LTL Freight Tool

Freight Class & Density Calculator

Landed your Sri Lankan shipment at a US port and need to move it inland by LTL truck? Enter your weight and dimensions to estimate the density (PCF) and likely NMFC freight class, the number that drives your less-than-truckload rate.

Shipment dimensions

Measure the handling unit (pallet/crate/carton) at its widest points, including the pallet itself.

All units are assumed identical. For mixed pallets, run each size separately.

Estimated freight class

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lb/ft³ density

Enter dimensions to estimate
Volume per unit
Total volume
Total weight
Density
This is a density-only estimate. NMFC class is officially assigned on four factors: density, stowability, handling and liability. And many commodities carry a fixed class regardless of density. Confirm the actual NMFC item number and class with your carrier or broker before booking.
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How freight class is calculated

For most general commodities, US LTL carriers set freight class from density, how many pounds your shipment packs into each cubic foot. Denser freight uses less trailer space per pound, so it earns a lower class and a lower rate.

Step 1, Volume: (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728 = cubic feet
Step 2, Density: total weight (lb) ÷ total cubic feet = PCF
Step 3, Class: match PCF to the density scale below.

Worked example: a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb is 53.3 ft³, or 9.4 lb/ft³, which lands in Class 100.

NMFC density scale

This tool uses the standardized full-density scale the NMFTA adopted on 19 July 2025 (the 13-subprovision scale). Your matched class is highlighted as you type.

50
50+ lb/ft³
55
35 to <50
60
30 to <35
65
22.5 to <30
70
15 to <22.5
85
12 to <15
92.5
10 to <12
100
8 to <10
125
6 to <8
175
4 to <6
250
2 to <4
300
1 to <2
400
<1 lb/ft³

Density breakpoints reflect the NMFTA standardized density scale effective 19 July 2025. The NMFTA is the sole authority on classification. Figures here are for estimation only. Sources: published carrier density charts (Freight Sidekick, Supply Chain Solutions, TransLogistics).

Common questions

Is density the only thing that sets my class?

No. The NMFC assigns class on four factors: density, stowability, handling and liability (value/fragility/perishability). Many commodities have a fixed NMFC class regardless of density. Density is the best single predictor for general palletized freight, which is why this tool estimates from it, but always verify the official NMFC item for your goods.

What does my class change on my rate?

Lower class = denser freight = lower cost per pound. A misdeclared (too-low) class triggers a carrier reweigh/reclass and a corrected, usually higher, invoice. Getting density right up front avoids those adjustments.

Do I measure the pallet too?

Yes. Measure the handling unit as the carrier will: outermost length, width and height including the pallet and any overhang, and the gross weight including packaging and pallet.

Does this apply to my ocean shipment from Colombo?

No. Freight class is a US/Canada domestic LTL trucking concept. For the ocean or air leg from Sri Lanka, use our export freight & landed-cost calculator. This tool covers the inland truck leg after your goods clear US customs.