How-to · Updated October 2, 2026
How do you calculate freight class from density?
Direct answer
Divide weight by cubic feet. Two 48×40×48 in pallets at 1,500 lb are 106.7 ft³, or 14.1 lb/ft³ — class 85. The same size pallet at 200 lb is 3.8 lb/ft³, class 250.
Worked pallet
48 × 40 × 48 × 2 pallets ÷ 1,728 = 106.7 cubic feet. 1,500 ÷ 106.7 = 14.1 lb/ft³. On the 2025 density scale, 12 to under 15 lb/ft³ is class 85.
| One 48×40×48 pallet | Density | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 200 lb | 3.8 lb/ft³ | 250 |
| 400 lb | 7.5 lb/ft³ | 125 |
| 750 lb | 14.1 lb/ft³ | 85 |
| 1,000 lb | 18.8 lb/ft³ | 70 |
| 1,500 lb | 28.1 lb/ft³ | 65 |
| 2,000 lb | 37.5 lb/ft³ | 55 |
2025 density scale
| Pounds per cubic foot | Class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 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 |
What the class does to the bill
1,000 lb, 1,000 miles, LTL including fuel. Only the class changes.
| Class | LTL total | Per pound |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $302 | $0.30 |
| 70 | $402 | $0.40 |
| 85 | $474 | $0.47 |
| 100 | $544 | $0.54 |
| 125 | $658 | $0.66 |
| 250 | $1,186 | $1.19 |
A 200 lb pallet at 3.8 lb/ft³ (class 250) still costs $208 on a 300-mile move, or $1.04/lb.
Limits
- Planning estimate from the 2025 NMFC density tiers, not a carrier’s final class. Inspection can change it.
- Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200, and 500 are assigned for handling and liability, not from this density table.
- The dollar column is an LTL yield model with the current fuel surcharge, not a contracted discount.
Use the calculator
Once you have a class, compare modes: when a full truckload is cheaper than LTL. Enter the pallet size in the freight cost estimator.