrected class also raises your invoice — sometimes by hundreds of dollars. If you don't know the class, use density and let our system calculate it. The number we generate matches what most carriers will agree to.
- Do all carriers use the same freight classes?
- Yes — the NMFC system is industry-standard. All major LTL carriers (XPO, Estes, Saia, ODFL, R+L, FedEx Freight, etc.) use the same 18 classes. What varies between carriers is the base rate per class, fuel surcharge, and accessorial pricing.
- Why is density not the same as weight?
- A pallet of bricks (heavy, small) is dense — Class 50. A pallet of foam (light, large) is not dense — Class 500. They might weigh the same, but the foam takes up much more trailer space, so the carrier charges more. Density captures both weight AND how much space the freight occupies.
Got your class? Get a live freight rate.
Compare instant LTL rates from 50+ carriers using the class you just calculated.