Freight Class Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the freight class of your shipment based on its dimensions and weight. Freight class is a crucial factor in determining Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping costs.
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function calculateFreightClass() {
var lengthInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipmentLengthInches').value);
var widthInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipmentWidthInches').value);
var heightInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipmentHeightInches').value);
var weightLbs = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipmentWeightLbs').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('freightClassResult');
// Input validation
if (isNaN(lengthInches) || lengthInches <= 0 ||
isNaN(widthInches) || widthInches <= 0 ||
isNaN(heightInches) || heightInches <= 0 ||
isNaN(weightLbs) || weightLbs = 50) {
freightClass = "50";
} else if (densityPcf >= 35) {
freightClass = "55";
} else if (densityPcf >= 30) {
freightClass = "60";
} else if (densityPcf >= 22.5) {
freightClass = "65";
} else if (densityPcf >= 15) {
freightClass = "70";
} else if (densityPcf >= 13.5) {
freightClass = "77.5";
} else if (densityPcf >= 12) {
freightClass = "85";
} else if (densityPcf >= 10.5) {
freightClass = "92.5";
} else if (densityPcf >= 9) {
freightClass = "100";
} else if (densityPcf >= 8) {
freightClass = "110";
} else if (densityPcf >= 7) {
freightClass = "125";
} else if (densityPcf >= 6) {
freightClass = "150";
} else if (densityPcf >= 5) {
freightClass = "175";
} else if (densityPcf >= 4) {
freightClass = "200";
} else if (densityPcf >= 3) {
freightClass = "250";
} else if (densityPcf >= 2) {
freightClass = "300";
} else if (densityPcf > 0) { // For densities less than 1 PCF
freightClass = "400";
} else {
freightClass = "Not Applicable (Density cannot be zero or negative)";
}
// Display results
resultDiv.innerHTML =
'
Calculated Volume: ' + volumeCubicFeet.toFixed(2) + ' cubic feet' +
'
Calculated Density: ' + densityPcf.toFixed(2) + ' lbs per cubic foot (PCF)' +
'
Estimated Freight Class: ' + freightClass + '' +
'
Note: This is an estimate based on density. Other factors like stowability, handling, and liability can influence the final freight class.';
}
Understanding Freight Class
Freight class is a standardized classification system for all commodities transported by Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carriers. Established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and defined in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) tariff, it categorizes goods into 18 classes, ranging from 50 to 500. The primary purpose of freight class is to provide a uniform pricing structure for LTL shipments, ensuring fair and consistent rates across different carriers.
Why is Freight Class Important?
The freight class directly impacts the cost of shipping. Carriers use it, along with weight, distance, and other factors, to calculate your shipping rates. Generally, a lower freight class (e.g., Class 50) indicates a denser, less fragile, and easier-to-handle item, resulting in lower shipping costs per pound. Conversely, a higher freight class (e.g., Class 400) signifies a less dense, more fragile, or difficult-to-handle item, leading to higher shipping costs.
Factors Determining Freight Class
While our calculator focuses on density, the NMFC considers four key characteristics to assign a freight class:
- Density: This is the most significant factor and what our calculator estimates. Density is calculated by dividing the item's weight (in pounds) by its volume (in cubic feet). Denser items typically receive a lower freight class.
- Stowability: Refers to how easily the freight can be loaded and transported with other goods. Items that are hazardous, excessively long, or oddly shaped might be difficult to stow, leading to a higher class.
- Handling: This factor considers the ease of handling the freight. Items that require special care, are fragile, or are difficult to load/unload due to their shape or weight may be assigned a higher class.
- Liability: This relates to the likelihood of theft, damage, or spoilage, as well as the value per pound of the commodity. High-value, perishable, or easily damaged goods typically have a higher liability and thus a higher freight class.
How to Measure Your Shipment Accurately
Accurate measurements are critical for determining the correct freight class and avoiding re-classification fees from carriers. Follow these steps:
- Measure the Longest Side: For length, width, and height, always measure the longest point of each dimension, including any packaging, skids, or pallets.
- Round Up: Always round up to the nearest whole inch for each dimension.
- Weigh Accurately: Use a calibrated scale to get the precise weight of the entire shipment, including packaging and pallet.
- Consider Irregular Shapes: If your shipment has an irregular shape, measure the dimensions of the smallest rectangular box that could fully enclose the item.
Example Calculation
Let's say you have a palletized shipment with the following characteristics:
- Length: 48 inches
- Width: 40 inches
- Height: 60 inches
- Weight: 500 lbs
Using the calculator:
- Convert to feet: Length = 48/12 = 4 ft, Width = 40/12 = 3.33 ft, Height = 60/12 = 5 ft
- Calculate Volume: 4 ft * 3.33 ft * 5 ft = 66.6 cubic feet
- Calculate Density: 500 lbs / 66.6 cubic feet = 7.51 lbs per cubic foot (PCF)
- Determine Freight Class: Based on the NMFC density chart, a density of 7.51 PCF falls into the range for Class 110.
By accurately calculating your freight class, you can obtain more precise shipping quotes and prevent unexpected charges.