How freight class is set
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) groups LTL freight into 18 classes from 50 (dense, cheap to ship) to 500 (light and bulky). For most freight, density — pounds per cubic foot — is the primary driver, and since July 19, 2025 density-rated items use a single 13-class scale that runs from 400 down to 50, which is why the same product ships cheaper when it's packed denser and palletized tightly. Measure the handling unit as it actually ships, including the pallet and any overhang, and divide total weight by total cubic volume.
The NMFC density scale (13 sub-provisions)
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 50 or more | 50 |
Source: NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025 (NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371). Classes 500, 150, 110 and 77.5 no longer appear on the density scale.
Denser freight rates cheaper. To ship denser, improve how cases fill a pallet — try the pallet calculator — and right-size cartons to cut the air you pay for.
Questions
How is freight class calculated?
For most freight, class is driven by density: total weight divided by total cubic volume, in pounds per cubic foot. Under the NMFC density scale in force since July 19, 2025 (Docket 2025-1), that density maps to one of 13 classes from 400 down to 50. The NMFC has 18 classes overall, and some commodities are still classed on stowability, handling, or liability rather than density.
What is a good freight class?
Lower classes cost less to ship. A dense, sturdy, stackable pallet lands in a low class like 50 to 70; a light, bulky, or fragile shipment lands in a high class like 250 to 500. Packing denser and palletizing tightly lowers your class.
Is this calculator's class guaranteed?
No. It is a density-based estimate from the NMFC density scale. The actual NMFC classification can depend on the commodity and other factors, and some items have a fixed class. Confirm with the NMFC or your carrier before you tender the shipment.
Should I include the pallet in the measurement?
Yes. Measure and weigh the handling unit exactly as it ships — product, packaging, and pallet, including any overhang — because that is what the carrier measures.
Ship a lower class by design.
Density is set by how the cases fill the pallet — check the build with the pallet calculator. PackOS Quick Quote prices custom roll labels today; if the products on this pallet need labels, upload the artwork for an instant label quote. Flexible packaging is coming soon.