LTL Freight Class Guide: Density, Classes & Examples
Freight class is one of the inputs that can affect an LTL shipment's rating. For many general commodities, density is an important starting point. This guide explains the current density-based scale, shows the math, and makes clear where a density estimate stops being an official classification.
What is freight density?
Density is the weight of a handling unit divided by the cubic feet it occupies. For inches, use:
For example, a 48 × 40 × 40 inch handling unit occupies about 44.44 cubic feet. At 900 lb, its density is about 20.25 PCF.
The current 13-sub density-based class scale
The NMFC's 13-sub density structure uses the following density ranges and classes. The table is a reference to the density-based structure; it is not a substitute for checking the applicable NMFC item and any handling, stowability, or liability provisions.
| Density (PCF) | Density-based class |
|---|---|
| 0.00–0.99 | 400 |
| 1.00–1.99 | 300 |
| 2.00–3.99 | 250 |
| 4.00–5.99 | 175 |
| 6.00–7.99 | 125 |
| 8.00–9.99 | 100 |
| 10.00–11.99 | 92.5 |
| 12.00–14.99 | 85 |
| 15.00–22.49 | 70 |
| 22.50–29.99 | 65 |
| 30.00–34.99 | 60 |
| 35.00–49.99 | 55 |
| 50.00+ | 50 |
Worked examples
| Weight | Dimensions | Density | Density-based class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 900 lb | 48 × 40 × 40 in | 20.25 PCF | 70 |
| 600 lb | 48 × 40 × 48 in | 9.38 PCF | 100 |
| 300 lb | 48 × 40 × 80 in | 3.38 PCF | 250 |
The interesting part is that the 300 lb unit has a higher density-based class than the 900 lb unit because it takes up much more space relative to its weight.
Why two pallets can have different freight classes
Do not average the shipment just because it contains one commodity. If individual handling-unit weights are known, current NMFC guidance on mixed freight generally evaluates density per handling unit. A 900 lb 48 × 40 × 40 pallet and a 300 lb 48 × 40 × 80 pallet have different density profiles and therefore different density-based classes.
Rate Farm's calculator keeps those handling units separate and flags a mixed-density shipment instead of presenting one blended class as if it were the answer.
Why density is not the whole classification
The NMFC classification system also considers characteristics such as handling, stowability, and liability. Commodity-specific provisions can therefore produce a classification that is not captured by a density calculation alone. Packaging can matter too.
That is why Rate Farm calls its result an estimated density-based class. It is useful for preparation and for spotting obvious inconsistencies, but it should not be presented as an official NMFTA or ClassIT+ classification.
What to do with an estimated class
- Confirm that the dimensions and weight describe the shipment as it will actually be tendered.
- Keep each materially different handling unit separate.
- Describe the commodity clearly.
- If you have verified NMFC information, carry it into the quote.
- If the class is only a density estimate, tell the quoting party that it is an estimate rather than inventing certainty.
Frequently asked questions
Is freight class the same as freight density?
No. Density is one important input to density-based classification. The applicable NMFC item can also account for handling, stowability, liability, packaging, and other provisions.
Can I use one class for two different pallets?
Not automatically. If the handling units have different densities, they can have different density-based classes. Keep them separate when their measurements or weights differ materially.
Does a higher class always mean a higher price?
Class is an important rating input, but it is not a standalone price calculator. Lane, weight, services, carrier rules, and other shipment details also affect the commercial quote.
Can Rate Farm give me the official NMFC class?
No. Rate Farm provides a density-based estimate for preparation. Official commodity classification should be verified against the applicable NMFC information before booking.
Primary sources: NMFTA's current 13-sub density guidance and NMFTA's handling-unit density calculation guidance. Rate Farm's density calculations are informational preparation guidance. The applicable NMFC classification can depend on the commodity and the current classification provisions; verify the relevant classification before booking.