Freight Density Calculator
Calculate freight density in PCF and estimate the density-based freight class for LTL shipments.
Calculate shipment density and estimate the density-based freight class for LTL shipments.
Your result
Density-based class
Density band
Calculation details
Total shipment
Reflects the overall shipment, not a single universal classification for every handling unit — each is also shown above independently.
Next density boundary
Next boundary: → density-based class
At the same volume, reaching this boundary would need about lb total. At the same weight, it would need the volume to shrink to about ft³.
Informational only — not an official classification determination.
Shipment audit
How to Calculate Freight Density
- Measure the length, width, and height of the handling unit as tendered (including pallet/packaging).
- Multiply length × width × height to get cubic inches.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
- Divide the weight (in pounds) by the cubic feet to get density in PCF.
- Map the resulting density to the applicable density band to get a density-based class estimate.
Freight Density Formula
Density (PCF) = Weight (lb) ÷ Volume (ft³), where Volume (ft³) = (Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 1,728.
Freight Density and Freight Class
For commodities subject to the applicable density-based provisions, density can determine the density-based class. Final classification can still depend on other NMFC factors beyond density alone — handling, stowability, and liability among them — so treat a density-based result as a starting estimate, not a final classification.
Freight Density Chart
The current NMFTA 13-sub density structure:
| Density range | Class |
|---|---|
| 0.00–<1.00 PCF | 400 |
| 1.00–<2.00 PCF | 300 |
| 2.00–<4.00 PCF | 250 |
| 4.00–<6.00 PCF | 175 |
| 6.00–<8.00 PCF | 125 |
| 8.00–<10.00 PCF | 100 |
| 10.00–<12.00 PCF | 92.5 |
| 12.00–<15.00 PCF | 85 |
| 15.00–<22.50 PCF | 70 |
| 22.50–<30.00 PCF | 65 |
| 30.00–<35.00 PCF | 60 |
| 35.00–<50.00 PCF | 55 |
| 50.00+ PCF | 50 |
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Dimensions and weight should reflect the handling unit as it will actually be tendered to the carrier — including the pallet, any packaging, and any projections beyond the base footprint. Measuring only the product itself, without its pallet or packaging, understates the true volume and can produce a misleading density figure.
Important
This calculator provides a density-based freight class estimate. Final freight classification can depend on the applicable NMFC item and factors such as handling, stowability, and liability. Verify the applicable classification with the current authoritative NMFC/carrier source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is freight density?
Freight density is how much a shipment weighs relative to the space it takes up, expressed in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). It's calculated by dividing a handling unit's weight by its volume in cubic feet.
How do I calculate freight density?
Measure the length, width, and height of the handling unit, multiply them to get cubic inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight (in pounds) by that cubic-foot figure to get PCF.
What is PCF?
PCF stands for pounds per cubic foot — the standard unit freight density is expressed in.
How is freight class related to density?
For commodities subject to the applicable density-based provisions, higher density generally corresponds to a lower freight class. The current NMFTA 13-sub density structure maps density ranges to specific classes.
Does density determine my official NMFC class?
Not necessarily. This calculator provides a density-based estimate only. Final classification can depend on the applicable NMFC item and factors such as handling, stowability, and liability — verify the applicable classification with the current authoritative NMFC/carrier source.
Should I include the pallet?
Generally yes — dimensions and weight should reflect the handling unit as tendered, including the pallet, packaging, and any relevant projections. Confirm this with the "pallet/packaging" checkbox before calculating.
What happens if my density is close to a class boundary?
A small difference in measurement or weight could move the shipment into a different density band. This calculator flags when a result is close to a boundary so you know to double-check your numbers.
Can I calculate freight density in kilograms and centimeters?
Yes — the calculator accepts inches, centimeters, feet, or meters for dimensions, and pounds or kilograms for weight, and converts internally before calculating.