NMFC Freight Class Calculator — Density-Based Class & PCF

Example Shipments

Presets are examples to illustrate the math — not authoritative classifications. Always verify the exact NMFC item.

Shipment Inputs (per handling unit)

Length (in) Greatest length

Width (in) Greatest width

Height (in) Incl. pallet

Weight per unit (lb) Weight of one handling unit

Handling units Identical pallets / pieces

Density is figured per handling unit using the unit's greatest dimensions including pallet and packaging. Identical units share the same density, so the class is the same whether you ship one or ten.

Result

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STANDARD NMFC FREIGHT CLASS (density-rated)

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Volume / unit

— ft³

Density

— pcf

Total (all units)

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Formula used

density (pcf) = weight (lb) ÷ [ (L × W × H) ÷ 1,728 ]

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Standard Density Scale — 13 Subs (effective July 19, 2025)

Density-rated commodities map to class by density break. The row matching your shipment highlights as you type. This scale replaced the older 11-sub charts and added classes 50 and 55.

Density (pcf)	Class

This is the standard density scale for density-rated commodities. Items with handling, stowability, or liability issues keep their commodity-specific classes and are not classed by density alone.
The scale changed July 19, 2025 to 13 subs (adding classes 50 and 55). Older 11-sub density charts are outdated.
Verify the exact NMFC item in NMFTA ClassIT before quoting. Density gives you the standard class; the published item governs.

Source: NMFTA Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025 — the standard density scale in the National Motor Freight Classification. Density = weight ÷ cubic feet, figured per handling unit using the greatest dimensions including pallet and packaging. Confirm the governing NMFC item in NMFTA ClassIT before quoting.

How this tool works

NMFC Freight Class & Density Calculator runs entirely in your browser. Inputs are evaluated with rules and constants taken from NMFTA Docket 2025-1 (13-sub scale) (Freight & logistics). Nothing is uploaded to a server for the calculation itself.

Enter the values that match your load, vehicle, or scenario.
Results update live — treat them as a cited reference, not legal or professional advice.
Open the primary source linked at the top of this page before you rely on a number for compliance.

Use Copy link to share this page (including query parameters when the tool supports them) or Print for a dock/packet copy.

FAQ

Who is NMFC Freight Class & Density Calculator for?

Anyone who needs a fast, cited freight & logistics reference — especially operators who would otherwise dig through a handbook or regulation PDF mid-task.

Do I need an account?

No. Sentinel Tools are free, public, and run in your browser with no sign-up.

How current is the source?

The tool is built from NMFTA Docket 2025-1 (13-sub scale). Regulations and agency tables can change — use the source link on this page to verify the latest official text.