Freight Class Calculator
NMFC class from density.
Estimated freight class
Class 70
15.0 lb per cubic foot
Density drives most commodity classifications, but stowability, handling and liability affect some. Under-declaring gets reclassified and rebilled with a fee.
How the Freight Class Calculator works
LTL freight pricing runs on class, and class is driven mainly by density — pounds per cubic foot. Dense freight is cheap to move relative to the space it takes; light bulky freight is expensive. Getting the class wrong means a reclassification charge on the invoice.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is freight class determined?
Primarily by density in pounds per cubic foot, on a scale running from class 50 for very dense freight to class 500 for very light. Stowability, handling and liability also affect the classification of some commodities.
How do I calculate density?
Weight in pounds ÷ volume in cubic feet. Volume is length × width × height in inches ÷ 1728. A 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet is 53.3 cubic feet; at 800 lb that is 15 lb per cubic foot, around class 70.
What happens if I declare the wrong class?
The carrier reclassifies after inspection and rebills, usually with an additional fee. Under-declaring to get a lower rate is not a saving — it is a delayed and larger invoice.
How do I get a lower freight class?
Increase density by packing more tightly, using smaller pallets or reducing void space. Since class follows density, better palletisation can genuinely move you into a cheaper band.