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LTL freight class calculator
Most LTL freight is now classed by density: the weight of each handling unit in pounds divided by its cube in cubic feet. Measure the unit at its longest, widest and highest points in inches, multiply, divide by 1,728, then divide the weight by that. Since NMFC Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025, a 13-step density scale turns the result into a class from 400 (under 1 lb/ft³) to 50 (50 lb/ft³ and over).
- 9.00 lb/ft³
- Density
- 266.67 ft³
- Total cube
- 2,400 lb
- Total weight
- 4
- Units
Class 100 Every unit falls in the same band.
How density and class are worked out
Cube (ft³) = length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728
Density (lb/ft³) = weight in pounds ÷ cube in ft³
Class = the band of the density scale that density falls in
- Measure the greatest dimensions of the unit as tendered to the carrier, including the pallet and anything that sticks out.
- Class each handling unit on its own density, unless the bill of lading shows only a total weight; then total weight over total cube may be used (NMFC Item 110, Sec. 8(d)).
- Centimetres and kilograms are converted to inches and pounds first, since the scale is in pounds per cubic foot.
Worked example
Four pallets, one class.
Four pallets of 48 × 40 × 60 in weigh 600 lb each. Each is 115,200 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 66.67 ft³. 600 lb ÷ 66.67 ft³ = 9.00 lb/ft³, which falls in the 8 to less than 10 band: Class 100. Together they're 2,400 lb over 266.67 ft³, the same 9.00 lb/ft³.
The NMFC density scale, sub by sub
| Sub | Density, lb/ft³ | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 2 | 1 to less than 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 2 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 4 | 4 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 5 | 6 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 6 | 8 to less than 10 | 100 |
| 7 | 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 | 12 to less than 15 | 85 |
| 9 | 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 10 | 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 11 | 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 12 | 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 13 | 50 or more | 50 |
Source: NMFTA, 2025 NMFC Changes FAQ and Docket 2025-1, in effect since July 19, 2025. Subs 11 to 13 are as NMFTA published them; subs 1 to 10 carry over from the earlier 11-sub scale. Items with handling, stowability or liability characteristics keep their own classes, so confirm an item's class in the current NMFC before you bill. Table checked September 26, 2026.
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Freight class questions
What changed in NMFC freight classes in 2025?
NMFC Docket 2025-1, in effect since July 19, 2025, moved many commodity items onto a density basis and expanded the density scale from 11 subs to 13. The top of the scale now splits into class 60 (30 to under 35 lb/ft³), class 55 (35 to under 50) and class 50 (50 and over).
How do I measure a pallet for density?
Multiply the greatest length, width and height in inches, including the pallet and anything that sticks out, and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet. Divide the weight in pounds by that for pounds per cubic foot.
Is density worked out per pallet or for the whole shipment?
Per handling unit, under NMFC Item 110, Sec. 8(d). Where the bill of lading shows only one total weight for all the units, density may be worked out from the total weight and the total cube.
Does density always decide the class?
No. Items with handling, stowability or liability issues, such as fragile, hazardous or hard-to-stack freight, keep their own classes. Find the item's NMFC number first; the density scale applies when the item points to it.
What happens if I ship at the wrong class?
The carrier can re-weigh and re-measure the freight, re-class it and bill the difference, usually with an inspection fee and a certificate. Measuring accurately at booking avoids it.
Do carriers have to use NMFC classes?
No. The NMFC is a voluntary standard, so a carrier and shipper can agree other terms, such as freight-all-kinds (FAK) pricing in a contract. The NMFC itself doesn't address FAKs.
Roadmark rates every LTL shipment by density and shops it across your carriers.
Cube, density and class straight from the pallets, then the rate from each carrier on the real number.
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Let Roadmark work it out on every load.
Bring a week of your own loads. We'll show you the detention, weights, classes and free-time charges Roadmark would have worked out from your ELD times, dimensions and terminal dates.
- Worked from your own loads, not a script
- Every figure shown with where it came from
- Runs beside the TMS you have today