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Freight class calculator
Dimensions and weight in, density in pounds per cubic foot and the NMFC class band out — plus what a carrier reclass actually costs you once the linehaul is re-rated and the inspection fee lands. This is the same density check our invoice audit runs across LTL and drayage bills.
Handling units
Measure the pallet as the carrier does: outside dimensions at the widest point, including any overhang and shrink wrap.
Reclass check
Density and class
- Handling units
- 4
- Total weight
- 1,400 lb
- Total cube
- 213.33 ft³
- Density
- 6.56 lb / ft³
Density class
Class 150
Band: 6 to 7 lb per ft³. Density classes apply where the NMFC item is density-based; stowability, handling and liability can override the scale.
Weight needed for the next cheaper band
+93.33 lb
Cube to remove for the next cheaper band
−13.33 ft³
Cost impact of a reclass
- Linehaul at class 150 (density)
- $588.00
- Linehaul at class 100 (billed)
- $415.06
- Inspection / reclass fee
- $65.00
Difference vs billed class
-$172.94
The billed class is at or below the density class on this shipment — nothing to dispute here.
Full NMFC density scale
| Density (lb / ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| 50 and over | 50 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 13.5 to under 15 | 77.5 |
| 12 to under 13.5 | 85 |
| 10.5 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 9 to under 10.5 | 100 |
| 8 to under 9 | 110 |
| 7 to under 8 | 125 |
| 6 to under 7 | 150 |
| 5 to under 6 | 175 |
| 4 to under 5 | 200 |
| 3 to under 4 | 250 |
| 2 to under 3 | 300 |
| 1 to under 2 | 400 |
| 0 to under 1 | 500 |
How freight class is decided
The NMFTA scale sorts freight into eighteen classes from 50 to 500. For density-based NMFC items the class comes straight from pounds per cubic foot: dense freight rides cheap at class 50, light and bulky freight pays class 250 and up. Stowability, handling and liability can override the density result for some commodities, so always confirm the NMFC item number on the bill of lading.
Where reclass overbilling comes from
Dock dimensioners measure the outside of the pallet: base height, shrink wrap, and any carton overhang. A 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet re-measured at 48 × 42 × 53 inches loses roughly a fifth of its density, and one or two class bands with it. Because LTL rates climb faster than the class number, a two-band bump often adds fifteen to twenty-five percent to the linehaul before the inspection fee. Toggle the pallet-height option above to see the swing on your own shipment.
Disputing a reclass
Reclass disputes are won with evidence, not argument: photographed pallets with a tape measure in frame, the packing list weight, and the density math on the exact units tendered. Carriers generally allow a short window from invoice date to contest an inspection certificate, so pull them weekly rather than at audit time.