What is freight class?
Freight class is a standard system — defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) — that groups LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments into one of 18 classes, from class 50 to class 500, based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. It's what carriers use to price your shipment and compare it against other commodities moving through the network.
Why freight class matters
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) gives carriers and shippers a standard way to negotiate rates and compare thousands of different products. A lower class (dense, easy to handle, easy to stow, low liability risk) generally costs less to ship than a higher class.
How to calculate density-based freight class
Density is the most common factor determining freight class. Here's a worked example for one pallet:
- Dimensions: 48″ × 40″ × 50″
- Gross weight (including pallet): 500 lbs
Step 1 — Calculate volume: 48 × 40 × 50 = 96,000 cubic inches
Step 2 — Convert to cubic feet: 96,000 ÷ 1,728 = 55.56 cubic feet
Step 3 — Calculate density: 500 ÷ 55.56 = 9 lbs per cubic foot
Step 4 — Look up the class: a density of 9 lbs/cubic foot corresponds to class 100 in the table below.
| Density (lbs/cubic ft) | NMFC Freight Class |
|---|---|
| 50 | 50 |
| 35 | 55 |
| 30 | 60 |
| 22 | 65 |
| 15 | 70 |
| 13 | 77.5 |
| 12 | 85 |
| 10 | 92.5 |
| 9 | 100 |
| 8 | 110 |
| 7 | 125 |
| 6 | 150 |
| 5 | 175 |
| 4 | 200 |
| 3 | 250 |
| 2 | 300 |
| 1 | 400 |
| <1 | 500 |
For the packaging and labeling requirements that go along with an LTL pallet shipment, see packaging guidelines for pallet shipments.
Frequently asked questions
Why does freight class matter for my shipment?
Freight class is one of the main factors LTL carriers use to price a shipment — a lower class (denser, easier to handle) generally costs less to ship than a higher class.
What if I ship multiple pallets with different densities?
Each pallet or commodity is typically classified separately based on its own density and characteristics, so a mixed shipment can include more than one freight class.