Freight Class Chart: How to Classify Your LTL Shipment Like a Pro

Class Weight Per Cubic Foot (Density) Examples of Goods

50 Over 50 lbs Steel nuts/bolts, iron, heavy flooring

55 35–50 lbs Bricks, cement, heavy hardware

60 30–35 lbs Ceramic tiles, car parts (dense), stone

65 22.5–30 lbs Bottled water, books, boxed paper

70 15–22.5 lbs Engines, car parts, machinery

77.5 13.5–15 lbs Tires, snowmobiles, large tools

85 12–13.5 lbs Transmissions, pharmaceutical cooling

92.5 10.5–12 lbs Computers, monitors, heavy electronics

100 9–10.5 lbs Boat motors, wine cases, car hoods

110 8 - 9 lbs Cabinets, framed artwork, table saws

125 7–8 lbs Small appliances, boxed furniture

150 6–7 lbs ATVs, jet skis, large electronics

175 5 - 6 lbs Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture

200 4–6 lbs Mattresses, boxed TVs, light furniture

250 3–4 lbs Bamboo furniture, empty cabinets

300 2–3 lbs Model airplanes, kayaks, light fixtures

400 1–2 lbs Deer antlers, ping pong balls, feathers

500 Less than 1 lb Low-density items (bags of chips, gold leaf)

Our freight class chart and calculator simplifies the complex world of LTL shipping by providing a clear breakdown of the 18 different National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) classes. Understanding your shipment’s density, stowability, handling, and liability is critical for obtaining accurate quotes and avoiding costly re-classification fees from carriers. Whether you are shipping heavy machinery or lightweight electronics, use this comprehensive guide and calculator to determine your specific freight code and streamline your logistics process.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, choose a higher class to avoid "Re-classification fees" from the carrier later!

Avoiding these common errors will prevent "billing adjustments" (surprise invoices) and ensure your freight moves smoothly.

🚫 Measuring & Documentation

• Ignoring Pallet Dimensions: Always include the length, width, and height of the pallet itself, not just the box on top.

• Forgetting "The Bump": If your cargo overhangs the pallet, you must measure from the widest points of the shipment.

• Rounding Down: Carriers use laser scanners; always round up to the nearest inch to avoid re-measurement fees.

• Omitting Pallet Weight: A standard wooden pallet weighs 30–50 lbs. If you don't include this in your total weight, your density calculation will be wrong.
  
  

📦 Handling & Stowability

• Assuming Density is Everything: Even if your density is high, items that are hazardous, fragile, or oddly shaped (non-stowable) can be pushed into a higher, more expensive class.

• Labeling as "Non-Stackable": If you mark a pallet as non-stackable, carriers may charge you for the full height of the trailer (usually 96 inches), even if your pallet is only 4 feet tall.

• Wrong NMFC Code: Density is a guide, but the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code is the legal rule. Using the wrong code is the #1 cause of re-billing.

💡 Carrier Tip: Carriers use "Dimensioners" (infrared scales) to verify your math. Accuracy within 1 inch can save you a $50+ re-weigh fee!
"Estimates only—see disclaimer"

Disclaimer: This freight class calculator and chart are intended for informational and estimation purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, the final freight classification is determined by the carrier based on the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) guidelines. Actual shipping rates may vary due to factors such as stowability, handling, liability, and carrier-specific rules. Cheaper Freight Shipping is not responsible for any billing adjustments, re-classification fees, or price differences issued by transportation providers. Always verify your NMFC code and dimensions before booking.