Shipping Tools
Freight Class Lookup
Simplify your shipping: enter your shipment’s dimensions and weight to see its density and where it falls on the NMFC density scale.
Estimate your freight class
The freight classification system prices different types of goods in LTL freight. Enter one piece’s dimensions, the total weight, and the number of pieces.
Enter your dimensions and weight to estimate the freight class.
Estimated freight class
- Density
- Total volume
- Density band for this class
Want the class confirmed? Get a Quote
An estimate, not a classification. This tool estimates a class from density alone, on the NMFC’s current density scale (effective July 19, 2025). The scale applies to density-rated items. Many commodities have their own NMFC item that sets the class, weighing handling, stowability, and liability too, and the carrier’s classification governs. For a precise class, talk to our team.
Density scale
The NMFC density scale
Since July 19, 2025, density-rated freight takes its class from the NMFC’s 13-tier density scale. Divide your shipment’s weight by its volume in cubic feet to get its density, then find the band it falls in. The estimator above marks the band for you.
- Higher density, lower class. Dense freight takes less trailer space for its weight, so it rates in a lower class and usually costs less per pound to ship.
- From class 50 to class 400. The scale runs from class 50, for freight of 50 lb per cubic foot or more, to class 400, for freight under 1 lb per cubic foot.
- Density-rated items only. Many commodities have their own NMFC item that sets the class, weighing how they stow, how they handle, and their liability. The carrier’s classification governs.
| Freight class | Density (lb per cu ft) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 50 or more |
| 55 | 35 to under 50 |
| 60 | 30 to under 35 |
| 65 | 22.5 to under 30 |
| 70 | 15 to under 22.5 |
| 85 | 12 to under 15 |
| 92.5 | 10 to under 12 |
| 100 | 8 to under 10 |
| 125 | 6 to under 8 |
| 175 | 4 to under 6 |
| 250 | 2 to under 4 |
| 300 | 1 to under 2 |
| 400 | Less than 1 |
NMFC freight codes
What is an NMFC code?
NMFC codes, also called National Motor Freight Classification numbers, categorize types of commodities and set the rating level they ship at. Each listing pairs a commodity with the freight class it moves in.
The classification is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), and LTL carriers use it to rate the freight they haul. When a commodity has its own NMFC listing, that listing governs its class, whatever a density estimate suggests.
What are freight classes?
Freight classes give carriers, warehouses, and brokers one standard framework for pricing shipments. Classes run from 50, for dense, easy-to-handle freight, up to the high classes for light, bulky freight, and a lower class usually means a lower freight charge. A shipment’s class comes from four characteristics:
Density
Weight against volume, in pounds per cubic foot: the starting point for most freight.
Stowability
How easily the freight loads alongside other shipments in a trailer.
Handling
How easy or difficult the freight is to move and load safely.
Liability
How likely it is to be stolen, damaged, or spoiled in transit.
Identifying the correct freight class
RS Group is committed to helping you find the correct NMFC freight class for every shipment. Verifying the code before your freight moves is what keeps your pricing consistent and correct from one shipment to the next.
Our estimator gives general guidance only. For a precise freight class, contact our team with a description of what you are shipping, how it is packaged, and its weight and dimensions. The freight density calculator works out the density for you.
Why freight class matters in LTL shipping
An accurate freight class drives your LTL freight costs, and it plays a key role if you ever need to file a freight claim. The most common problems our customers bring us start with the class:
- Choosing a lower class to lower the quote, then paying the difference when the carrier reclassifies the shipment
- Estimating dimensions instead of measuring the freight as it will ship, pallet included
- Leaving the pallet or packaging out of the total weight
- Reusing an old class after the packaging or the product changes
A mismatch between the quoted cost and the invoice also costs time, for you and for whoever manages your freight. A little extra care in finding the right class saves money and delays, and keeps freight moving smoothly to and from your customers.
Get your class confirmed
Send us the details, and we will confirm the freight class and quote the shipment across our carrier network.