How do I calculate freight class?

Measure each pallet at its longest, widest and tallest points with the pallet included. Multiply length x width x height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet to get density, then find that density on the NMFC 13-tier scale.

What freight class is 10 pounds per cubic foot?

Class 92.5. On the 13-tier scale, 10 to under 12 pounds per cubic foot is class 92.5, and 8 to under 10 is class 100.

Is this calculator up to date with the NMFC changes?

Yes. It uses the 13-tier density scale that took effect on July 19, 2025 (Docket 2025-1). Freight at 50 pounds per cubic foot or more rates class 50, and 35 to under 50 rates class 55. Under the old 11-tier scale, anything at 30 or more topped out at class 60.

Why might my carrier use a different class?

Some NMFC items have a fixed class, or handling, stowability or liability provisions that override density. Your carrier contract may also use an FAK (freight all kinds) class. Confirm the NMFC item number before you book.

What changes on December 12, 2026?

The NMFTA approved 28 of the 33 proposals in Docket 2026-2, and they take effect December 12, 2026. Many move more commodity groups onto the 13-tier density scale, including china and glassware, building woodwork, farm equipment and vehicle parts. The proposed rewrite of the mixed freight rules (Item 640) was disapproved, so the current mixed freight rules still apply.

Logistics & Supply Chain

Emerge Freight Class Calculator

Free freight class calculator built on the NMFC 13-tier density scale

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A free tool that calculates LTL freight class based on pallet dimensions and weight using the current NMFC 13-tier density scale.

About the work

Screenshot of the Emerge Freight Class Calculator homepage

Emerge Freight Class Calculator: the homepage

The Emerge Freight Class Calculator is a free online tool that helps LTL shippers determine the freight class of their shipments. Users enter the dimensions and weight of each pallet, crate or skid, and the calculator computes cubic feet, density in pounds per cubic foot, and the estimated freight class based on the NMFC 13-tier density scale effective July 19, 2025.

The calculator includes three distinctive features: it rates each handling unit individually rather than blending results, it shows both the current 13-tier class and the previous 11-tier class for units whose class changed, and it flags units within 5% of a class breakpoint to alert shippers to potential reclassification risk.

The tool also provides context about why carriers might assign different classes, noting that some NMFC items carry fixed classes or handling provisions that override density, and that carrier contracts may use FAK (freight all kinds) classes. Users are encouraged to confirm NMFC item numbers before booking.

On display

Calculates density in pounds per cubic foot
Per-pallet class rating
Compares current and previous NMFC scales
Flags reclass risk within 5% of breakpoints
Shows potential height savings for better class
Supports multiple measurement units
Based on NMFC 13-tier density scale
Includes class 50 for high-density freight

Pricing

Pricing model: Free

See Emerge Freight Class Calculator's full pricing (opens in a new tab)

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