LTL Freight Class Explained: 18 Classes and Density

The Short Answer

LTL freight class is a numerical rating from 50 to 500 assigned to a shipment based on density, stowability, handling, and liability.

Class determines how an LTL carrier prices the move. Lower class equals cheaper rate. The classification system is governed by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). There are 18 standard freight classes used across the LTL industry.

The Four NMFC Factors

What determines class.

Density. Pounds per cubic foot. Heavier-per-cube freight is cheaper to move because more weight fits per trailer foot. The single most important factor for most commodities.
Stowability. How easily the freight loads and stacks. Hazmat, oversize, or oddly shaped freight stows poorly and gets a higher class.
Handling. How much manual labor is required to load, transfer, and unload. Fragile, awkward, or special-equipment freight is harder to handle.
Liability. Likelihood of damage, theft, or causing damage to other freight. High-value or perishable freight carries higher liability and a higher class.

The 18 Classes

From 50 (cheapest) to 500 (most expensive).

Class	Density (lbs/cu ft)	Typical Examples
50	50+	Bricks, sand, nuts and bolts, durable goods on pallets
55	35 to 50	Hardwood flooring, bagged cement
60	30 to 35	Car accessories, glass
65	22.5 to 30	Bottled beverages, books, boxed auto parts
70	15 to 22.5	Newspapers, food in cases, machinery
77.5	13.5 to 15	Tires, bathroom fixtures
85	12 to 13.5	Crated machinery, cast iron stoves
92.5	10.5 to 12	Computers, monitors, refrigerators
100	9 to 10.5	Boat covers, canvas goods, wine cases
110	8 to 9	Cabinets, framed art
125	7 to 8	Small appliances
150	6 to 7	Auto sheet metal, bookcases
175	5 to 6	Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture
200	4 to 5	Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts
250	3 to 4	Bamboo furniture, mattresses, plasma TVs
300	2 to 3	Wood cabinets, tables, chairs (knocked-down)
400	1 to 2	Deer antlers, light fixtures
500	Less than 1	Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls

Calculating Density

The single calculation that drives most class assignments.

Formula

Density = Weight (lbs) / Volume (cubic feet)

Volume

Volume = (L × W × H in inches) / 1,728

Example: a pallet measuring 48 in. L × 40 in. W × 50 in. H weighing 800 lbs.

Volume = (48 × 40 × 50) / 1,728 = 55.56 cubic feet
Density = 800 / 55.56 = 14.4 lbs/cu ft
Class = 77.5 (density falls in the 13.5 to 15 range)

Common Reclass Scenarios

Where shippers lose the most money.

Under-declared dimensions

Shipper books at 48 x 40 x 36 inches but the actual pallet height is 48 inches. Carrier dim-scans at the terminal, recalculates density, and reclasses upward. Reclass charges typically run $50 to $500 per shipment depending on the magnitude.

Stretch-wrap and overhang

Bulky stretch-wrap or freight that overhangs the pallet base bumps measured volume up. Class drops, rate goes up, and the reclass invoice arrives 10 days after the shipment moved.

Wrong NMFC item number

Shipper picks the wrong NMFC item number for the commodity. The item number's published class does not match the actual handling characteristics, and the carrier corrects on inspection.

Density-based vs. straight-class pricing

Many modern LTL carriers price on density rather than published class. If your shipper rate base assumes class-based pricing but the carrier prices on density, you can end up paying more than expected on lighter freight.

How to Avoid Reclass Charges

Six controls that work.

Measure every pallet at pickup. Use a pallet jack scale and a measuring tape. Capture L, W, H, and weight on the BOL.
Calculate density before tendering. Use the formula above. Do not trust the sales department's class on the BOL.
Use the correct NMFC item number. Verify against the current NMFC publication, not last year's.
Negotiate FAK (Freight All Kinds) where you ship multiple classes. A blended class on a contract simplifies pricing and reduces reclass exposure.
Audit weight and inspection (W&I) certificates. When a carrier reclasses, demand the W&I certificate showing the dim-scan reading. Dispute when measurements look wrong.
Request a density-based pricing program. If most reclasses are density-driven, switching to density pricing eliminates the class debate entirely.

What is LTL freight class?