Freight Class Density Calculator
| Number of Pieces | Length* (in) | Width* (in) | Height* (in) | Weight* (lbs) | Cubic Ft | Density | Estimated Freight Class | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00 | -- |
Use NTG’s Freight Density Calculator for a More Accurate Quoting Process
Understanding density and how it can affect freight class and price with LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments is critical for having a successful logistics operation. If you’re estimating or not factoring in density at all, you could face unexpected and costly rate adjustments. That is why we developed this Freight & Density Calculator! This tool helps you quickly calculate your cargo density, which improves the accuracy of your quote. Just measure your cargo’s dimensions and weight, then enter them into the tool before submitting your quote request.
What is Freight Density?
Freight density is a measurement of how much space a shipment takes up in relation to its weight. It’s calculated by dividing the weight of the freight by its volume (usually in cubic feet). The result helps determine how efficiently space is being used in a truck or trailer, which is especially important in LTL shipping.
Freight Density Formula:
(1,728 = the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot)
Now that you know the freight density of your shipment, you can easily determine its freight class.
How is Freight Class determined?
A freight class is symbolized by a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code and considers four characteristics of your shipment.- Density refers to the weight of the package relative to the amount of space it takes. High density items are in a lower class and are cheaper to transport.
- Ease of handling considers the size, shape, and fragility of the freight. Items that need special attention (e.g. hazardous or irregularly shaped) are in a higher class and are more expensive to ship.
- Stowability means how the shipment can be arranged with other freight in the transport vehicle. How the freight is packaged and whether it is safe to be shipped with other packages affect your shipping costs.
- Liability includes the perishability or possibility of freight theft of the item. Freight that can cause damage during transit fall into a higher class because of the greater risk.
Freight Class Chart
There are 18 freight classes numbered from 50 to 500. Starting from class 50, these are heavy yet compact items that are the least expensive to ship. Then, as you go up, items are less dense and more prone to damage, making them more expensive to ship. When classing solely with density, the NMFTA created the standard 11-class density scale below (no special handling, stowability and liability). See our Freight Class Density Chart below:
| Freight Class | Freight Density (lbs per cubic foot) |
| 60 | 30 or greater |
| 65 | 22.5 but less than 30 |
| 70 | 15 but less than 22.5 |
| 85 | 12 but less than 15 |
| 92.5 | 10 but less than 12 |
| 100 | 8 but less than 10 |
| 125 | 6 but less than 8 |
| 175 | 4 but less than 6 |
| 250 | 2 but less than 4 |
| 300 | 1 but less than 2 |
| 400 | less than 1 |