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Density/Freight Class Calculator

Calculate Density and Freight Class for Free to Optimize Your Shipping Costs

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Unit of measurement

Result

Cubic Feet

???

Density

???

Estimated Freight Class

???

How to use our freight class calculator and density calculator

Our freight class calculator is completely free to use, and incredibly simple to navigate. With just a few easy steps, you can quickly input your data and get accurate results.

Besides, this tool uses advanced Ai to make the process more accurate and efficient. By leveraging AI, it automatically processes your input data, calculates the freight class with precision, and delivers the best results in no time. The AI-powered system ensures you receive the most reliable and up-to-date information, making the entire process smoother and faster.

 follow these steps:

A

Understand the Basics:

Freight Class: Freight class is a scale for freight classification for shipping. Freight class calculator considers different factors such as weight, dimensions, and characteristics of the commodity (i.e., value, density, handling, ease of damage). Using a shipping class calculator can help you easily estimate shipping costs.

Density: Density is determined by taking a freight's weight and dividing it by its actual volume. Higher density says that freight takes up less space per pound of weight, and low-density is when freight takes up more than its weight. Using a freight class estimator simplifies this process by calculating density and helping you determine the appropriate freight class quickly.

B

Choose Your Weight Unit:

Select the weight unit button for your freight:

  •  LB (Pounds)
  •  KG (Kilograms)
C

Decide Unit of

measurement:

Select the unit of measurement for your freight weight:

  •  Cm
  • Meter
  • Feet
  • Inch
  • yard
D

Input Your Freight

dimensions and weight:

Weight of the Freight: The total weight of your item(s) in pounds or kilograms.
Dimensions (Length, Width, and Height): Measure your freight.
This can include multiple packages, but you’ll need to add the dimensions and weight for each item.
Commodity or Product Information: Sometimes, you’ll need to define the type of product, as certain goods have different freight class requirements.

How to calculate class density?

Our free freight class calculator is a practical and efficient tool that saves you time and helps you determine the correct freight class without any hassle. Formula:

Density = Weight (in pounds) Volume (in cubic feet) \text {Density} = \frac {\text {Weight (in pounds)}} {\text {Volume (in cubic feet)}}

To find the volume, multiply the length, width, and height of your package and divide by 1728 (since there are 1728 cubic inches in one cubic foot). This freight calculator class method helps determine the density fast.
For example, if the dimensions are 24 inches x 24 inches x 24 inches, the volume is:
24×24×241728=8 cubic feet\frac {24 \times 24 \times 24} {1728} = 8 \, \text {cubic feet}

If the weight is 80 pounds, then:
808=10 pounds per cubic foot\frac{80}{8} = 10 \, \text{pounds per cubic foot}

This would give you a density of 10 pounds per cubic

How to determine freight class

Freight class is a specific way to classify shipments in the U.S. to determine shipping costs for LTL freight - it is based on various shipment characteristics such as density, ease of handling, and stowage. The freight classification system is rated from Class 50 (high density) to Class 500 (very light or high-risk items).

Step 1: Measure Your Shipment

Use a tape measure to get the Length, Width, and Height in inches.
If palletized, include the pallet dimensions too.

Step 2: Calculate Cubic Feet

Cubic Feet=Length × Width × Height1728\text{Cubic Feet} = \frac{\text{Length × Width × Height}}{1728}

Step 3: Weigh Your Shipment

Get the total weight in pounds (lb), including the pallet.
Use a freight scale or get a certified weight from a shipping center.

Step 4: Calculate Density

Density (PCF)=Weight (lb)Cubic Feet\text{Density (PCF)} = \frac{\text{Weight (lb)}}{\text{Cubic Feet}}

Step 5: Estimate the Freight Class Based on Density

Use the class freight calculator to estimate your freight class, based on your density value.:

Density (PCF)

Estimated Freight Class

50+

Class 50

35–50

Class 55

30–35

Class 60

22.5–30

Class 65

15–22.5

Class 70

13.5–15

Class 77.5

12–13.

Class 85

10.5–12

Class 92.5

9–10.5

Class 100

8–9

Class 110

7–8

Class 125

6–7

Class 150

5–6

Class 175

4–5

Class 200

3–4

Class 250

2–3

Class 300

1–2

Class 400

<1

Class 500 

Note: This is an estimate. Final class may also depend on:

Stowability: Does it fit well with other freight?

Handling: Is it fragile, odd-shaped, or hazardous?

Liability: Is it valuable or prone to theft/damage?

Freight class chart

For more accurate results, our freight shipping class calculator includes a detailed freight class chart that helps you quickly determine the appropriate class based on your freight's density.

Freight Class

Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF)

Description / Typical Commodities

50

50+ PCF

Very dense items (e.g., bricks, steel rods)

55

35–50 PCF

Heavy, compact items

60

30–35 PCF

Dense freight but slightly bulkier

65

22.5–30 PCF

Industrial parts, tools

70

15–22.5 PCF

Household goods, small machinery

77.5

13.5–15 PCF

Mixed cargo, appliances

85

12–13.5 PCF

Furniture, some electronics

92.5

10.5–12 PCF

Car parts, some clothing

100

9–10.5 PCF

Medium density goods

110

8–9 PCF

Lighter boxed items

125

7–8 PCF

Consumer packaged goods

150

6–7 PCF

Plastic items, moderate stowability

175

5–6 PCF

Lightweight furniture, items requiring more space

200

4–5 PCF

Fragile goods, higher risk items

250

3–4 PCF

Bulky but light products, higher handling difficulty

300

2–3 PCF

Very bulky or difficult to handle goods

400

1–2 PCF

Exceptionally bulky or fragile (e.g., ping pong balls)

500

Less than 1 PCF

Extremely low density, high-risk or very valuable items

How is freight measured?

Freight is typically measured using three key metrics:

Weight

Measured in pounds (lb) or kilograms (kg) depending on the region.

Gross weight includes packaging, pallet, or crate.

Measured using certified freight scales.

Dimensions (Size / Volume)

Measured in inches or centimeters, then converted to cubic feet (ft³) or cubic meters (m³).

  •  To calculate cubic volume:
  • For inches:

Cubic Feet=Length×Width×Height1728\text{Cubic Feet} = \frac{Length × Width × Height}{1728}

For centimeters:

Cubic Meters=Length×Width×Height1,000,000\text{Cubic Meters} = \frac{Length × Width × Height}{1,000,000}

 Example:

A box that is 48" x 40" x 36" = \frac{48 × 40 × 36}{1728} = 40 ft³ ]

 

3. Freight Density

Important for LTL shipments. Calculated as:

Density (PCF)=Weight (lb)Cubic Feet\text{Density (PCF)} = \frac{\text{Weight (lb)}}{\text{Cubic Feet}}

Used to determine freight class (in the U.S.).

 

Chargeable Weight (for Air & Ocean)

Both actual and dimensional weight are considered, particularly with air or international freight, and carriers will bill on either one, depending on whichever is greater.

Air Volumetric Weight

Formula:

Volumetric Weight (kg)=L×W×H(cm)6000\text{Volumetric Weight (kg)} = \frac{L × W × H (cm)}{6000}

Ocean Freight:

Typically charged by cubic

meters (CBM) or full container loads (FCL)

1 CBM = 35.3 cubic feet

Summary Table:

Metric

Unit

Use Case

Weight

lb / kg

All freight types

Volume

ft³ / m³

LTL, ocean, air

Density

lb/ft³

LTL (to find freight class)

Volumetric Weight

kg

Air and express shipping

CBM (Cubic Meters)

m³

Ocean freight

What is the freight class?

Freight class is a standardized classification system for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping in the U.S. By using the freight class calc, you can estimate your shipping costs based on weight, dimensions, and density. It is managed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and is classified into 18 freight classes, starting with class 50 and ending with class 500.

  • Density: The weight of the item relative to its size.
  • Stowability: How easily the item can be stored with other freight.
  • Handling: The level of care or special equipment required for loading and unloading.
  • Liability: The risk of damage, theft, or perishability.

If you send something dense and durable, lower classes (e.g., Class 50) will be less expensive to ship. Higher classes (e.g., Class 500) will be more expensive if you send a lighter, fragile, or high-value item.

What is Freight Calculation?

Freight calculations refer to determining the cost of shipping goods from point A to point B. The freight calculation considers many variables to provide you with accurate pricing, particularly for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipments.

 

Key Factors in Freight Calculation:

 

 Weight of the Shipment
  • Heavier shipments usually cost more.
  • For LTL, the weight also affects which weight bracket the shipment falls into.

 

Dimensions (Size of the Shipment)
  • Length × Width × Height determines the volume.
  • Important for calculating density, which influences freight class.

 

Freight Class (for LTL Shipments)
  • A standardized system (Class 50 to 500) based on density, stowability, handling, and liability.
  • Lower class = more efficient = lower cost
  • Higher class = bulky/fragile = higher cost

 

 Distance (Shipping Zones)
  • The farther the shipment travels, the higher the cost.
  • Domestic and international shipments have different pricing structures.

 

Mode of Transportation
  • Truck, rail, air, or sea—each has its own rate structure.
  • Air freight is faster but more expensive; sea freight is slower but cheaper.

 

Additional Services (Accessorial Charges)

  Examples:

  • §  Liftgate service
  • §  Inside delivery
  • §  Residential pickup or delivery
  • §  Appointment scheduling
  •   These services add extra costs.

 

Fuel Surcharges
  • A fluctuating fee based on current fuel prices.
  • Applied as a percentage of the base shipping cost.

Freight Calculation Formula (for LTL Density-Based Pricing):

1. Calculate cubic feet = (L × W × H) ÷ 1,728

2. Density = Total weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic feet

3. Use density to determine freight class

4. Get rate based on class, weight, and distance

Why is freight class important?

Freight class is important because it affects the amount you pay, the level of service you receive, and the speed of transport. A lower freight class usually means a cheaper cost. A higher freight class usually means the item is bulkier, more fragile, more difficult to handle, and more costly to ship. By using the correct class, you minimize unanticipated charges, ensure that your freight is treated properly in transit, and maintain a smooth transport experience.

 

What It Impacts

Why It Matters

Cost

Directly affects how much you pay for shipping

Handling

Ensures your items are treated with proper care

Speed

Reduces delays during transit and processing

Liability

Helps determine insurance and risk

Avoids Extra Fees

Prevents reclassification charges and billing surprises

Tip: Always use the correct freight class to get accurate quotes and avoid shipping headaches

FAQ

Freight class 250 is for low-density, bulky, or difficult-to-handle items. This freight class mainly applies to shipping products and commodities having a density of 3–4 pounds per cubic foot.

Freight class 100 is also greatly applicable to shipping products and commodities that are moderately dense, usually 9–10.5 pounds per cubic foot. Freight class 100 is very common for boxed consumer goods and mixed freight.

Freight class 250 represents a higher freight rate due to density or special handling. Shipping class goods under class 250 will tend to be large, light, or take up space at the lower end of the pound.

Freight class 70 is for fairly dense freight, usually 15–22.5 pounds per cubic foot. Shipping class goods under class 70 are common for boxed auto parts, small furniture, or machines.

: Freight class 300 is for very low-density or high-risk items, usually 2–3 pounds per cubic foot. It is often used for large yet light items

Measure the weight and size of your shipment, calculate the density, and then compare that density to a freight class chart. Otherwise, you can use an LTL freight calculator or call your carrier.

To utilize a freight class calculator multiple boxes, begin with measuring the weight and dimensions of every individual box. then, enter the measurements into the calculator to determine the density and identify the correct freight class for each box. In cases where the calculator accommodates multiple boxes, it will compute the freight class for each item separately, assisting you in estimating the overall shipping expenses.