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Density Calculator

A shipment’s density is one of the factors that determines the freight rate. Shippers need to know how to calculate a shipment’s density so they can properly describe their goods on the bill of lading. The total weight of the shipment is divided by the total cubic feet to determine the density.

If the shipment is palletized, use the dimensions of the pallet, the combined height of the carton + the pallet, and the total weight of the shipment. When determining the dimensions of your shipment, be sure to measure the longest sides including any packaging, overhangs or protrusions.

All values entered must be in a number format (whole or fraction) with no more than 5 decimal places.
Quantity Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Total Weight (lbs.) ÷ Total Cubic ft. = Density lb./Cubic ft.
Shipment Totals:
Automatic recalculation
Density / Class Calculator
Length (in.): Width (in.): Height (in.): Weight (lbs.):
calculate density
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 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. BestFreightRate does not accept responsibility for an incorrect determination of freight class based on the information provided here.