KNOW YOUR CLASS BEFORE YOU QUOTE

Freight class, explained.
Measure it right.
Quote it with confidence.

Freight class is one of the biggest drivers of an LTL rate. Learn how the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system works, calculate your shipment’s density and avoid costly reclasses and reweighs.

Calculate density ↓Get an LTL / Volume Quote

Measuring guide

Measure the whole handling unitInclude the pallet or skid, stretch wrap, packaging and any overhang. Weigh the complete unit, not just the product.

WHAT YOU ARE QUOTING

What is freight class?

Freight class is a standardized rating that less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers use to price shipments. Classes are published in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), which is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

There are 18 classes, ranging from class 50 to class 500. LTL freight is typically rated per hundred pounds (also called hundredweight, or CWT). In general, dense, durable and easy-to-handle freight falls into lower classes and costs less per hundredweight. Light, bulky, fragile or hard-to-handle freight falls into higher classes and costs more.

Class is one important input into an LTL rate. Your origin and destination, total weight, carrier, accessorial services and current market conditions also affect your quote, so a lower class alone does not guarantee a lower total price.

New in 2025: density-based classification expanded

NMFTA’s Docket 2025-1 changes took effect on July 19, 2025. Many more commodities are now classified by density, and a standard 13-tier density scale was introduced. If you have not reviewed your NMFC items since then, confirm them before your next shipment.

NMFC item number ≠ freight class

The NMFC item identifies the commodity and its rules. The class is the rating that applies under that item. Confirm the item, packaging and applicable class together.

505560657077.58592.5100110125150175200250300400500

THE FOUR CLASSIFICATION FACTORS

More than weight. More than size.

The NMFC assigns classes based on four transportation characteristics. Density is the most familiar, but all four can matter.

Density

How much space freight occupies compared with its weight, measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Use the packaged weight and the outside dimensions of each handling unit.

Stowability

How easily freight can be loaded with other shipments. Hazardous materials restrictions, excessive weight or length, irregular shapes and freight that cannot be stacked can all affect stowability.

Handling

The care required to load, move and unload freight safely. Fragile items, unusual dimensions or items that need special equipment or attention can affect handling.

Liability

The likelihood of loss, damage or theft, and of damage to other freight. Value per pound, perishability and susceptibility to damage are considered.

The liability factor used for classification is different from a carrier’s actual cargo liability limits. Review the carrier’s terms and consider additional cargo coverage separately.

THE 13-TIER DENSITY SCALE

From density to class.

When an NMFC item is density-based, its class is set by the shipment’s density. Under the standard 13-tier scale introduced by NMFTA Docket 2025-1, the higher the density, the lower the class.

Many items are not density-based, and some use their own density breaks. Always check the applicable NMFC item before relying on a density table.

Calculate your density →

NMFC 13-tier density scale (effective July 19, 2025)
Density (lb per cubic foot)	Class
Less than 1	400
1 but less than 2	300
2 but less than 4	250
4 but less than 6	175
6 but less than 8	125
8 but less than 10	100
10 but less than 12	92.5
12 but less than 15	85
15 but less than 22.5	70
22.5 but less than 30	65
30 but less than 35	60
35 but less than 50	55
50 or greater	50

Source: NMFTA Docket 2025-1, Disposition Bulletin 1371.

MEASURE. CALCULATE. CONFIRM.

Freight density calculator.

A significant share of class applications depends on density. To find it, multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Then divide the total weight in pounds by the total cubic feet.

Total pounds ÷ total cubic feet
= pounds per cubic foot (PCF)

A practical example

A 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet weighing 600 pounds occupies 53.33 cubic feet. Its density is 11.25 PCF, which falls in the 92.5 tier of the 13-tier scale.

Measuring tips

Measure to the farthest points, including the pallet, packaging and any overhang.
Weigh each unit after it is fully packed and wrapped.
When units differ in size, enter each one. Combined density is total weight ÷ total cubic feet; do not average individual PCF results.

OFFICIAL NMFTA RESOURCES

Look up the current NMFC item.

NMFTA’s ClassIT+ is the official source for current NMFC items, classes and change notices. Access may require a subscription.

Explore ClassIT+ ↗

ClassIT+ web application ↗Search commodities and current NMFC content.
NMFC changes and updates ↗NMFTA’s resources on current NMFC changes, including Docket 2025-1.
ClassIT+ video library ↗Official training videos and webinars.
Plans and access ↗Review subscription options directly with NMFTA.

AVOID BILLING SURPRISES

Getting hit with reclasses or reweighs?

Reclasses, reweighs and weight and inspection (W&I) adjustments usually start with a difference between the shipment that was quoted and the freight that was tendered.

We can help reduce the associated costs. Our experienced freight class and NMFC specialists will help identify the reasons for your reclasses or reweighs and implement best practices for quoting and booking future shipments. Need help calculating density? Contact us and we will calculate it for you.

Ask our team for help

Describe the actual commodity. Include what it is made of, what it is used for and how it is packaged.
Measure after packing. Record the largest outside dimensions, including the pallet and overhang.
Weigh the complete unit. Include the pallet and all protective materials.
Keep good records. Save dimensions, scale tickets, packaging photos and shipping documents.
Confirm before booking. Review the current NMFC item and class, stackability and any accessorial services.

CARRIER TOOLS AND GUIDES

Check with the carrier.

Many LTL carriers publish their own density calculators and classification guides. Use them to compare results and review carrier-specific rules. Each link opens the carrier’s official website in a new tab.

Carrier names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners and are shown for identification only. Listing does not imply endorsement. Tools, rules and results vary by carrier, and some tools may require a login.

QUICK ANSWERS

Freight class questions, answered.

Does density always determine freight class?

No. Density determines class only when the applicable NMFC item is density-based. Other items have a fixed class or their own rules, and stowability, handling and liability can also matter. Always check the current NMFC item instead of relying on a density chart alone.

Can I use last year’s NMFC item and class?

Check first. NMFC items, classes and rules change, and the Docket 2025-1 changes that took effect on July 19, 2025 reclassified many commodities. Confirm the current item before quoting.

Why was my shipment reclassified or reweighed?

Carriers may inspect freight and adjust the class or weight when the tendered shipment does not match the bill of lading. Common causes include an incorrect commodity description, dimensions measured without the pallet, or weight that does not include packaging.

What if my pallet cannot be stacked?

Tell us before quoting. Freight that cannot be stacked uses more trailer space and may affect carrier acceptance, rating and charges. Density alone does not capture that.

What should I send if my shipment was reclassified?

Send the original quote, bill of lading, carrier inspection notice, commodity details, packaging photos, dimensions and weight records. Our team can review the difference and discuss next steps. Any adjustment depends on the shipment and the applicable terms.

Can Logistics Worldwide help me determine my freight class?

Yes. Share your commodity, packaging, dimensions and total weight. Our team can calculate density and review the information needed to confirm classification before you request an LTL quote.

Educational guidance reviewed October 15, 2026. Sources: NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371 ↗ · NMFTA NMFC changes ↗. Classification depends on the applicable NMFC item and carrier tariff; confirm current provisions for your shipment.

YOUR FREIGHT. OUR FOCUS.

Ready to request an LTL quote?

Have your commodity, packaging, dimensions and weight ready. If your freight class still needs review, let us know in your request.

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Freight class, explained.Measure it right.Quote it with confidence.