Calculator
Formula used
1) Total volume: Length × Width × Height × Handling Units
2) Convert to cubic feet: Cubic Inches ÷ 1,728 = Cubic Feet
3) Density: Total Shipment Weight in Pounds ÷ Total Cubic Feet
4) Base freight class: The calculator maps density to a starting class band.
5) Estimated final class: The base class is shifted upward when packaging, handling, stowability, liability, stackability, or size increase risk.
This is an estimate for planning. Carriers can still review commodity specifics, NMFC rules, and packaging details before assigning the final billable class.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the handling unit count and a short shipment name.
- Add the outside dimensions of one unit, including pallet and packaging.
- Enter the weight for one unit and choose pounds or kilograms.
- Choose whether dimensions should round up for a conservative estimate.
- Set stackability, packaging, handling, stowability, and liability.
- Click Find freight class to view the result above the form.
- Review density, base class, estimated class, and adjustment notes.
- Use the CSV or PDF export buttons to save the result for quoting or internal review.
Example data table
| Shipment | Dimensions | Units | Total Weight | Density | Base Class | Estimated Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxed consumer goods | 48 × 40 × 52 in | 1 | 425 lb | 7.35 lb/ft³ | 125 | 125 |
| Fragile fixtures | 60 × 48 × 72 in | 1 | 510 lb | 3.40 lb/ft³ | 250 | 300 |
| Dense machine parts | 42 × 36 × 30 in | 2 | 1,240 lb | 23.62 lb/ft³ | 65 | 70 |
| Loose mixed freight | 72 × 48 × 84 in | 1 | 390 lb | 1.84 lb/ft³ | 300 | 400 |
FAQs
1) What does freight class mean?
Freight class is a standardized LTL rating that helps carriers price and handle shipments. It reflects density and may also be influenced by stowability, handling difficulty, and liability exposure.
2) Why is density important?
Density compares shipment weight to space used. Dense freight usually receives a lower class, while light and bulky freight usually receives a higher class.
3) Should I include the pallet in dimensions?
Yes. Use the outside dimensions and total weight exactly as tendered. Include pallets, skids, crates, stretch wrap, and any packaging that affects the shipment footprint.
4) Can the final carrier class differ from this result?
Yes. This tool is an estimate. Carriers may reclassify freight after inspecting the commodity, packaging, NMFC item, hazard profile, or actual shipping dimensions.
5) What does the relative rate index show?
It shows how severe the estimated class is compared with class 50. It is not a tariff quote, but it helps compare scenarios quickly.
6) Why can non-stackable freight increase class?
Non-stackable freight often consumes more trailer space and reduces loading efficiency. That reduced cubic utilization can increase the review class during quoting or inspection.
7) When should I choose manual review?
Use stronger review when freight is hazardous, fragile, irregular, high value, restricted in stowability, or unusually long. Those factors commonly need human verification.
8) Can I save results for a quote file?
Yes. After calculating, use the CSV export for spreadsheet work or the PDF export for customer files, approvals, or shipment planning records.