Find Freight Class

3 Easy Steps to Calculate The Weight Density and Freight Class

Step 1: Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment. When taking these measurements, you must include the entire handling unit meaning you must include the pallets or other packaging in your measurements. (On shipments with multiple pieces, repeat this step for each piece).

Step 2: Multiply (height x width x depth). Multiplying these will give you the total cubic inches of the shipment. If you have multiple pieces, multiply the height x width x depth for each piece. Take the results for each piece and add them together to get the total cubic inches Once you get your total cubic inches, you must convert this to cubic feet. This is easily done by simply, dividing the total cubic inches by 1,728.

NOTE: the 1728 variable comes from there are 1768 cubic inches 1 cubic ft., i.e. 12x12x12 = 1728.

Step 3: Then, divide the weight (in pounds) of the shipment by the total cubic feet. Doing this will give you the pounds per cubic foot or weight density. Don’t forget that if you have multiple pieces, you must add the weight of each piece together before dividing by the total cubic feet of the shipment.

The biggest challenge for all shippers is understanding the freight class of what you are shipping. FreightCenter offers tools and expertise to find your shipment’s freight class.

Overview

Freight class is a standardized classification system for commodities transported via LTL freight shipping. It is used by carriers for pricing freight rates and formulating the cost to ship your freight.

The classification system also ensures that customers receive an unbiased price when shipping freight. Freight class is assigned to a shipment based on either the specific commodity being transported or the total density of the freight being shipped.

Factors that Determine Your Freight’s Class

Four transportation characteristics determine freight class:

Stowability – Stowability takes into account how your freight can be transported with other commodities. Freight that is flammable, perishable, or hazardous is regulated and can’t be shipped with certain materials. When thinking about stowability, consider how your freight is packaged. Items that are crated or boxed are usually stackable and easier to pack inside a cargo container or truck.

Liability – Liability refers to the value of a commodity, the likelihood of theft or damage, and the probability of the item causing damage to other freight during shipping. Possessing a greater risk will result in a higher freight class.

Ease of handling – When classifying freight, the level of care needed during shipping is taken into consideration. If the item is fragile, requires special attention, or has hazardous properties, it will fit into a higher class and increase the shipping cost. Size, weight, and shape also contribute to freight class.

Density – Density, or pounds per cubic foot, is the measurable amount of space needed for an item. Commodities that are compact and have a higher density fall into a lower class and are cheaper to ship than bulky items. Use our freight density calculator to find the density of your freight.

The freight class of the items you are transporting is a major factor in determining the cost of your freight shipment. There are 18 freight classes – ranging from 50 (the least expensive) to 500 (the most expensive).

Items high in density (heavy and compact) and less susceptible to damage are given a lower freight class. Things that are low in density and more vulnerable to damage are given a higher freight class.

You can use our freight class lookup tool or freight class calculator to view the freight class of other commonly shipped items.