Freight Class Density Calculator

Is this the exact class a carrier will use?

This gives the standard density-based class for general commodities, which covers most palletized freight. Specific NMFC item numbers can override the density table for named commodities, and factors like stowability, handling difficulty, and liability/value can bump the class up regardless of density, so always confirm against your actual NMFC item number or the carrier's classification tool for anything unusual.

Why does a lighter, bulkier pallet cost more to ship?

LTL carriers price by the trailer cube they use, not just weight — a lightweight, bulky pallet takes up trailer space that could otherwise carry paying freight, so it gets a higher class and higher rate per hundredweight to compensate. This is exactly why compressing packaging and cubing down shipments lowers freight cost even when weight doesn't change.

How can I lower my freight class?

Increase density by reducing package dimensions (right-sizing cartons), stacking more compactly, or consolidating multiple small boxes onto a single pallet instead of shipping loose. Going from class 125 to class 100 on a lane can cut the rate 10-20%, so a packaging redesign that increases density often pays for itself in freight savings alone.

What happens if I misclassify a shipment?

Carriers increasingly weigh and re-measure freight at terminals using automated dimensioning systems, and if the actual class is higher than what was billed, they issue a reclass and rebill invoice, sometimes weeks after the shipment with accessorial fees on top. Getting density right upfront avoids the invoice dispute and cash flow surprise.