Freight class and density calculator
Learn about freight classifications and how to calculate them.
Learn about freight classifications and how to calculate them.
What is a freight class/NMFC code?
Your less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping class is a number established by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). It’s also known as your NMFC classification or NMFC code.
Your freight class helps determine your shipping cost.* It’s calculated based on how difficult your commodity is to ship and how much liability is involved.
Classes are a freight shipping industry standard. They’re set by the NMFC tariff, which is a publication for motor carriers containing rules, descriptions and ratings of all commodities.
How to determine freight class
Freight class is calculated according to your commodity's transportation characteristics, including:
Density — How much it weighs in relation to its size
Liability — Its value and whether extra security precautions are needed to safeguard it against theft
Handling — If it requires special loading equipment or precautions
Stow-ability — How it fits in the trailer with other freight
There are 18 classes, numbered 50 to 500. A lower class number generally means a lower shipping
cost — because your item is easier to ship.
There are 18 classes, numbered 50 to 500. A lower class number generally means a lower shipping cost — because your item is easier to ship.
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Note: When you ship items with different classes on the same pallet, the shipment defaults to the highest class of those items. For example, if you're shipping car accessories (class 60) with car covers (class 100) on the same pallet, the entire pallet is class 100. |
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Note: When you ship items with different classes on the same pallet, the shipment defaults to the highest class of those items. For example, if you're shipping car accessories (class 60) with car covers (class 100) on the same pallet, the entire pallet is class 100.
Why is freight class important?
You’ll need your freight class code in order to get a rate quote or create an online
freight shipping label or Bill of Lading.
If you don’t include your freight class, or don’t use the right class, it’s usually caught when your shipment is inspected. Then your class and shipping rates are adjusted accordingly. Incorrect classification may add fees to your shipment costs. See items 980 and 981 in the FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff for more information.
How to use our freight class and density calculator
STEP 1
Head to our FedEx LTL Freight Classification Tool. It’s an easy freight class/NMFC code lookup tool with a freight density calculator built in that can help you estimate your freight class.
STEP 2
Choose which item(s) you’re shipping from over 20 categories (including automotive parts, furniture, lumber, medical supplies, food, etc.).
STEP 3
Enter the shipment weight in pounds, and the length, width and height in inches.
Note:
- A standard pallet is 48 inches long and 40 inches wide.
- When you weigh your shipment, include the pallet or other packaging.
YOUR FREIGHT CLASS CALCULATOR RESULTS
Your estimated freight class number* will be displayed on the screen. As mentioned above, there are 18 classes, numbered 50 to 500. Your actual class will be based on your commodity’s demonstrated transportation characteristics.
See the freight class list below.
Once you've determined your freight class, take the next step.
Freight class list
| Freight class code | Type of freight | Weight per ft3 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Durable freight that fits on a standard 4' × 4' pallet | 50+ lbs. |
| 55 | Bricks, cement, hardwood flooring, construction materials | 35–50 lbs. |
| 60 | Car accessories, car parts | 30–35 lbs. |
| 65 | Car accessories and parts, boxed books, bottled drinks | 22.5–30 lbs. |
| 70 | Car accessories and parts, auto engines, food items | 15–22.5 lbs. |
| 77.5 | Tires, bathroom fixtures | 13.5–15 lbs. |
| 85 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves | 12–13.5 lbs. |
| 92.5 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | 10.5–12 lbs. |
| 100 | Car covers, canvas, boat covers, wine cases, caskets | 9–10.5 lbs. |
| 110 | Cabinets, framed art, table saws | 8–9 lbs. |
| 125 | Small home appliances | 7–8 lbs. |
| 150 | Auto sheet metal, bookcases | 6–7 lbs. |
| 175 | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture | 5–6 lbs. |
| 200 | Sheet metal parts, aluminum tables, packaged mattresses, aircraft parts | 4–5 lbs. |
| 250 | Mattresses and box springs, plasma TVs, bamboo furniture | 3–4 lbs. |
| 300 | Model boats, assembled chairs, tables, wood cabinets | 2–3 lbs. |
| 400 | Deer antlers | 1–2 lbs. |
| 500 | Gold dust, ping pong balls | <1 lb. |
| Freight class code |
Type of freight |
Weight per ft3 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Durable freight that fits on a standard 4' × 4' pallet | 50+ lbs. |
| 55 | Bricks, cement, hardwood flooring, construction materials | 35–50 lbs. |
| 60 | Car accessories, car parts | 30–35 lbs. |
| 65 | Car accessories and parts, boxed books, bottled drinks | 22.5–30 lbs. |
| 70 | Car accessories and parts, auto engines, food items | 15–22.5 lbs. |
| 77.5 | Tires, bathroom fixtures | 13.5–15 lbs. |
| 85 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves | 12–13.5 lbs. |
| 92.5 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | 10.5–12 lbs. |
| 100 | Car covers, canvas, boat covers, wine cases, caskets | 9–10.5 lbs. |
| 110 | Cabinets, framed art, table saws | 8–9 lbs. |
| 125 | Small home appliances | 7–8 lbs. |
| 150 | Auto sheet metal, bookcases | 6–7 lbs. |
| 175 | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture | 5–6 lbs. |
| 200 | Sheet metal parts, aluminum tables, packaged mattresses, aircraft parts | 4–5 lbs. |
| 250 | Mattresses and box springs, plasma TVs, bamboo furniture | 3–4 lbs. |
| 300 | Model boats, assembled chairs, tables, wood cabinets | 2–3 lbs. |
| 400 | Deer antlers | 1–2 lbs. |
| 500 | Gold dust, ping pong balls | <1 lb. |
How to ship freight with flat rates and without having to classify your shipment**
The FedEx Freight® box gives you flat-rate shipping and more security. And because you don’t have to add a freight class, you can combine different commodities when you ship. Plus, you get the flexibility of two size options and fast, easy freight packing.
Other freight class FAQs
Bricks, cement, hardwood flooring and construction materials that weigh 35–50 pounds per cubic foot.
No, these are separate designations. Harmonized code is short for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. It's a list of numbers used by customs to classify a product. It’s also used to define the duties and taxes that need to be paid for international shipping. A harmonized code is also known as an HS, tariff or commodity code. Search for your harmonized code here.
If you have questions about your freight’s class, please call FedEx Freight Customer Service at 1.866.393.4585 or your local FedEx Freight service center.
*Please note: Your LTL freight’s actual classification, as established in the National Motor Freight Classification™ (NMFC™), will be based on your commodity’s demonstrated transportation characteristics, including density, stowability, handling and liability. If you have questions about your freight’s actual classification, please contact FedEx Freight Customer Service at 1.866.393.4585, your local FedEx Freight service center or the National Motor Freight Traffic Association.
**Flat rates based on zone pricing. Find rates and zone information. Rates are subject to the General Rate Increase (GRI), and all accessorial charges in the FedEx Freight 100 Rules Tariff will apply. Exception: Item 404 (absolute minimum charge) will not apply as the FedEx Freight box is not discountable. Pricing is subject to the standard FedEx Freight 100 fuel surcharge. Use of the FedEx Freight box will supersede any negotiated pricing. Maximum liability is $7.50 per lb. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico are not covered by FedEx Freight box rates. Hazardous materials are prohibited. Maximum weight allowed for each freight box is 1,200 lbs.