What's My Freight Class?
Find what you ship to see what moves its class, a worked example on the density scale, and how to pack and measure it so the class holds up at the carrier’s dock. Since the NMFC changes of July 19, 2025, most freight is classed by density on a 13-step scale. The class here is an estimate; we check the NMFC item with the carrier before we book.
28 commodities. Open one to see what moves its class.
Know the size and weight? Go to the calculator
Food and drink
Bottled or canned beverages
Liquid is heavy, so pallets of drinks are dense. Glass adds fragility the carrier will want packed for.
Packing and measuring: Use corner boards and full-height shrink-wrap, and say if it must be protected from freezing.
Some carriers restrict alcohol, or need extra paperwork for it. Tell us before we book.
A worked example
A pallet of bottled water: 48 × 40 × 55 in, 2,200 lb.
61.1 ft³ · 36.0 lb/ft³ · estimated class 55
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Canned and packaged food
Canned and dry goods are dense. The same pallet of light snacks can class several steps higher.
Packing and measuring: Say if it is food grade, so the carrier does not load it next to chemicals.
A worked example
A pallet of canned goods: 48 × 40 × 50 in, 1,400 lb.
55.6 ft³ · 25.2 lb/ft³ · estimated class 65
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Snacks and light packaged food
Mostly air and packaging, so density is low and the class is high. A taller pallet does not help: density stays the same.
Packing and measuring: Build the pallet to the size that fits your product without gaps. Air inside the wrap is billed as freight.
A worked example
A pallet of bagged chips: 48 × 40 × 72 in, 450 lb.
80.0 ft³ · 5.6 lb/ft³ · estimated class 175
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Retail and consumer
Books and printed matter
Paper is heavy for its size, so a well-built pallet of printed matter is dense and usually lands in a low class.
Packing and measuring: Stack cartons square to the pallet edge and shrink-wrap. The carrier measures the outside of the pallet, overhang included.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed books: 48 × 40 × 48 in, 1,500 lb.
53.3 ft³ · 28.1 lb/ft³ · estimated class 65
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Apparel and textiles
Packaging makes most of the difference: folded and boxed clothing is much denser than garments shipped hanging.
Packing and measuring: Folded, boxed and palletized ships denser than garments on hangers. Tell us if it ships hanging.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed clothing: 48 × 40 × 60 in, 600 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 9.0 lb/ft³ · estimated class 100
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Electronics
Density decides most of it. Value and fragility decide which carrier and how much coverage.
Packing and measuring: Declare the value if the rate depends on it, and consider cargo insurance: carrier liability is limited.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed monitors: 48 × 40 × 60 in, 500 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 7.5 lb/ft³ · estimated class 125
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Cosmetics and personal care
Boxed cosmetics are moderately dense. Perfume and aerosols can be hazardous materials.
Packing and measuring: Check the safety data sheet: many aerosols and fragrances ship as limited-quantity hazmat.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed skin care: 48 × 40 × 50 in, 700 lb.
55.6 ft³ · 12.6 lb/ft³ · estimated class 85
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Store fixtures and displays
Light and bulky, so the class is high. Knocked-down fixtures ship much denser than built ones.
Packing and measuring: Ship fixtures knocked down where you can, and schedule the delivery with the store's receiving hours.
A worked example
A pallet of assembled display racks: 48 × 40 × 72 in, 450 lb.
80.0 ft³ · 5.6 lb/ft³ · estimated class 175
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Industrial
Copy paper and paper stock
Dense. Flat, even cartons on a standard pallet keep it in the lowest classes.
Packing and measuring: Keep the pallet under the height the consignee's dock can take, and band it if the cases are loose.
A worked example
A pallet of copy paper cases: 48 × 40 × 48 in, 2,000 lb.
53.3 ft³ · 37.5 lb/ft³ · estimated class 55
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Steel and metal products
Most metal is dense enough for the lowest classes. Long or oddly shaped pieces cost more for their length than their class.
Packing and measuring: Band it to the pallet or skid, and give us the longest length: many carriers add an overlength charge from about 8 feet.
A worked example
A skid of steel bar stock: 48 × 40 × 24 in, 3,000 lb.
26.7 ft³ · 112.5 lb/ft³ · estimated class 50
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Industrial machinery
Usually dense. Crating adds size, so measure the crate, not the machine.
Packing and measuring: Crate or skid it with the lifting points marked, and say if it needs a flatbed or a forklift at delivery.
A worked example
A crated machine: 60 × 48 × 50 in, 2,400 lb.
83.3 ft³ · 28.8 lb/ft³ · estimated class 65
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Machine parts
Metal parts in cartons are dense and usually land in the lowest classes.
Packing and measuring: Use heavy-duty cartons and a sound pallet. A broken pallet is the usual cause of a damage claim on parts.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed steel parts: 48 × 40 × 30 in, 1,800 lb.
33.3 ft³ · 54.0 lb/ft³ · estimated class 50
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Auto parts
Ranges widely: brake parts are dense, bumpers and body panels are light and bulky.
Packing and measuring: Keep light, bulky parts off the same line as heavy ones, so each line classes on its own density.
A worked example
A pallet of mixed boxed auto parts: 48 × 40 × 48 in, 900 lb.
53.3 ft³ · 16.9 lb/ft³ · estimated class 70
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Chemicals (non-hazardous)
Drums and totes of liquid are dense. Whether it is hazardous matters more than the class.
Packing and measuring: Check the safety data sheet first. If any part is hazardous, the BOL needs the hazmat description and an emergency number.
A worked example
Four 55-gallon drums on a pallet: 48 × 40 × 40 in, 1,900 lb.
44.4 ft³ · 42.8 lb/ft³ · estimated class 55
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Plastic parts and containers
Empty containers are mostly air and class very high. Solid molded parts are denser.
Packing and measuring: Nest empty containers where they nest. It can cut the cube, and the class, in half.
A worked example
A pallet of empty plastic totes: 48 × 40 × 80 in, 150 lb.
88.9 ft³ · 1.7 lb/ft³ · estimated class 300
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Building and home
Furniture, flat-packed (knocked down)
Flat-packed boxes are far denser than the same furniture assembled, so knocked-down furniture usually classes several steps lower.
Packing and measuring: Say it is knocked down on the BOL, in those words, and keep the cartons square on the pallet.
A worked example
A pallet of flat-packed desks: 48 × 40 × 48 in, 700 lb.
53.3 ft³ · 13.1 lb/ft³ · estimated class 85
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Furniture, assembled
Assembled furniture is mostly air, so its density is low and its class is among the highest.
Packing and measuring: Blanket-wrap or crate it, and stack chairs where they nest. Every inch of height is measured.
A worked example
A pallet of stacked office chairs: 48 × 40 × 72 in, 300 lb.
80.0 ft³ · 3.8 lb/ft³ · estimated class 250
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Mattresses and bedding
Very light for their size, so the class is high. Compressed, roll-packed mattresses are far denser.
Packing and measuring: Bag each piece. If it can ship roll-packed, the class drops a long way.
A worked example
One bagged queen mattress: 80 × 60 × 14 in, 90 lb.
38.9 ft³ · 2.3 lb/ft³ · estimated class 250
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Kitchen cabinets
Boxed cabinets are bulky for their weight. Density decides it, and residential deliveries add services to plan for.
Packing and measuring: Pallet and wrap boxed cabinets, and book a liftgate and residential delivery if they are going to a home.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed cabinets: 48 × 40 × 60 in, 650 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 9.8 lb/ft³ · estimated class 100
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Tile, stone and flooring
Very dense, so the class is low. The weight per pallet, not the class, is usually the limit.
Packing and measuring: Check the weight the consignee can unload. Heavy pallets to a job site often need a liftgate or a forklift on site.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed porcelain tile: 48 × 40 × 40 in, 2,600 lb.
44.4 ft³ · 58.5 lb/ft³ · estimated class 50
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Appliances
Bulky for their weight, so they class in the middle to high range.
Packing and measuring: Keep appliances upright and in their cartons, and book a liftgate for a delivery without a dock.
A worked example
One boxed washing machine: 30 × 30 × 44 in, 170 lb.
22.9 ft³ · 7.4 lb/ft³ · estimated class 125
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Specialty
Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Density decides the class. Temperature control and value decide which carriers can take it.
Packing and measuring: Say the temperature range on the BOL, and keep the shipment's paperwork with it.
Temperature-controlled freight needs a carrier with reefer LTL service. Tell us the range.
A worked example
A pallet of boxed medical supplies: 48 × 40 × 50 in, 600 lb.
55.6 ft³ · 10.8 lb/ft³ · estimated class 92.5
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Medical equipment
Usually crated and light for its size, and valuable. Density sets the class; value decides the insurance.
Packing and measuring: Crate it with tilt and shock indicators, and ask us about white-glove or inside delivery.
A worked example
A crated piece of lab equipment: 48 × 40 × 60 in, 450 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 6.7 lb/ft³ · estimated class 125
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Restaurant equipment
Stainless equipment on a skid lands in the middle classes. Size and delivery conditions matter as much as class.
Packing and measuring: Measure door widths at the delivery, and book a liftgate and inside delivery if there is no dock.
A worked example
A crated commercial oven: 48 × 40 × 60 in, 600 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 9.0 lb/ft³ · estimated class 100
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Trade show exhibits
All trade show freight is class 125, whatever its density, so the show's deadlines matter more than the class.
Packing and measuring: Label every crate with the show, the booth number and the exhibitor, and ship to the advance warehouse by its deadline.
Trade show deliveries have their own rules and deadlines. Our trade show team books these.
A worked example
A crated exhibit booth: 96 × 40 × 48 in, 600 lb.
106.7 ft³ · 5.6 lb/ft³ · class 125
Class 125 whatever the size and weight: the density does not change it.
Fine art and framed pieces
Crated art is light for its size, and high value. Class follows density; value and handling decide the service.
Packing and measuring: Crate it, mark it fragile and this side up, and insure it for its value: carrier liability is limited.
High-value art needs the right carrier and insurance. Our fine art team arranges these.
A worked example
A crated framed painting: 60 × 10 × 48 in, 120 lb.
16.7 ft³ · 7.2 lb/ft³ · estimated class 125
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Aircraft parts
Crated parts vary widely in density. Speed and value usually drive the service more than class.
Packing and measuring: Crate to the manufacturer's spec, and tell us at once if it is AOG: that is an expedited shipment, not LTL.
A worked example
A crated aircraft component: 72 × 40 × 40 in, 700 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 10.5 lb/ft³ · estimated class 92.5
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Personal effects and used household goods
Many LTL carriers handle used household goods differently, and some will not take them at all.
Packing and measuring: Palletize and wrap the boxes. Loose boxes are often refused.
Call us before booking: carrier rules for household goods vary.
A worked example
A pallet of packed household boxes: 48 × 40 × 60 in, 500 lb.
66.7 ft³ · 7.5 lb/ft³ · estimated class 125
Your own load can land in a different class: the size and weight decide it.
Check your own freight
One handling unit as it will ship: pallet, crate or box, measured at its widest points, overhang included.
Add the height and the weight to see the density and the class it falls in.
The density scale (lb per ft³ and class)
- class 400, density <1
- class 300, density 1–2
- class 250, density 2–4
- class 175, density 4–6
- class 125, density 6–8
- class 100, density 8–10
- class 92.5, density 10–12
- class 85, density 12–15
- class 70, density 15–22.5
- class 65, density 22.5–30
- class 60, density 30–35
- class 55, density 35–50
- class 50, density 50+
The class is an estimate from density. Some commodities still carry their own class in the NMFC, so we check the item with the carrier before we book.
Pallets of different sizes on one shipment? Use the density calculator for the whole load. Ready to ship? Make a bill of lading with the class on it.
Questions about freight class
What is freight class?
Freight class is the number, from 50 to 500, that LTL carriers use to price a shipment. It comes from the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), published by the NMFTA. The lower the class, the lower the rate per pound, other things being equal.
How is freight class worked out now?
The NMFC weighs four things: density, stowability, handling and liability. Since NMFC Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025, most commodities are classed by density on a 13-step scale, from class 400 under 1 pound per cubic foot to class 50 at 50 pounds per cubic foot and over. Some items still carry their own class.
How do I measure my freight for density?
Measure one handling unit, the pallet, crate or box as it will ship, at its longest, widest and tallest points, with the pallet and any overhang included. Multiply the three in inches and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet, then divide the weight by the cubic feet.
What happens if the class on the bill of lading is wrong?
The carrier can inspect, remeasure or reweigh the freight and bill it at the class it finds, usually with a reclass fee on top. A class and description that match the freight are the best way to keep the carrier's bill in line with the quote.
Is the class shown here the one the carrier will use?
It is an estimate from density. The carrier rates the shipment by the NMFC item that describes it, and a few items are not classed by density. When we quote your freight, we check the item and the class before we book.
Most reclass charges start at the dock: a pallet that measures bigger than the bill of lading says, or a description that points to another item. When we quote your freight, a coordinator checks the class, the item and the description before the carrier sees them.
(800) 460-8540A person answers, Monday to Friday.Get a Freight Quote