{
  "slug": "freight-class-density",
  "title": "Freight Class & Density Calculator",
  "heading": "Freight Class Calculator",
  "category": "other",
  "url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/freight-class-density",
  "summary": "Density in pcf and the NMFC class band it falls into.",
  "description": "LTL freight class is driven mostly by density: pounds per cubic foot. Higher density means lower class and a cheaper rate. Compute density from your pallet dimensions and see the standard class band.",
  "formula": "Density = weight ÷ (L × W × H ÷ 1728); class from the standard density bands.",
  "dateModified": "2026-09-30",
  "run_url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/api/public/calc?tool=freight-class-density",
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "length",
      "label": "Pallet length",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 48,
      "unit": "in",
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "width",
      "label": "Pallet width",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 40,
      "unit": "in",
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "height",
      "label": "Pallet height",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 48,
      "unit": "in",
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "weight",
      "label": "Total weight",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 750,
      "unit": "lb",
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "pallets",
      "label": "Number of pallets",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 1,
      "unit": null,
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    }
  ],
  "outputs": [
    {
      "id": "cls",
      "label": "Estimated freight class",
      "format": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": true
    },
    {
      "id": "density",
      "label": "Density (lb per cubic foot)",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "cuft",
      "label": "Cubic feet per pallet",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "totalCuft",
      "label": "Total cubic feet",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "totalWeight",
      "label": "Total shipment weight (lb)",
      "format": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    }
  ],
  "worked_example": {
    "inputs": [
      "Pallet length: 48 in",
      "Pallet width: 40 in",
      "Pallet height: 48 in",
      "Total weight: 750 lb",
      "Number of pallets: 1"
    ],
    "outputs": [
      "Estimated freight class: 78",
      "Density (lb per cubic foot): 14.06",
      "Cubic feet per pallet: 53.33",
      "Total cubic feet: 53.33",
      "Total shipment weight (lb): 750"
    ]
  },
  "how_to": {
    "title": "How to use this",
    "steps": [
      "Enter pallet length (in).",
      "Enter pallet width (in).",
      "Enter pallet height (in).",
      "Enter total weight (lb).",
      "Enter number of pallets.",
      "Read your estimated freight class on the right — it updates as you type.",
      "Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone."
    ]
  },
  "scenarios": [
    {
      "name": "Conservative",
      "description": "Lower-end numbers — what if things land soft?",
      "values": {
        "length": 29,
        "width": 24,
        "height": 48,
        "weight": 750,
        "pallets": 1
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Typical",
      "description": "Defaults — the most common real-world setup.",
      "values": {
        "length": 48,
        "width": 40,
        "height": 48,
        "weight": 750,
        "pallets": 1
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Ambitious",
      "description": "Higher-end numbers — what if things really pop?",
      "values": {
        "length": 77,
        "width": 64,
        "height": 48,
        "weight": 750,
        "pallets": 2
      }
    }
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Estimates assume standard, average conditions — local rules, pricing, and materials vary.",
    "Results are rounded for readability; add a buffer before ordering, booking, or committing.",
    "Double-check anything with a real cost attached against a local quote."
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "Is class always based on density?",
      "a": "No. NMFC also weighs stowability, handling, and liability, and many commodities carry a fixed class regardless of density. Density is the right starting point for general freight."
    },
    {
      "q": "Why does a reclass cost so much?",
      "a": "Carriers inspect and rebill when the actual density differs from the bill of lading, and reclass invoices frequently exceed the original rate plus an inspection fee."
    }
  ],
  "related": [],
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "citation": "RevenueLab — Freight Class & Density Calculator (https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/freight-class-density)"
}