What is freight density and why does it matter?

Freight density is the weight of a shipment divided by the space it takes up, expressed in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). It is the main input LTL carriers use to assign a freight class, and the class drives the rate. Denser shipments get a lower class and a cheaper rate per hundredweight; light, bulky shipments get a higher class and cost more per pound.

How do I calculate freight density?

Multiply length, width and height in inches to get cubic inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the shipment weight in pounds by the cubic feet. The result is PCF. For a 48 by 40 by 36 inch pallet weighing 200 lb: 48 x 40 x 36 = 69,120 cubic inches, which is 40 cubic feet, and 200 divided by 40 is 5 PCF, or Class 175.

Do I include the pallet in the dimensions?

Yes. Carriers measure the shipment as it ships, pallet included, and charge for the smallest rectangular box that would enclose it. Overhang, straps and wrap all count. Leaving the pallet out of the calculation is the most common reason a quoted class differs from the class the carrier bills.

What freight class is my shipment?

This calculator estimates class using the standard NMFTA 13-subprovision density scale, effective July 19, 2025. For example, 4 to less than 6 PCF is Class 175, 6 to less than 8 is Class 125, and 8 to less than 10 is Class 100. Confirm the applicable NMFC item and subprovision with your carrier: handling, stowability, liability and commodity-specific rules can change the class.

Does the calculator work in metric?

Yes. Switch the unit selector to centimeters and kilograms and the fields convert in place. The metric result is shown in kilograms per cubic meter; freight class is assigned on the imperial PCF scale, so switch back to inches and pounds to read the class.

How can I lower my freight class?

Increase density. Use the smallest pallet that fits the freight with no overhang, stack and wrap the load into a clean cuboid the carrier can measure easily, and consolidate small orders into one heavier pallet. Each change raises PCF, which lowers the class and the LTL rate. A re-weigh or re-measure at the terminal that finds a lower density than declared will be billed at the higher class plus an inspection fee.

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Freight density calculator: find your PCF and LTL freight class

Enter the length, width, height and weight of your shipment, or pick a pallet preset, and get pounds per cubic foot and an estimated density-based freight class. Below the tool: the full class table, a worked example and the three packing changes that lower an LTL rate.

Calculate density Freight class table

13density subprovisions
4pallet presets, one click
in or cmimperial and metric
Privateruns in your browser, nothing saved

The calculator

Dimensions and weight in, PCF and class out

Pick a pallet preset to fill length and width, add height and weight, then calculate. Switch to centimeters and kilograms and the fields convert in place.

Freight Density: --

Freight Class: --

How it works

The freight density formula

Density (PCF) = weight in pounds divided by (length x width x height in inches, divided by 1,728).

Measure the whole shipmentLength, width and height in inches, including the pallet and any overhang. Carriers charge for the smallest box that would enclose the freight, so measure the outside edges, straps and all.
Convert to cubic feetMultiply length by width by height for cubic inches, then divide by 1,728 (the cubic inches in one cubic foot). A standard 48 by 40 pallet stacked 36 inches high is 40 cubic feet.
Divide weight by volumeTotal shipment weight in pounds divided by the cubic feet gives pounds per cubic foot, or PCF. The tool then applies the standard 13-subprovision density scale to estimate class; confirm the applicable NMFC item with your carrier.

Worked example. A pallet measuring 48 by 40 by 36 inches and weighing 200 lb: 48 x 40 x 36 = 69,120 cubic inches, which is 40 cubic feet. 200 divided by 40 is 5 PCF, so the shipment lands in Class 175, an expensive class. Packing more onto the same pallet or removing dead space is the way down.

Quick reference

Freight class by density

The standard 13-subprovision scale, effective July 19, 2025. Use it only where the applicable NMFC item calls for this scale; handling, stowability and liability also matter.

50+PCFClass 50Density subprovision
35 to <50PCFClass 55Density subprovision
30 to <35PCFClass 60Density subprovision
22.5 to <30PCFClass 65Density subprovision
15 to <22.5PCFClass 70Density subprovision
12 to <15PCFClass 85Density subprovision
10 to <12PCFClass 92.5Density subprovision
8 to <10PCFClass 100Density subprovision
6 to <8PCFClass 125Density subprovision
4 to <6PCFClass 175Density subprovision
2 to <4PCFClass 250Density subprovision
1 to <2PCFClass 300Density subprovision
under 1PCFClass 400Density subprovision

Source: NMFTA published density scale. Reviewed October 24, 2026. Confirm your item in ClassIT+ or with your carrier.

Why it matters

Why pallet and box size decide the rate

Carriers measure the outside of the loadThe chargeable dimensions are the extreme outer edges of the shipment as it sits on the pallet: pallet, overhang, straps and stretch wrap. A 40 by 30 by 30 inch product on a 48 by 40 pallet with two inches of overhang is measured at 50 by 42 by 30, a 31 percent volume penalty that drops the density and lifts the class.
Higher density, lower class, cheaper rateA pallet of cast iron or machine parts at 30 PCF lands in Class 60. A pallet of foam or holiday decorations at 4 PCF lands in Class 200. Same footprint, very different invoice, because LTL rates rise with the class.
Density is where the class startsThe NMFC assigns most commodities a class by density, but stowability, handling and liability can override it. Hazmat, fragile goods, liquids and anything that cannot be stacked may carry a higher class than the density alone suggests.

Lower the class

Three packing changes that raise density

Each one lifts PCF, which lowers the class and the LTL rate.

Use the smallest pallet that fitsNo overhang and no wasted air. If the product footprint is 40 by 30, a half pallet or a custom skid beats a standard 48 by 40 with empty corners.
Wrap it into a clean cuboidTight stretch wrap and square stacking give the carrier a clean rectangle to measure. Bulges, leaning stacks and loose corners all add chargeable inches.
Consolidate into fewer, heavier palletsTwo half-full pallets are two low-density shipments. One full pallet is usually denser than the sum of its parts, and it also cuts the per-shipment minimum.

Questions

Freight density FAQ

What is freight density and why does it matter?: Freight density is the weight of a shipment divided by the space it takes up, expressed in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). It is the main input LTL carriers use to assign a freight class, and the class drives the rate. Denser shipments get a lower class and a cheaper rate per hundredweight; light, bulky shipments get a higher class and cost more per pound.
How do I calculate freight density?: Multiply length, width and height in inches to get cubic inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the shipment weight in pounds by the cubic feet. The result is PCF. For a 48 by 40 by 36 inch pallet weighing 200 lb: 48 x 40 x 36 = 69,120 cubic inches, which is 40 cubic feet, and 200 divided by 40 is 5 PCF, or Class 175.
Do I include the pallet in the dimensions?: Yes. Carriers measure the shipment as it ships, pallet included, and charge for the smallest rectangular box that would enclose it. Overhang, straps and wrap all count. Leaving the pallet out of the calculation is the most common reason a quoted class differs from the class the carrier bills.
What freight class is my shipment?: This calculator estimates class using the standard NMFTA 13-subprovision density scale, effective July 19, 2025. For example, 4 to less than 6 PCF is Class 175, 6 to less than 8 is Class 125, and 8 to less than 10 is Class 100. Confirm the applicable NMFC item and subprovision with your carrier: handling, stowability, liability and commodity-specific rules can change the class.
Does the calculator work in metric?: Yes. Switch the unit selector to centimeters and kilograms and the fields convert in place. The metric result is shown in kilograms per cubic meter; the tool converts the underlying density to PCF to estimate freight class in either unit system.
How can I lower my freight class?: Increase density. Use the smallest pallet that fits the freight with no overhang, stack and wrap the load into a clean cuboid the carrier can measure easily, and consolidate small orders into one heavier pallet. Each change raises PCF, which lowers the class and the LTL rate. A re-weigh or re-measure at the terminal that finds a lower density than declared will be billed at the higher class plus an inspection fee.

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Freight density calculator: find your PCF and LTL freight class

Dimensions and weight in, PCF and class out

The freight density formula

Freight class by density

Why pallet and box size decide the rate

Three packing changes that raise density

Freight density FAQ

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Freight density calculator: find your PCF and LTL freight class

Dimensions and weight in, PCF and class out

The freight density formula

Freight class by density

Why pallet and box size decide the rate

Three packing changes that raise density

Freight density FAQ

Related tools and guides

Find a 3PL that handles LTL for you

Ready to shortlist 3PLs?

The 3PL newsletter, every two weeks

For brands

For 3PLs

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Company