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Freight Class
Density Calculator
It is VERY important, as a shipper of freight, that you understand freight class.
Getting it wrong will cost you. If you incorrectly classify your item to be shipped it can be reclassified by the freight carrier. Disputing this is difficult, time consuming and you will be charged the difference (usually without a discount).
Have a questions?
Just contact us - (602) 803-6338
To Get NMFC Codes
The use of a correct Freight Class and NMFC are important to getting your best freight rate and avoiding re-billings at a higher rate based on a more accurate description or per the industry standard guildlines. Please contact a Best Move USA representative for assistance with your NMFC lookup.
Important Notice: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association does not allow for freight classes or NMFC codes to be posted online to the public.
Freight Density Calculator
Freight density is one factor used to calculate freight class (the system created by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to standardize LTL freight pricing). Freight density is based on the shipment's overall dimensions and weight. Freight density. It can range from 50 to 1. A shipment with a lower density typically has a higher freight classification. You can use the tool below to determine your freight density and estimate your freight class.
What Factors Go into Determining Freight Class?
Before you determine your freight class for your shipment, you must identify certain factors about your specific freight. Freight class is based on weight, length and height, density, ease of handling, value and liability from things like theft, damage, break-ability and spoilage.. The definitions for each are as follows:
Density – Is your product heavy or light?
Stowability - How is your shipment being packed into the vehicle? For example, shipments that can be stacked receive a more favorable classification than shipments that require all of the space from the floor to the ceiling.
Handling – How difficult is it to load and unload the freight?
Liability – Is the freight breakable? Does it have a high value?
Examples of Commodities and Freight Class
Lowest Cost
Fits on standard shrink-wrapped 4X4 pallet, very durable over 50 lbs.
Class 55
Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring
35-50 pounds
Class 60
Car accessories & car parts
30-35 pounds
Class 65
Car accessories & car parts, bottled beverages, books in boxes
22.5-30 pounds
Class 70
Car accessories & car parts, food items, automobile engines
15 to 22.5 pounds
Class 77.5
Tires, bathroom fixtures
13.5 to 15 pounds
Class 85
Crated machinery, cast iron stoves
12-13.5 pounds
Class 92.5
Computers, monitors, refrigerators
10.5-12 pounds
Class 100
boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases, caskets
9-10.5 pounds
Class 110
cabinets, framed artwork, table saw
8-9 pounds
Class 125
Small Household appliances
7-8 pounds
Class 150
Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases,
6-7 pounds
Class 175
Clothing, couches stuffed furniture
5-6 pounds
Class 200
Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum table, packaged mattresses,
4-5 pounds
Class 250
Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring, plasma tv
3-4 pounds
Class 300
wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats
2-3 pounds
Class 400
Deer antlers
1-2 pounds
Class 500 – Low Density or High Value
Highest Cost
Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls
Less than 1 lbs.
Let's start with an example shipment.
A standard 40" by 48" pallet is stacked with boxes of products 48" high.
The pallet and its contents weighs a total of 425 lbs.
First the volume is calculated by multipled the dimensions together:
[Text Box: 40 x 48 x 48 = 92160 cubic inches]
Now the volume is converted from cubic inches to feet:
[Text Box: 92160 / 1728 = 53.33 cubic feet]
To get the density we divide the weight by the volume:
[Text Box: 425 / 53.33 = 7.97 pounds per cubic foot]
The density is looked up on the table at the left. The density is above 7 but less than 8, so the class is 125.
Use these as an esitmate only. The density is the main factor for determination of class but some other factors can effect it such as value of freight, oversize, special loading/unloading requirements, perishability, etc. Each hauler has rules for determining freight class. Best Move USA accepts no liabilty for any inaccurate class estimates. For any questions about classification and accuracy you can contact National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) at www.nmfta.org/Pages/ContactUs.aspx.