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Freight Density Calculator: Determine Freight Class

Freight density impacts how shipments are classified and priced. Understanding how to calculate freight density, classify shipments appropriately, and optimize packaging can cut costs and streamline operations. Use OD’s freight density calculator, and the FAQs below, to determine your density and the corresponding freight class.

Freight Density FAQs

For more details, including how to calculate freight density or understand the relationship between density, freight class, and NMFC codes, check out our comprehensive FAQ section below. 

Density is a key factor in determining the freight class of a shipment and directly influences shipping costs. Shipments with a higher density typically have a lower freight class while shipments with a lower density are usually associated with a higher freight class. The freight class is one of the key components in determining the freight charges of a shipment. For LTL carriers, accurate density calculations are essential for optimizing space utilization and minimizing wasted capacity.

Use our density calculator tool to determine the density of your shipment and the corresponding freight class.  

To calculate freight density, you take the total weight of the shipment, including the packaging, and divide it by the total cubic feet. This gives you the density, or mathematically, the pounds per cubic foot.  While this calculation can be done manually, using a density calculator simplifies the process and minimizes errors, saving time and ensuring accuracy. 

 

Step 1:  Measure the extreme dimensions of your freight’s length, width, and height in inches. These measurements include the shipment packaging. 

 

Step 2:  Calculate Cubic Feet Length x Width x Height / 1728 = Cubic Feet 

 

Step 3:  Calculate Density (lbs / cubic ft) 

Total Shipment Weight (lbs) / Cubic Feet  = Density (lbs / cubic ft ) 

 

It’s important that shippers obtain the accurate measurements and weight of each shipment. If you ship frequently, investing in a calibrated scale can make knowing the exact weight easier and more accurate before it leaves your facility.

 

Accurately calculating the density and correctly classifying the freight in your shipment can help you avoid discrepancies between your rate estimate and the final invoice. 

Shipment density and your freight class are different items you must determine prior to shipping. Density is a measure of weight in relation to volume, while the freight class is an assigned number based on the shipment density. The chart which correlates shipment density to freight class is based on your commodity's specific NMFC code, all of which is determined by the NMFTA.  

Disclaimer: *The suggested freight class reflected in the Calculator is an estimate based only on density applied to the updated thirteen-tier density scale. Please refer to your product NMFC guidelines to verify the applicable freight class.