Freight class calculator

Handling unit as loaded

Measure the pallet or crate as it will be tendered, including overhang and the pallet itself. Carriers remeasure, and a reclassification is the most common reason an LTL invoice does not match the quote.

Total weight

Handling units

Length

Width

Height

Freight class

100

9.38 lb per cubic foot

Cubic feet

53.33

Density

9.38 lb/ft³

At 10 lb per cubic foot this drops to class 92.5, which is a cheaper rate. Packing tighter or using a shorter pallet can be worth more than negotiating.

Typical goods in this class: Wine cases, caskets, boat covers, canvas

Density is only one of four NMFC factors. A carrier can still reclassify on stowability, handling difficulty or liability, and a reclass is the most common cause of an LTL invoice not matching the quote.

Step-by-step breakdown of the calculation
Step	Working	Result
Cubic feetMeasure the pallet as loaded, including overhang and the pallet itself.	48 × 40 × 48 ÷ 1728	53.33 ft³
Density	500 ÷ 53.33	9.38 lb/ft³
Freight classTypical goods in this class: Wine cases, caskets, boat covers, canvas. Carriers may reclassify based on NMFC item number, stowability, handling and liability.Source: NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) (effective 2025-07-19)	density ≥ 8 lb/ft³	100

Freight class on ShipMargin Rates checked 2 Sept 2026 How this is calculated