LTL carriers rate freight using the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). In July 2025 the NMFC moved a large number of commodities to density-based classification and expanded the density scale from 11 steps to 13.
How density is calculated
Measure each handling unit — pallet included — at its longest, widest and tallest points. Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide the weight by the cubic feet and you have density in pounds per cubic foot.
The 13-step density scale
- Under 1 pcf — class 400
- 1 to under 2 — class 300
- 2 to under 4 — class 250
- 4 to under 6 — class 175
- 6 to under 8 — class 125
- 8 to under 10 — class 100
- 10 to under 12 — class 92.5
- 12 to under 15 — class 85
- 15 to under 22.5 — class 70
- 22.5 to under 30 — class 65
- 30 to under 35 — class 60
- 35 to under 50 — class 55
- 50 or more — class 50
Why accurate dimensions matter
Carriers can re-weigh and re-measure freight, and a different class can change the invoice. Some commodities are still classed by item rather than density. Measuring carefully up front — and asking your contact when in doubt — avoids surprises.
