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Freight Class Calculator

Estimate LTL freight class from shipment dimensions, total weight, quantity, and density.

Length of one packaged unit in inches.

Width of one packaged unit in inches.

Height of one packaged unit in inches.

Actual packaged weight of one unit in pounds.

Number of matching packaged units.

Status: initial

Results

Awaiting calculation

LTL density estimate

Introduction

The Freight Class Calculator estimates density-based LTL freight class from packaged dimensions, weight, and quantity.

Freight class is an LTL shipping category used to help price and handle freight. Density is one major input, but the final NMFC class can also depend on commodity, handling, liability, and stowability.

Formula and method guide

Cubic feet

Cubic feet = length x width x height / 1,728

Divide cubic inches by 1,728 because one cubic foot equals 1,728 cubic inches.

Density

Density = total weight / total cubic feet

Higher density usually maps to a lower freight class.

Estimated class

Class = density bracket

Use the class as a planning estimate and confirm the final class before shipping.

Inputs explained

Length

The longest side of one packaged freight unit.

Width

The width of one packaged freight unit.

Height

The packaged height, including pallet or crate height if applicable.

Weight

The actual packaged weight of one unit in pounds.

Quantity

How many identical packaged units are included in the shipment.

FAQs

What does this Freight Class Calculator do?
It estimates LTL freight class from dimensions, weight, quantity, and density.
Is this the final NMFC freight class?
No. It is a density-based estimate. Confirm the final class with your carrier or broker.
What units does the calculator use?
It uses inches for dimensions and pounds for weight.
What is freight density?
Freight density is shipment weight divided by shipment cubic feet.
Why does density matter?
Density helps carriers estimate how much trailer space a shipment uses for its weight.
Can commodity type change freight class?
Yes. Commodity, liability, handling, and stowability can override a density estimate.
Should I include pallet height?
Yes. Use full packaged dimensions, including pallets and packaging.
Should I use actual weight or dimensional weight?
For this estimate, use actual packaged weight. Carriers may apply additional rating rules.
What is LTL shipping?
LTL means less-than-truckload freight, where shipments share trailer space.
What class is dense freight?
Dense freight generally receives a lower class number than light, bulky freight.
What class is light bulky freight?
Light bulky freight often maps to a higher class because it uses more space per pound.
Can I calculate multiple pallets?
Yes. Enter dimensions and weight per matching unit, then enter the quantity.
What if my pallets are different sizes?
Calculate each size group separately or use totals from a detailed freight worksheet.
Why did my carrier assign a different class?
The carrier may use commodity-specific NMFC rules, handling requirements, or inspection data.
Can this calculator book freight?
No. It only estimates class for planning and comparison.

References

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