TFTruck Freight Calculator

Classification

Freight Class and Density Calculator

Calculate packaged pounds per cubic foot and screen the result against NMFTA's current 13-tier density scale.

Direct answer

Density equals total packaged weight divided by total packaged cubic feet. Under the current 13-tier screen, for example, 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³ maps to class 65, 30 to under 35 maps to class 60, 35 to under 50 maps to class 55 and 50 or more maps to class 50—but only when commodity rules do not require different treatment.

What changes the result?

A useful calculation starts with the physical scope and the written commercial terms. These are the factors to make explicit:

  • Final packaged dimensions
  • Weight including pallets and packaging
  • Number of identical handling units
  • Current NMFC item and subprovision
  • Handling, stowability and liability characteristics

Use one scope for every quote

Give each business the same information and ask it to resolve the same boundaries. That makes the totals more comparable and exposes work left as an allowance or exclusion.

  1. Measure the maximum packaged extents
  2. Include pallet and packaging weight
  3. Compare the screen with the current NMFC entry
  4. Keep measurement and classification evidence

The current 13 density breaks

NMFTA's July 2025 structure uses classes 400, 300, 250, 175, 125, 100, 92.5, 85, 70, 65, 60, 55 and 50 across rising density bands. The calculator reproduces those breakpoints without guessing a price effect.

Calculate total packaged volume

Multiply length × width × height in inches for one handling unit, multiply by the number of identical units, then divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet. Divide total packaged pounds by that result.

Verify the commodity after the screen

NMFTA's own material says density is primary for applicable commodities but known handling, stowability or liability concerns still matter. Use the current item number, subprovision, packaging rules and governing tariff before tendering freight.

Questions people ask

What freight class is 22.5 lb per cubic foot?

Under the current 13-tier density screen, 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³ maps to class 65 when no different commodity rule applies.

What freight class is 35 lb per cubic foot?

The current screen maps 35 to under 50 lb/ft³ to class 55 when density treatment applies.

Do I measure the pallet too?

Measure and weigh the final packaged handling unit, including pallet, packaging and any overhang.

Is the density result an official classification ruling?

No. It is a screen. Verify the current NMFC commodity entry, subprovision, packaging and exceptions.

Method and sources

The model is a planning tool, not a quotation. These are the published sources used for this page; read the full assumptions before relying on a range. Source review: 14 September 2026.

Review full methodology