April 23, 2026
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LTL freight class is the pricing system that determines how much you pay per hundredweight (CWT) to ship less-than-truckload freight. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system assigns every commodity to one of 18 classes — from Class 50 (cheapest) to Class 500 (most expensive) — based on four factors: density, stowability, ease of handling, and liability. Shippers who understand how their commodity is classified, calculate density correctly, and verify carrier classification decisions consistently pay 10–30% less than those who accept carrier assignments without review. Learn more about LTL Freight Management: The Complete Guide for Mid-Market Shippers (2026 Guide).
| Class | PCF density (lbs/cubic foot) | Typical rate vs. Class 70 baseline |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | > 50 | 45–55% of baseline |
| 55 | 35–50 | 55–65% of baseline |
| 60 | 30–35 | 65–75% of baseline |
| 65 | 22.5–30 | 75–85% of baseline |
| 70 | 15–22.5 | Baseline |
| 77.5 | 13.5–15 | 105–115% |
| 85 | 12–13.5 | 115–130% |
| 92.5 | 10.5–12 | 130–145% |
| 100 | 9–10.5 | 145–165% |
| 110 | 8–9 | 165–185% |
| 125 | 7–8 | 185–215% |
| 150 | 6–7 | 215–265% |
| 175 | 5–6 | 265–330% |
| 200 | 4–5 | 330–415% |
| 250 | 3–4 | 415–530% |
| 300 | 2–3 | 530–660% |
| 400 | 1–2 | 660–950% |
| 500 | < 1 | 950%+ |
Measure the total length, width, and height of your shipment including packaging (in inches).
Cubic feet = (L × W × H) ÷ 1,728
PCF (pounds per cubic foot) = total weight ÷ cubic feet
Match your PCF to the density range in the class table. For commodities with a specific NMFC item number, look up that item in the NMFC directory — some commodities have fixed classes regardless of density.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 48 inches |
| Width | 40 inches |
| Height | 36 inches |
| Cubic feet | (48 × 40 × 36) ÷ 1,728 = 40 cf |
| Weight | 800 lbs |
| Density | 800 ÷ 40 = 20 PCF → Class 70 |
The NMFC directory is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Most LTL carriers also offer class calculators on their websites. For density-based freight, calculate PCF using the formula above and match to the class table. For commodity-specific classes, look up your NMFC item number in the directory.
Carriers reweigh and remeasure LTL shipments at their terminals. If the actual weight is higher than declared, or if the carrier calculates a higher density class than the shipper assigned, they bill the difference plus a fee. The most common causes are inaccurate weight declarations and imprecise dimension measurements.
Yes. Dispute in writing with supporting documentation: your scale ticket, dimension measurements, and the NMFC item class for your commodity. Submit to the carrier's billing department. The dispute process typically takes 30–60 days; most carriers have formal processes for class disputes.
Using the class of the commodity itself without accounting for how it's packaged. A loose product might classify at Class 125; the same product in a crate might classify at Class 70. Packaging changes the effective density and stowability — both of which affect class.
Freight class affects pricing but not inherently carrier handling priority. However, high-class freight (Class 200+) is often low-density and awkward to stow — which can affect handling in LTL terminals. High-value or fragile freight classified at high classes may be better suited for FTL to avoid terminal handling.
