Independent since 2015
Freight class calculator (2025 NMFC density scale)
By Solomon Wiesen, editor. Updated October 2026. Scale from NMFTA Docket 2025-1.
Since July 19, 2025, most less-than-truckload freight is classed by density on a 13-step scale running from class 400 to class 50. Enter each pallet or carton below to get the shipment’s cubic feet, its density in pounds per cubic foot, the class that density falls into, and how much weight or space would move it to a cheaper class.
| Pieces | Length | Width | Height | Weight per piece |
|---|
- Total cubic feet
- –
- Density (lb per cubic foot)
- –
- Density-based class
- –
This is the class your density falls into on the standard 13-sub scale. Your NMFC item decides whether that scale applies; see below.
More for trucking companies
The 13-class density scale
Each band runs from its lower number up to, but not including, the next one. Class 50 and class 55 were added in 2025, so dense freight that used to bottom out at class 60 can now rate lower.
| Density (lb per cubic foot) | Class since July 19, 2025 | Class on the old 11-step scale |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 | 400 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 | 300 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 | 250 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 | 175 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 | 125 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 | 100 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 | 92.5 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 | 85 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 | 70 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 | 65 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 | 60 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 | 60 |
| 50 or more | 50 | 60 |
What changed in July 2025
NMFTA’s Docket 2025-1 moved thousands of commodities from fixed classes to density, replaced the 11-step density scale with the 13-step one above, and rewrote many item descriptions and numbers. Freight that used to carry a single class regardless of how it was packed now rates on how much it weighs for the space it takes. Light, bulky freight can rate higher than before; dense, well-packed freight can rate lower.
When density does not set your class
Density decides the class only for NMFC items that use the density scale. Items with handling, stowability or liability issues keep a class that reflects those issues, and some carry a symbol saying density alone does not determine the class. Find your item number in NMFTA’s ClassIT+ or ask your carrier, then use this calculator if the item rates on the standard scale. A carrier that finds a different density at its dock will reweigh, remeasure and rebill.
How to measure a pallet
- Measure the outside of the shipping unit: pallet, packaging, stretch wrap and anything hanging over the edge.
- Use the longest point on each side, not the average.
- Many carriers round each dimension up to the next whole inch; the calculator does too unless you turn it off.
- Weigh the whole unit, pallet included.
- Multiply length by width by height in inches and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet; divide pounds by cubic feet for density.
A standard 48 by 40 inch pallet stacked 48 inches high is 53.33 cubic feet. At 800 pounds that is 15.0 pounds per cubic foot, class 70. At 790 pounds it is 14.8, class 85.
Getting a lower class
Overhang adds cubic feet without adding weight, so it pushes density down and the class up. Trimming a pallet to its footprint, choosing a smaller pallet, filling voids, or combining two half-height pallets into one full pallet all raise density. The calculator shows how close you are to the next break: a few pounds or a few inches of height can be the difference between two classes.
Questions
How do I calculate freight class?
Find your density: multiply length, width and height in inches, divide by 1,728 for cubic feet, and divide the total weight in pounds by that number. Then find the band on the 13-step scale. That is your class if your NMFC item uses the density scale.
What freight class is 10 pounds per cubic foot?
Class 92.5. The band runs from 10 up to but not including 12 pounds per cubic foot.
Did the 2025 changes add new classes?
Classes 50 and 55 were added to the density scale. Freight at 35 to under 50 pounds per cubic foot is class 55, and 50 or more is class 50, where the old scale stopped at class 60.
Density bands are from NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371 (Docket 2025-1, March 14, 2025). Check later dockets and your carrier’s tariff before you rely on a class. This tool gives an estimate, not a carrier’s rating.