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:
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.
Choose Your Weight Unit:
Select the weight unit button for your freight:
- LB (Pounds)
- KG (Kilograms)
Decide Unit of
measurement:
Select the unit of measurement for your freight weight:
- Cm
- Meter
- Feet
- Inch
- yard
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 |
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 schedulin
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):
- Calculate cubic feet = (L × W × H) ÷ 1,728
- Density = Total weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic feet
- Use density to determine freight class
- 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 |
FAQ
What does freight class 250 mean?
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.
What freight class is 100?
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.
What is 250 class?
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.
What is freight class 70?
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.
How to use freight class calculator for multiple boxes?
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.
How do I find my LTL freight class?
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.