Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about freight class, NMFC classification, density calculation, and LTL freight pricing. If you need to calculate your freight class now, use our free freight class calculator.
General Freight Class Questions
A freight class is a standardized NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code ranging from 50 to 500 that LTL carriers use to categorize freight and determine shipping rates. Lower class numbers indicate cheaper-to-ship freight (dense, durable goods); higher numbers indicate more expensive freight (lightweight, fragile, or difficult to handle).
The 18 NMFC freight classes are: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500. Each class corresponds to a density range, with Class 50 being the densest and most economical, and Class 500 being the lowest-density and most expensive to ship.
NMFC stands for National Motor Freight Classification. It is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and is the standard classification system used by LTL carriers across North America to categorize and price freight shipments.
Your freight class is required on every LTL bill of lading and is used by carriers to calculate your shipping rate. An incorrect freight class can result in freight reclassification charges after delivery, significantly increasing your shipping cost. Accurate classification using our freight class calculator helps you avoid these unexpected charges.
They are related but different. A commodity code (or NMFC item number) is a specific code assigned to a particular type of goods in the NMFC directory. Each commodity code has an associated freight class. The freight class is the broader pricing category; the commodity code is the specific product classification.
Freight Class Calculation Questions
To calculate freight class: 1) Measure your shipment dimensions (L × W × H in inches). 2) Calculate cubic footage: (L × W × H) ÷ 1,728. 3) Calculate density: Weight (lbs) ÷ Volume (cu ft). 4) Match density to the NMFC class table. Or simply enter your dimensions and weight into our free freight class calculator for instant results.
Always use the full dimensions of the freight as it will be shipped, including the pallet, boxes, and any packaging. If your product is palletized, measure from the floor to the highest point of the freight, and use the full pallet footprint (typically 48" × 40" for a standard pallet). Do not use product dimensions alone.
Use the total weight of the shipment as it will be transported, including the product, all inner and outer packaging, pallet weight, and any stretch wrap. The pallet itself typically weighs 40–50 lbs and must be included in the calculation.
For multiple identical pieces, multiply the single-piece volume by the quantity, then divide the total weight by total volume to get density. Our freight class calculator has a "Number of Pieces" field for this. For multiple different items, calculate each separately and use the highest freight class for the entire shipment.
Yes. Our free freight class calculator supports centimeters and meters for dimensions, and kilograms for weight. It automatically converts to the lbs/cu ft measurement needed for NMFC classification.
Common Freight Class Questions
The freight class of a palletized shipment depends entirely on its density, not the type of packaging. Calculate the density (weight ÷ volume) for your specific pallet and use our freight class calculator to determine the class. Common palletized consumer goods often fall in Class 70–100.
Class 70 freight has a density of 15–22.5 lbs per cubic foot. Common Class 70 commodities include food items, car accessories, engine oil in barrels, and certain small household appliances. It's one of the most commonly assigned classes for consumer goods.
Class 100 freight has a density of 9–10.5 lbs per cubic foot. Examples include boat covers, car covers, wine cases, and canvas goods. Class 100 represents a mid-range density and is commonly seen with packaged soft goods and moderate-density consumer products.
Class 250 freight has a density of 3–4 lbs per cubic foot. It's applied to bulky, low-density items such as bamboo furniture, mattresses, and large plasma TVs. Class 250 and above are significantly more expensive to ship due to the poor space efficiency.
Furniture typically falls between Class 85 and Class 250 depending on how it's packaged and its density. Flat-pack/knocked-down furniture can achieve Class 85–110 due to efficient packing. Assembled upholstered furniture often falls in Class 175–250 due to low density.
Electronics typically fall in Class 85–125 depending on packaging density. Computers and monitors are often around Class 92.5 (10.5–12 lbs/cu ft). Large flat-screen TVs with bulky packaging may fall into Class 150–200 due to lower density.
LTL Shipping Questions
LTL stands for Less-Than-Truckload. It refers to freight shipments that don't require an entire truck — the carrier combines multiple shippers' freight in one trailer. LTL is used for shipments typically between 150 lbs and 15,000 lbs. All LTL shipments require a freight class for pricing.
If the carrier inspects your freight and determines the class is different from what was declared, they issue a freight bill correction — also called a reclassification charge. If your declared class was lower than actual, you'll be charged the difference plus a penalty. This is why accurate freight class calculation is essential.
Yes. The NMFC classification system is standardized across all participating North American carriers. The class you calculate will be the same across different carriers. However, each carrier has its own tariff rates for each class, so the dollar amount you pay will vary between carriers even for the same freight class.
A bill of lading (BOL) is a legally binding document that serves as a receipt, contract, and title for LTL freight. It must include the freight class, weight, dimensions, pickup and delivery addresses, and commodity description. Freight class declared on the BOL is what the carrier uses for pricing.