LTL Shipments are rated using the NMFC classification guidelines. The world of LTL freight is often a complex and typically is a difficult part of freight shipping to manage. Determining the right freight class can save you both time and money. We’ve created an easy-to-use calculator to help you choose the right freight class and accurately plan your shipment.

Length (in.):	Width (in.):	Height (in.):	Weight (lbs.):

In cases where a shipment is palletized, the dimensions of the pallet determine the cubic dimensions. Although the original dimension of the carton remains the same, the cubic dimensions now include those of the pallet.

Length 48″, Width 40″, Height 38″ (32″ plus 6″ of Pallet) Equals 72,960 Cubic Inches (Length x Width x Height) or 42.2 Cubic Feet (Length x Width x Height/1728). The Density equals the weight 130 (100 lbs. for the carton and approximately 30 lbs. for the pallet) divided by the dimension, 2.37 lbs. per cubic feet.

In order to accurately quote LTL freight rates, LTL shipments must be classified correctly. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association has established 18 freight classifications ranging from 50 to 500. Classes are based on shipment handling, stow-ability, value, density and liability. Generally speaking, the lower the class, the lower the rate since lower classes are very dense shipments, which are harder to damage and easier to handle. Inversely, the higher the class, the higher the rate as the shipment is less dense.

Class Name	Examples	Freight Density in lbs per cubic foot
Class 50	Fits on standard shrink-wrapped 4x4 pallet, very durable	50 pounds
Class 55	Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring	35 but less than 50 pounds
Class 60	Car accessories & car parts	30 but less than 35 pounds
Class 65	Car accessories & car parts, bottled beverages, books in boxes	22.5 but less than 30 pounds
Class 70	Car accessories & car parts, food items, automobile engines	15 but less than 22.5 pounds
Class 77.5	Tires, bathroom fixtures	13.5 but less than 15 pounds
Class 85	Crated machinery, cast iron stoves	12 but less than 13.5 pounds
Class 92.5	Computers, monitors, refrigerators	10.5 but less than 12 pounds
Class 100	Boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases, caskets	9 but less than 10.5 pounds
Class 110	Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw	8 but less than 9 pounds
Class 125	Small Household appliances	7 but less than 8 pounds
Class 150	Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases	6 but less than 7 pounds
Class 175	Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture	5 but less than 6 pounds
Class 200	Auto sheet metal part, aluminum table, packaged mattresses	4 but less than 5 pounds
Class 250	Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring, plasma TV	3 but less than 4 pounds
Class 300	Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats	2 but less than 3 pounds
Class 400	Deer antlers	1 but less than 2 pounds
Class 500	Low Density or High Value Highest Cost Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls	Less than 1lbs.

The information and tools on this page are intended to only be a resource to be used as a general guideline into the characteristics and attributes that are used by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. in determining freight classes.  The information and tools on this page are not in any way intended to be a calculator for determining the exact actual freight class of your commodities.  

The most truly accurate method to ensure the accurate determination of freight class is to utilize The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) which is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.  More information can be found on this at The National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s website www.nmfta.org/pages/nmfc.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association also makes the full National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) on-line tool called ClassIT® which is available for a fee www.classit.nmfta.org/all/Welcome.aspx.

Failure to accurately determine the actual freight class of your items being shipped can result in significantly different and higher rating and carrier billings.