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Freight Class Calculator

With this tool, you can estimate the classification and the cost of your shipping goods.

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Freight Class Calculator

Use this freight class calculator to determine the class that depends on your pallet's weight and dimensions (length, width, and height). Determining the class will assist you in estimating the cost of shipping your goods by Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carriers. The calculator for freight class functions to find:

  • Freight Class
  • Volume
  • Density
  • Freight Cost

What is a Freight Class?

Freight class or National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is the standardized system to set the rates for carriers to transport goods.  This system was embedded by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to sort freight into several categories. Every item has an NMFC code that helps to correspond to a freight class. 

Freight Classification Chart:

There are a total of 18 NMFC classes from 50 to 500. The lighter to handle the freight, the lower its classification. The higher the class the higher the rate for every hundred pounds you ship. In the table there is each class represented as:

Freight class code Type of freight Weight per ft3
50 Durable freight that fits on a standard 4′ × 4′ pallet 50+ lbs.
55 Bricks, cement, hardwood flooring, construction materials 35–50 lbs.
60 Car accessories, car parts 30–35 lbs.
65 Car accessories and parts, boxed books, bottled drinks 22.5–30 lbs.
70 Car accessories and parts, auto engines, food items 15–22.5 lbs.
77.5 Tires, bathroom fixtures 13.5–15 lbs.
85 Crated machinery, cast iron stoves 12–13.5 lbs.
92.5 Computers, monitors, refrigerators 10.5–12 lbs.
100 Car covers, canvas, boat covers, wine cases, caskets 9–10.5 lbs.
110 Cabinets, framed art, table saws 8–9 lbs.
125 Small home appliances 7–8 lbs.
150 Auto sheet metal, bookcases 6–7 lbs.
175 Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture 5–6 lbs.
200 Sheet metal parts, aluminum tables, packaged mattresses, aircraft parts 4–5 lbs.
250 Mattresses and box springs, plasma TVs, bamboo furniture 3–4 lbs.
300 Model boats, assembled chairs, tables, wood cabinets 2–3 lbs.
400 Deer antlers 1–2 lbs.
500 Gold dust, ping pong balls <1 lb.

Factors Determine Freight Shipping Class:

There are 4 different aspects that classify the freight of any given commodity. These attributes that categorize a commodity's classification are:

  • Density: This indicates how much the weight of commodities with respect to their size. This is evaluated by cubic feet divided by total weight in pounds. Denser shipments have a lower freight class.
  • Liability: The liability of a shipment is the possibility that freight may be stolen, damaged, or harmed by other freight in its proximity. Shipping companies charge higher rates for those items that are considered to be damaged or stolen.
  • Handling: If the shipment needs some special equipment for loading. In this case, carriers categorize freight that's harder to handle due to its higher freight class.
  • Stowability: It involves how the size of items being transported with the shipping container. Items that are irregular shapes, bulky, or need special care will be categorized in higher freight classes. 

How Do You Calculate Freight Class?

Simply use our freight class calculator in order to calculate it. Alternatively, you can follow these steps if you want to do it yourself:

  • Measure the dimensions: Determine the measurements including the length, width, and height of your pallet. 
  • Calculate the volume: Multiply these dimensions to find the total cubic feet of your shipment.  
  • Find the weight: Weight your commodities in pounds or any other suitable unit. 
  • Calculate density: Divide the total weight by the volume to get density. This will further help you to find the freight class.       

Example:

Let's say you're shipping a box of books. The box measures 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 10 inches high. It weighs 40 pounds. So find out where this box of books falls under which freight class.

Calculations:

Step # 1 – Dimensions:

  • Length = 18 inch 
  • Width = 12 inch 
  • Height = 10 inch 

Step # 2 – Calculate Volume:

Volume = (length x width x height)

Volume = 18 x 12 x 10 

Volume = 2,160 cubic inches

Convert cubic inches to cubic feet:

Volume = 2,160/1,728 = 1.25 cubic feet 

Step # 3 – Find the weight:

Weight is given about 40 pounds.

Step # 4 – Calculate density:

Density = Weight/volume

Density = 40 pounds/1.25 cubic feet 

Density = 32 pounds per cubic foot

People Also Ask (About Freight Class):

Why is freight class important?

Freight class holds important information about commodities. It reveals its transportability and this allows a carrier or a freight forwarder to check how much it will cost to ship.

What is LTL in freight?

LTL is the short form of less than truckload. It is the term used for the transportation of goods that have no need to full truckload. This results in many separate shipments. 

What is the cheapest LTL freight class?

50 Class 

Items with a high density often carry a lower freight class such as 50. The lower the freight classification, the lower the rate as already mentioned.