Freight Class & NMFC Density Guide

For density-rated freight, divide total shipment weight in pounds by total volume in cubic feet, then match the result to the applicable class table. Higher density means a lower class number— but official NMFC classification can also depend on the commodity, handling, stowability, and liability.

All 18 US LTL freight classes, the current 13 standard density bands, and the NMFC item checks to make before you accept a carrier quote.

Calculate your density first

Enter the packed dimensions and weight, then jump to the matching class.

Open the freight class calculator

Browse classes 50–500

Class 5050 lb/ft³ and over Class 5535 to under 50 lb/ft³ Class 6030 to under 35 lb/ft³ Class 6522.5 to under 30 lb/ft³ Class 7015 to under 22.5 lb/ft³ Class 77.5Commodity-specific NMFC classification Class 8512 to under 15 lb/ft³ Class 92.510 to under 12 lb/ft³ Class 1008 to under 10 lb/ft³ Class 110Commodity-specific NMFC classification Class 1256 to under 8 lb/ft³ Class 150Commodity-specific NMFC classification Class 1754 to under 6 lb/ft³ Class 200Commodity-specific NMFC classification Class 2502 to under 4 lb/ft³ Class 3001 to under 2 lb/ft³ Class 400under 1 lb/ft³ Class 500Commodity-specific NMFC classification

The standard 13-band density chart

Standard 13-band full-density guidance. Source: NMFTA density breaks (checked 3 October 2026). Confirm the commodity's NMFC item and carrier tariff; handling, stowability or liability provisions can change the class.
Density (lb/ft³)	Freight 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
12 to under 15	85
10 to under 12	92.5
8 to under 10	100
6 to under 8	125
4 to under 6	175
2 to under 4	250
1 to under 2	300
under 1	400

How to use the guide

Start with the dimensions and total weight of the packed handling unit — not the loose product. Use the calculator to get density, then open the matching class page below for the exact standard band. Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 remain valid classes, but are outside this standard full-density table: check their applicable NMFC item.

Density is a strong sanity check, not an official NMFC item lookup. If a commodity has a fixed class or special handling rules, the carrier's tariff and current NMFC item control.

Before tendering, review the common measurement and classification errors in the freight class mistakes guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many freight classes are there?

There are 18 US LTL freight classes, from 50 to 500. The current standard full-density table uses 13 of those classes, ending at class 400 below 1 lb/ft³. Other classes can apply through commodity-specific NMFC items.

Does density always determine freight class?

No. Density is the primary factor for many general commodities, but official NMFC classification can also depend on commodity, handling, stowability and liability.