NMFC freight class calculator (2025 density scale)
The density of an LTL shipment in pounds per cubic foot and the freight class it points to on the 13-tier density scale that took effect on July 19, 2025.
Your numbers
One handling unit (pallet, crate or box)Shipment See your resultResult
Estimated freight class Class 100by density only; some items are classed otherwise Density 9.38 lb per cubic foot Cubic feet 106.7 cu ft2 × 48 × 40 × 48 in Total weight 1,000 lb Stop working this out by handFleetZap Dispatch plans each delivery and pickup with its truck, driver, route and ETA, and records proof of delivery.
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Density (pcf) = Total weight ÷ (Length × Width × Height in inches ÷ 1,728 × Units)
Measure each unit at its longest points, pallet included, and round up. With the example: two 48 × 40 × 48 in pallets of 500 lb are 106.7 cubic feet and 9.38 pcf, which is class 100 on the scale for 8 to under 10 pcf. Since NMFC Docket 2025-1 (effective July 19, 2025), most items without special handling or liability concerns are classed by density on a 13-tier scale from class 400 (under 1 pcf) to class 50 (50 pcf or more). Some items still have their own class, so check the item in NMFTA’s ClassIT+ before you ship; a wrong class leads to reclassification charges.
Using the numberWhat to do with it
- Measure and weigh every pallet; carriers re-measure with dimensioners and bill the difference.
- Stack and wrap freight tight: the same weight in less space means a lower class and a lower rate.
- Put the class and NMFC item number on the bill of lading; the BOL template has a column for both.
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Good to know
How do you calculate freight class?Find the density: total weight ÷ cubic feet, where cubic feet = length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728. Then look up the class for that density; since July 19, 2025, most items use a 13-tier density scale.
What changed in the 2025 NMFC update?NMFC Docket 2025-1 moved many items to classification by density alone and expanded the standard density scale to 13 tiers, adding classes 55 (35 to under 50 pcf) and 50 (50 pcf or more).
Is the density class always the final class?No. Some items still have their own class for handling or liability reasons. Check the item in NMFTA's ClassIT+ before shipping.
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