How to calculate LTL freight class
LTL pricing hinges on freight class — a number from 50 (dense, cheap) to 500 (light, expensive) set by the NMFC. Getting it right is the difference between a fair quote and a surprise re-bill.
The four factors
- Density (the big one) — pounds per cubic foot.
- Stowability — how easily it loads with other freight.
- Handling — fragility, special care.
- Liability — value and theft/damage risk.
For most commodities, density determines the class.
Calculate density in 3 steps
- Volume (cubic feet) = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728
- Density = weight (lb) ÷ volume (cu ft)
- Look up the class from the density:
| Density (lb/cu ft) | Typical class |
|---|---|
| 50+ | 50–55 |
| 30–35 | 60–65 |
| 22.5–30 | 70 |
| 15–22.5 | 77.5–85 |
| 12–15 | 92.5–100 |
| 8–10 | 125 |
| 6–8 | 150 |
| 4–6 | 175–200 |
| under 1 | 400–500 |
Worked example
A pallet 48 × 40 × 48 in weighing 600 lb:
- Volume = (48 × 40 × 48) ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 cu ft
- Density = 600 ÷ 53.3 = 11.3 lb/cu ft → roughly class 100
Tips
- Measure the real footprint including the pallet and any overhang.
- Round up dimensions — carriers re-measure and bill the higher number.
- Some commodities have a fixed NMFC class regardless of density — verify yours.
How Atlas helps
Atlas estimates your class from the dimensions and weight you enter, and our ops team verifies it before booking so you don't get reclassified. Quote an LTL shipment.