Freight Class Calculator: Density and NMFC Class for LTL Pallets
For freight rated by density, the class comes from pounds per cubic foot: divide the weight of the handling unit, pallet included, by its cubic feet. On the NMFC 13-tier density scale in force since July 19, 2025, freight under 1 pound per cubic foot is class 400 and freight of 50 or more is class 50. A standard 48 x 40 pallet stacked to 54 inches and weighing 460 lb is about 7.7 pounds per cubic foot, or class 125. Enter your shipment below to get its density, estimated class and the weight that reaches the next class.
NMFC density scale, effective July 19, 2025
The National Motor Freight Classification moved to a 13-tier density scale in Docket 2025-1. The table applies to commodities whose NMFC item is rated by density, which since 2025 includes many packaging-related items such as bags and paper goods. Items with a fixed class keep their class, and a few items use their own density breaks.
| Density, lb per cubic foot | Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 50 or more | 50 |
How to calculate freight density
- Measure the handling unit at its extreme points: longest length, widest width and full height, with the pallet in the height. If boxes overhang the pallet, measure the boxes.
- Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet.
- Weigh the unit with the pallet, wrap and corner boards.
- Divide weight by cubic feet. The result in pounds per cubic foot sets the class.
Worked example: a 48 x 40 inch pallet with boxes stacked to 54 inches, deck included, is 48 × 40 × 54 ÷ 1,728 = 60 cubic feet. At 460 lb it has a density of 7.67 pounds per cubic foot, which falls in the 6 to 8 tier: class 125. Another 20 lb on the same pallet would bring it to 8 pounds per cubic foot and class 100.
Freight class for common pallet loads
| Unit size | Weight | Cubic feet | Density | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 x 40 x 48 in | 300 lb | 53.3 | 5.6 pcf | 175 |
| 48 x 40 x 48 in | 600 lb | 53.3 | 11.2 pcf | 92.5 |
| 48 x 40 x 60 in | 400 lb | 66.7 | 6.0 pcf | 125 |
| 48 x 40 x 60 in | 900 lb | 66.7 | 13.5 pcf | 85 |
| 48 x 40 x 72 in | 500 lb | 80.0 | 6.2 pcf | 125 |
| 48 x 40 x 72 in | 1,500 lb | 80.0 | 18.8 pcf | 70 |
| 48 x 48 x 60 in | 1,200 lb | 80.0 | 15.0 pcf | 70 |
| 40 x 48 x 36 in | 250 lb | 40.0 | 6.2 pcf | 125 |
What changed in 2025
Before Docket 2025-1, the density scale had 11 tiers and topped out at class 60 for anything at 30 pounds per cubic foot or more. The new scale splits that top band into class 60 for 30 to 35, class 55 for 35 to 50 and class 50 for 50 and up, so very dense freight now rates lower. The same docket moved many commodity-based items onto the density scale, which is why freight that used to carry a fixed class may now rate by its measured density.
Why freight class calculators disagree
Many online calculators still use the NMFTA density guidelines, an 18-step table the classification committee uses to assign a class to a whole commodity from its average density. It includes classes such as 500, 200, 150, 110 and 77.5. It is not the scale a carrier uses to rate your shipment. Carriers also round measurements differently: some round each side to the nearest inch, and some rate any unit under one cubic foot as one cubic foot. Your carrier's tariff and your commodity's NMFC item have the final word.
How to lower your freight class
- Build tight, square pallets. Overhang and uneven tops add cube without weight.
- Right-size the cartons so the same product takes fewer cubic feet. The box size finder and the boxes per pallet calculator help plan the load.
- Consolidate light freight onto fewer, fuller pallets instead of shipping several half-height units.
- Stabilize the load with stretch film and edge protectors so it arrives at the height you measured.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate freight class?
Find the density: weight in pounds divided by cubic feet, where cubic feet is length × width × height in inches divided by 1,728, with the pallet included. Then read the class from the NMFC density scale: for example, 6 to 8 pounds per cubic foot is class 125.
What is the freight class for a pallet of boxes?
It depends on the density. A 48 x 40 x 60 inch pallet weighing 400 lb is 6 pounds per cubic foot, class 125. At 900 lb it is 13.5 pounds per cubic foot, class 85.
Does the pallet count in freight density?
Yes. Measure the full height including the pallet and weigh the unit with the pallet. If the freight overhangs the pallet, use the freight's length and width.
What is the freight density scale for 2026?
The 13-tier NMFC scale from Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025: under 1 pcf is class 400, then 300, 250, 175, 125, 100, 92.5, 85, 70, 65, 60 and 55, down to class 50 at 50 pcf or more.
Is class 400 the most expensive freight class?
On the density scale, yes. Class 400 applies to freight under 1 pound per cubic foot, which takes the most trailer space per pound and costs the most per pound to ship.
Does every commodity use the density scale?
No. It applies to NMFC items rated by density. Items with a fixed class keep it, and some items use their own density breaks, so check your commodity's NMFC item with your carrier.
What is class 50 freight?
Freight with a density of 50 pounds per cubic foot or more, such as dense metal parts or bricks. Classes 50 and 55 were added to the density scale in 2025.
Related tools and charts
- Boxes per pallet calculator
- Standard pallet sizes chart
- How much stretch film per pallet
- Cubic feet calculator
- All packaging calculators and tools
Density scale from NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371, Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025, as published by NMFTA and LTL carriers. Results are estimates for density-rated items; the commodity's NMFC item and the carrier's tariff determine the billed class.