Question 1

How do I calculate freight class?

Accepted Answer

Freight class is determined by density (weight per cubic foot), stowability, handling, and liability. Enter your shipment dimensions and weight, and our calculator will determine the density in PCF and corresponding NMFC freight class from 50 to 500.

Question 2

What is NMFC classification?

Accepted Answer

NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) is a standardized system that assigns freight into 18 classes (50-500) based on density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability. Lower classes (50-85) are denser and cheaper to ship, while higher classes (250-500) are lighter and more expensive.

Question 3

How do I calculate shipping density?

Accepted Answer

Shipping density is calculated by dividing the total weight by the total cubic feet. Formula: Density (PCF) = Weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic Feet. Cubic feet = (Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 1,728.

Question 4

What freight class is lighting equipment?

Accepted Answer

Lighting fixtures typically fall between freight class 85-250 depending on packaging and density. LED fixtures often ship at class 85-125, while fragile or bulky fixtures may be class 150-250. Always calculate the actual density for accurate classification.

Question 5

How do I calculate freight class for multiple pallets?

Accepted Answer

For multiple pallets, calculate the total cubic feet and total weight of all pallets combined. Divide total weight by total cubic feet to get the overall density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The freight class is then determined by this combined density. Our calculator supports adding multiple packages to compute this automatically.

Question 6

What is the difference between freight class and NMFC code?

Accepted Answer

NMFC codes are specific item classification numbers assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association to categorize commodities for shipping. Freight class (50-500) is a broader category determined by density, stowability, handling, and liability. An NMFC code maps to a specific freight class. For example, NMFC 109700 (lighting fixtures) maps to freight class 85-150 depending on density.

Question 7

How do I calculate density for freight shipping?

Accepted Answer

Freight density is calculated by dividing the shipment weight in pounds by its volume in cubic feet. Formula: Density (PCF) = Weight (lbs) ÷ ((Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 1,728). For example, a 48×40×48 inch pallet weighing 500 lbs has a density of 500 ÷ (48×40×48÷1728) = 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 PCF, which corresponds to freight class 100.

Freight Class	Density (PCF)	Examples
Class 50	50+ lbs/ft³	Steel, machinery, dense items
Class 55	35-50 lbs/ft³	Bricks, cement, hardwood
Class 60	30-35 lbs/ft³	Car parts, accessories
Class 65	22.5-30 lbs/ft³	Bottled beverages, books
Class 70	15-22.5 lbs/ft³	Food items, automobile parts
Class 77.5	13.5-15 lbs/ft³	Tires, bathroom fixtures
Class 85	12-13.5 lbs/ft³	Machinery, transmissions, LED fixtures
Class 92.5	10.5-12 lbs/ft³	Computers, monitors
Class 100	9-10.5 lbs/ft³	Wine cases, canvases
Class 110	8-9 lbs/ft³	Cabinets, framed artwork
Class 125	7-8 lbs/ft³	Small appliances, lighting fixtures
Class 150	6-7 lbs/ft³	Auto parts, bookcases
Class 175	5-6 lbs/ft³	Clothing, couches
Class 200	4-5 lbs/ft³	Electronics, packaged furniture
Class 250	3-4 lbs/ft³	Bamboo, mattresses, large lighting
Class 300	2-3 lbs/ft³	Chairs, tables, models
Class 400	1-2 lbs/ft³	Deer antlers, very light fixtures
Class 500	Less than 1 lb/ft³	Ping pong balls, feathers

Freight Class Calculator

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About the Freight Class Calculator

NMFC Freight Class Reference

How to Use the Calculator

Tips for Accurate Freight Classification

Common Lighting Industry Classifications

Freight Class Reference Guide