Freightquote simplifies freight shipping by providing you all the tools you need to ship freight. We calculate the freight density of your shipments automatically by using the information listed here. We’ve created this page to inform you about freight density so you understand how it works.
Freight volume and density calculator
Freight density is determined by calculating the load’s shipping dimensions and weight. Freight density ranges from 50 to less than 1. It most cases, the lower then density of your load, the higher the freight class.
Take Styrofoam for example. Styrofoam is class 500 because it is very low in density. Filling a truck full of boxes of Styrofoam would not weigh very much, it has low density, and is highly breakable. This means that freight rates are higher for Styrofoam vs. bricks.
Calculation in Inches:
L x W x H = cubic inches
Divide by 1728 = cubic feet
Divide weight by cubic feet = freight density
Example calculation:
L=115" x W=30" x H= 50" equals to 172,500 cubic inches
Divide 172,500 by 1728 = 99.83 cubic feet
Divide by weight - let's say 1,500 lbs:
1,500 lbs divided by 99.83 cubic feet = 15.03 freight density in pounds per cubic foot
Using the calculated density table below, in this example the freight density is between 15 and 22.5 which equals an estimated freight class of 65. You can also use the freight density calculator below to find your density and recommended class.
National Classification Committee’s density guidelines
Below is a table the National Classification Committee has published to identify the freight class that relates to average density. The density/class relationships in the guidelines presume that there are no unusual or significant stow ability, handling or liability characteristics, which would give those characteristics additional or different "weight" in determining the appropriate class. National Motor Freight Classification density guidelines: Calculated density with freight class conversion.
| 50 = class 55 |
30 = class 60 |
22.5 = class 65 |
15 = class 70 |
13.5 = class 77.5 |
| 12 = class 92.5 |
9 = class 100 |
8 = class 110 |
7 = class 125 |
6 = class 150 |
| 5 = class 200 |
3 = class 250 |
2 = class 300 |
1 = class 400 |
>1 = class 500 |
The general rule of thumb is the higher the class, the higher the rate for every hundred pounds you ship. Rates are structured so that as the weight of your shipment increases, the rate per hundred pounds decreases.
Total cost rates are based on several factors:
- The distance the load is moving
- The load’s weight
- The density of the commodity being shipped
- The commodity's susceptibility to damage
- The value of the items being shipped
- The commodity's load ability and handling characteristics
* It is recommended that you consult one of our freight experts to determine your actual
freight class. The examples and information listed here are for educational
purposes and are only estimates. Freightquote does not accept
responsibility for an incorrect determination of freight class based on the
information provided here.
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