01
Calculate freight density
Multiply the greatest packed length, width, and height for each identical handling unit, convert to cubic feet, then divide total tendered pounds by total cubic feet.
CalculatorsFREE · NO SIGNUP
Freight Class Density Calculator
Calculate LTL handling-unit density from packed dimensions and weight, then map it to the current NMFTA 13-subprovision density guideline.
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01 USE IT NOW02 NO ACCOUNT03 FIELD NOTES BELOW
WORKING INPUTS
Measure the tendered handling unit.
LIVE RESULT
Density guideline class
Class 100Density-guideline mapping only; confirm the governing NMFC item, packaging, handling, stowability, liability, FAK terms, and carrier rules.DENSITY9.00 pcf
TOTAL CUBE50 ft³
TOTAL WEIGHT450 lb
GUIDELINE BAND8 to under 10 pcf
12
CUBE FIRST, THEN DENSITY
Measure the handling unit as tendered
LTL density begins with the greatest packed dimensions, including projections. The guideline class is only a starting point because commodity, handling, stowability, liability, and carrier rules still matter.
WORKING VIEW
9.00 PCF · CLASS 10048 × 40 × 45 IN · 450 LB
METHODtotal pounds ÷ total cubic feet, mapped to NMFTA density break
WORKING NOTE50.00 ft³ · current 8 to under 10 pcf break
INPUTS → CLEAR OUTPUT
THE FIELD NOTES
Quick answer above. Better decisions below.
Use the result now, then read the practical notes for assumptions, examples, limitations, and the choices behind it.
48 × 40 × 45 IN · 450 LB9.00 PCF · CLASS 100
50.00 ft³ · current 8 to under 10 pcf break
02
Map density to the current 13-subprovision guideline
The result uses the NMFTA density breaks reviewed September 29, 2026, from class 400 below 1 pcf through class 50 at 50 pcf or more.
03
Use tendered handling units
NMFTA guidance says density is normally calculated for each handling unit; total weight and total cube may be used where shipping papers show only a shipment total.
04
Do not treat density as final classification
Handling, stowability, liability, commodity description, packaging, NMFC item, FAK terms, and carrier rules can change the applicable class.
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Calculate freight density
Multiply the greatest packed length, width, and height for each identical handling unit, convert to cubic feet, then divide total tendered pounds by total cubic feet.
Use the volumetric weight calculator for parcel-carrier dimensional-weight planning, which is a different rating job.
Map density to the current 13-subprovision guideline
The result uses the NMFTA density breaks reviewed September 29, 2026, from class 400 below 1 pcf through class 50 at 50 pcf or more.
A density break applies only where the governing NMFC item uses that density progression.
Use tendered handling units
NMFTA guidance says density is normally calculated for each handling unit; total weight and total cube may be used where shipping papers show only a shipment total.
Use the pallet calculator to test a simple carton stack before measuring the finished tendered load.
Do not treat density as final classification
Handling, stowability, liability, commodity description, packaging, NMFC item, FAK terms, and carrier rules can change the applicable class.
Confirm the current NMFC item and shipment with NMFTA, ClassIT+, or the carrier before tender.
Questions, answered.
How do you calculate freight density?
Divide total tendered pounds by total cubic feet measured from the packed handling unit dimensions.
Does density always determine freight class?
No. The governing NMFC item and handling, stowability, liability, packaging, and carrier terms still matter.
What dimensions should I use?
Use the greatest straight-line packed dimensions, including projections, as tendered to the carrier.
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