Home / Tools / NMFC Density Calculator

NMFC Freight Class Density & Cubic Capacity Calculator

Interactive freight classification tool for LTL carriers and freight brokers: calculate exact pounds per cubic foot (PCF), map to official 18 NMFC freight classes (Class 50 to 500), and eliminate carrier re-weigh balance due invoices.

The 18 Standard NMFC Classes

National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns commodities into 18 classes based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. Classes range from 50 (clean steel, 50+ PCF) to 500 (low density, < 1 PCF).

Dimensional Weight Penalties

Lightweight, bulky freight incurs severe cubic capacity surcharges when density falls below 6 PCF. Capturing overhang inches and pallet skid tare weight prevents costly retroactive billing disputes.

Dynamic Density Rating (CWT)

Modern enterprise shippers and LTL carriers are migrating toward pure density-based rating matrices, replacing convoluted NMFC commodity codes with automated weight-and-cube algorithms.

Pallet Dimension & PCF Density Classifier

—

Pounds Per Cubic Foot (PCF) & Official NMFC Class:

—

NMFC Freight Class Breakdown Table

Class Density Range (PCF) Representative Commodities Handling & Liability Profile Exspeedite Rating Logic
Class 50 Over 50 lbs / cu.ft Steel nuts, bolts, heavy auto parts, ingots Extremely dense, low damage risk Lowest CWT rate tariff tier
Class 70 15 to 22.5 lbs / cu.ft Automotive engine parts, food cans, paper reams Standard industrial baseline freight Standard benchmark rate tier
Class 100 10 to 12 lbs / cu.ft Boat covers, wine cases, boxed hardware Average handling, moderate cube usage Base median rate tier
Class 250 4 to 6 lbs / cu.ft Bamboo furniture, boxed electronics, mattress pads Fragile, bulky, high cubic consumption High CWT tariff with cube interlock
Class 500 Less than 1 lb / cu.ft Gold dust, antique clocks, ping pong balls, bags of feathers Extreme liability or extreme low density Maximum tariff tier & linear foot rules

Schedule an LTL Rating & Tariff Audit with Scott Elliott

See how Exspeedite TMS automates density-based rating, flags NMFC re-class risks, and eliminates balance-due carrier surprises.