Freight Shipping Class Calculator

Freight Shipping Class Calculator

function calculateFreightClass() { var lengthInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById("itemLength").value); var widthInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById("itemWidth").value); var heightInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById("itemHeight").value); var totalWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("itemWeight").value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result"); if (isNaN(lengthInches) || isNaN(widthInches) || isNaN(heightInches) || isNaN(totalWeight) || lengthInches <= 0 || widthInches <= 0 || heightInches <= 0 || totalWeight 50) { freightClass = "Class 50"; } else if (density >= 35 && density = 30 && density = 22.5 && density = 15 && density = 13.5 && density = 12 && density = 10.5 && density = 9 && density = 8 && density = 7 && density = 6 && density = 5 && density = 4 && density = 3 && density = 2 && density = 1 && density < 2) { freightClass = "Class 400"; } else if (density < 1) { freightClass = "Class 500"; } else { freightClass = "N/A (Density out of typical range)"; } resultDiv.innerHTML = "Calculated Volume: " + volumeCubicFeet.toFixed(2) + " cubic feet" + "Calculated Density: " + density.toFixed(2) + " lbs per cubic foot" + "Estimated Freight Class: " + freightClass + ""; }

Understanding Freight Shipping Class

When shipping goods via Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight, one of the most critical factors determining your shipping cost is the freight class. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) developed the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system to standardize freight pricing across carriers. This system assigns a class number (from 50 to 500) to every commodity, primarily based on its density, but also considering stowability, handling, and liability.

Why is Freight Class Important?

The freight class directly impacts the shipping rate. Lower class numbers (e.g., Class 50) are assigned to dense, durable, and easily handled items, which are generally cheaper to ship per pound. Higher class numbers (e.g., Class 500) are for light, bulky, fragile, or difficult-to-handle items, which are more expensive to ship because they take up more space relative to their weight or require special care.

Accurately determining your freight class is crucial to avoid unexpected charges, re-classification fees, and delays. If a carrier re-classifies your shipment to a higher class than you declared, you will be billed for the difference, often at a higher rate.

How is Freight Class Determined? (Focus on Density)

While several factors contribute to freight class, density is the most common and measurable determinant for many general commodities. Density refers to the weight of an item relative to the space it occupies. The denser an item, the lower its freight class tends to be.

The calculation involves two main steps:

1. Calculate Volume: Measure the length, width, and height of your packaged item in inches. Convert these measurements to feet by dividing each by 12. Then, multiply the length (ft) x width (ft) x height (ft) to get the total cubic feet.
2. Calculate Density: Divide the total weight of your item (in pounds) by its total volume (in cubic feet). This gives you the density in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cu ft).

Once you have the density, you can use a density-based freight class chart (like the one used in our calculator) to find the corresponding class. Here's a general overview of density ranges and their associated classes:

• Class 50: > 50 lbs per cubic foot (Very dense, e.g., nuts, bolts, steel)
• Class 55: 35-50 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 60: 30-35 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 65: 22.5-30 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 70: 15-22.5 lbs per cubic foot (Common for car parts, food items)
• Class 77.5: 13.5-15 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 85: 12-13.5 lbs per cubic foot (Common for furniture, machinery)
• Class 92.5: 10.5-12 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 100: 9-10.5 lbs per cubic foot (Common for car accessories, some textiles)
• Class 110: 8-9 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 125: 7-8 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 150: 6-7 lbs per cubic foot (Common for refrigerators, large appliances)
• Class 175: 5-6 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 200: 4-5 lbs per cubic foot (Common for aluminum parts, mattresses)
• Class 250: 3-4 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 300: 2-3 lbs per cubic foot (Common for cabinets, light fixtures)
• Class 400: 1-2 lbs per cubic foot
• Class 500: < 1 lb per cubic foot (Very light and bulky, e.g., empty plastic bottles, some insulation)

How to Use the Calculator

Our Freight Shipping Class Calculator simplifies this process for you:

1. Enter Item Length (inches): Input the longest dimension of your packaged item.
2. Enter Item Width (inches): Input the next longest dimension.
3. Enter Item Height (inches): Input the shortest dimension.
4. Enter Total Weight (pounds): Input the total weight of your packaged item, including any packaging materials.
5. Click "Calculate Freight Class": The calculator will instantly provide the calculated volume, density, and the estimated freight class based on standard NMFC density guidelines.

Important Note: This calculator provides an estimate based purely on density. While density is the primary factor, other characteristics like ease of handling, liability (e.g., fragile, hazardous), and stowability can also influence the final freight class assigned by a carrier. Always confirm the freight class with your carrier or a freight professional, especially for unusual or high-value items.