METRICRIG
LTL Freight

Freight Class Density Chart

The "Periodic Table" of LTL Shipping. Determine your class to avoid re-bills.

Calculate Freight Class

How It Works

Freight Class is defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It ranges from Class 50 (Clean Freight - Dense, indestructible) to Class 500 (Expensive - Light, fragile, bulky). Your class is determined primarily by your shipment's Density (PCF).

2026 Density Chart

Use this table to find your class based on PCF (Pounds Per Cubic Foot).

Freight ClassDensity (Lbs/Cu Ft)
Class 50Over 50 lbs
Class 5535 - 50 lbs
Class 6030 - 35 lbs
Class 6522.5 - 30 lbs
Class 7015 - 22.5 lbs
Class 77.513.5 - 15 lbs
Class 8512 - 13.5 lbs
Class 92.510.5 - 12 lbs
Class 1009 - 10.5 lbs
Class 1108 - 9 lbs
Class 1257 - 8 lbs
Class 1506 - 7 lbs
Class 500Less than 1 lb
Freight Class Calculator
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How to Calculate PCF

Calculating Pounds Per Cubic Foot (PCF) requires specific steps. You cannot just guess the volume.

The Golden Formula

PCF = Weight / (Volume in Cubic Feet)
  1. Measure L, W, H of the pallet (in inches), including the skid itself.
  2. Multiply L x W x H to get Cubic Inches.
  3. Divide Cubic Inches by 1,728 to get Cubic Feet.
  4. Divide Total Weight (Product + Pallet) by Cubic Feet.

Strategy: The "Class Hack"

Jumping from Class 100 to Class 92.5 can save 15% on your shipping bill. How do you do it? Increase your density.

If your calculation shows you are on the borderline (e.g., 10.4 PCF, which puts you in Class 100), try to shrink wrap the pallet tighter or remove one layer of boxes to lower the height. If you can get the density up to 10.6 PCF, you drop to Class 92.5.

Find Your Correct Class

Don't guess. Re-bills cost hundreds of dollars. Calculate it precisely.

Start Calculation

Glossary

NMFTANational Motor Freight Traffic Association. The governing body that sets these codes.
PCFPounds per Cubic Foot. The metric for density.
LTLLess Than Truckload. Shipping methods for 1-12 pallets where classes apply.
Re-Weigh/Re-ClassA fee added when the carrier inspects your freight and finds your BOL data was wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

First, calculate the density of your shipment in Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF). Formula: Total Weight (lbs) ÷ Total Volume (cubic feet). Then, compare this PCF number to the NMFC density chart (e.g., PCF > 50 is Class 50; PCF < 1 is Class 500).
Class 50 is the cheapest freight class, reserved for very dense, heavy, and durable items (like bricks or steel bolts) that fit neatly on pallets. Class 500 is the most expensive class, used for extremely light, bulky, and high-value items (like ping pong balls in bags or gold dust) that take up huge truck space relative to their weight.
Yes. Every LTL shipment requires an NMFC code on the Bill of Lading (BOL). If you don't provide one, the carrier will assign one for you based on their inspection, often choosing a higher (more expensive) class. Always proactively classify your freight.
Yes. You must include the weight of the pallet (typically ~40 lbs) AND the dimensions of the pallet in your calculation. Density = (Product Weight + Pallet Weight) / (Length x Width x Height of the entire stack).
Reclasses happen when the carrier's 'Dimensioner' machine scans your freight and finds it is less dense than declared. For example, if you claimed Class 70 (15+ PCF) but the machine measured 12 PCF, they will re-bill you at Class 92.5, which is significantly more expensive.

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