LTL Freight Density & Class Estimator

Enter handling unit dimensions (including pallet and packaging) to compute density-based freight classifications.

Calculated Density 8.44 PCF
Estimated NMFC Class Class 100

*Note: Estimates assume standard handling, stowability, and default liability. Commodity-specific NMFC codes can override pure density scaling.

## Understanding National Motor Freight Classifications (NMFC) LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight shipping costs are calculated using dynamic market lane rates paired with a standard shipping class. This system, maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), classifies freight into 18 distinct tiers ranging from **Class 50** to **Class 500**. The fundamental rule of thumb: **The higher the density, the lower the freight class number, and the more cost-effective the shipment is per pound.** ### Standard Density-to-Class Reference Table | Density (Pounds Per Cubic Foot - PCF) | Assigned NMFC Class | Common Commodity Examples | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Over 50 PCF** | Class 50 | Steel rods, bricks, raw nuts and bolts | | **30 to 35 PCF** | Class 60 | Ceramic tiles, dense hand tools, engine blocks | | **15 to 22.5 PCF** | Class 70 | Boxed books, mechanical valves, auto parts | | **9 to 10.5 PCF** | Class 92.5 | Large appliances, computer hardware towers | | **8 to 9 PCF** | Class 100 | Boxed electronics, complex machinery | | **4 to 5 PCF** | Class 175 | Assembled furniture, light fixtures | | **Under 1 PCF** | Class 500 | Ping pong balls, uncompressed foam padding | > **How to Measure Correctly:** When calculating total cubic metrics, always measure from the furthest points of your shipment. This means you must include the full width of the pallet, wrap overhangs, and top-cap heights. Carriers utilize laser dimensioning arrays at sorting terminals—underestimating by even 2 inches can bump a shipment up a full class tier, resulting in automatic adjustment invoices.