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NMFC Freight Class & Density (PCF

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### Supply Chain & Freight Logistics: The NMFC Freight Class System Established by the **National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)**, freight classes (ranging from **Class 50 to Class.

Reviewed by Ahmad Faraz · BSCS
Last updated:
Editorial Guidelines

⚙ Input Values

📊 Results

Primary Freight Class Summary
NMFC Class 85 (Density: 12.19 PCF) ➔ 1,300 lbs across 106.7 cu ft (2 pallets)
Estimated NMFC Freight Class
Class 85 (Standard LTL Freight Class)
Freight Density (Pounds per Cubic Foot -- PCF)
12.19 lbs / cu ft (PCF Density)
Total Shipment Volume (Cubic Feet cu ft)
106.67 cu ft (3.02 m³)
Total Gross Shipment Weight (lbs & kg)
1,300 lbs (589.7 kg)
Single Pallet Volume (cu ft & m³)
53.33 cu ft (1.510 m³ per pallet)
NMFC Density Tier Bracket Range
12.0 to 13.5 PCF
✦ LTL Freight Billing & Classification Diagnostic
LTL Freight Classification Analysis: Shipping 2 pallet(s) measuring 48" × 40" × 48" each (53.33 cu ft / 1.510 m³ per unit | Total Volume: 106.67 cu ft) weighing 1,300 lbs total (589.7 kg): Calculated Freight Density is 12.19 lbs/cu ft (PCF). Under National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) standards, this density qualifies for NMFC Class 85 (12.0 to 13.5 PCF). Rating Guideline: Lower freight classes (Class 50–70) enjoy cheaper transportation tariff rates per hundredweight (CWT) because dense cargo maximizes trailer weight capacity without wasting cubic space.
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📐 Formula

National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) density & class equations: Pallet Volume (cu ft) = Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)1,728 Shipment Volume = Single Pallet Volume × Number of Pallets Density (PCF) = Total Shipment Gross Weight (lbs)Total Shipment Volume (cu ft) 18-Tier Freight Class: Assigned based on calculated PCF density range (Class 50 to 500)

💡 Practical Example

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For example, shipping 2 standard pallets measuring 48" × 40" × 48" weighing 650 lbs each (1,300 lbs total): Single pallet volume is \. Total shipment volume is \. Freight Density is \. Under NMFC density tables (12.0 to 13.5 PCF), the shipment is classified as NMFC Class 85.

📖 About NMFC Freight Class & Density (PCF

Supply Chain & Freight Logistics: The NMFC Freight Class System

Established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), freight classes standardize Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping rates across carriers.

The 4 Transportation Characteristics

  • Density (PCF): The primary factor; denser cargo (Class 50) is cheaper to ship per pound than bulky, low-density cargo (Class 500).
  • Handling: Fragility or special loading equipment required.
  • Stowability: Irregular shapes or hazardous materials that cannot be stacked.
  • Liability: High-theft value or perishability risk.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your Pallet / Crate Length (Inches) (e.g. 48.0 (Standard pallet is 48")), Pallet / Crate Width (Inches) (e.g. 40.0 (Standard pallet is 40")), Pallet / Crate Height (Inches including wooden pallet base) (e.g. 48.0), Total Gross Weight per Pallet (lbs) (e.g. 650.0), and Number of Pallets / Units in Shipment (e.g. 2). Results update instantly as you type — adjust any value to compare scenarios.

The Formula

National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) density & class equations: Pallet Volume (cu ft) = (Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)) / (1,728) Shipment Volume = Single Pallet Volume × Number of Pallets Density (PCF) = (Total Shipment Gross Weight (lbs)) / (Total Shipment Volume (cu ft)) 18-Tier Freight Class: Assigned based on calculated PCF density range (Class 50 to 500)

Worked Example

For example, shipping 2 standard pallets measuring 48" × 40" × 48" weighing 650 lbs each (1,300 lbs total): Single pallet volume is . Total shipment volume is . Freight Density is . Under NMFC density tables (12.0 to 13.5 PCF), the shipment is classified as NMFC Class 85.

Understanding Your Result

Evaluate your result in the context of your specific use case and relevant industry standards or reference values. A single calculated result is a starting point — test two to three scenarios to understand how sensitive the outcome is to your key input assumptions. For high-stakes decisions, verify your result against a secondary source or subject-matter expert before acting.

💡 Methodological Standards & Calculation Accuracy

  • All calculations are performed client-side in your browser using verified, standards-compliant mathematical algorithms.
  • Results are provided for educational and informational analysis; verify critical applications with certified domain specialists.
  • Ensure input values are entered in consistent units matching the selector options to guarantee accurate outputs.
  • Periodic recalibration is recommended whenever baseline assumptions, operating parameters, or external conditions change.
Sources: NIST Standards · ISO International Standards

Results are for informational and educational purposes only. Always verify critical decisions with a qualified professional.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freight Density (PCF)?
Freight density measures the weight of a shipment relative to its cubic volume in pounds per cubic foot: PCF = Total Weight (lbs) ÷ Total Volume (cu ft).

What are the 18 NMFC freight classes?
NMFC classes range from Class 50 (densest and least expensive per pound, >50 PCF) up to Class 500 (lightest and most expensive per pound, <1 PCF).

Why is a lower freight class cheaper to ship?
Lower freight classes represent dense, compact cargo that allows freight carriers to maximize truck weight capacity without taking up excessive trailer cubic space.

How do you measure pallet height for freight classification?
Measure from the very bottom of the wooden pallet on the floor to the highest point of the packaged goods at the top.

What happens if you misclassify freight on a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
Carriers will re-weigh and dimensionally scan your pallet at the freight terminal, issuing a costly re-classification fee and re-billing at the higher freight class.

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