LTL Density Calculator

Work out the density of an LTL pallet in pounds per cubic foot. Enter the length, width and height in inches and the weight in pounds, and see the cubic feet and density.

The pre-filled values are the example NMFTA publishes (a 48 × 40 × 45 inch pallet weighing 450 lb). Replace them with your own handling unit.

As tendered, including the pallet.

Volume of one unit86,400 in³
Cubic feet of one unit50.00 ft³
Density9.00 lb per ft³
Total weight, all units450 lb
Total cube, all units50.00 ft³

This gives the density only. The freight class depends on the commodity's NMFC item number and the current NMFTA tables, which you can look up in NMFTA's ClassIT+.

How density is calculated

NMFTA, which publishes the freight classification system LTL pricing relies on, describes the method for one handling unit: multiply the greatest straight-line length, width and height in inches, including any projections and as the unit is tendered to the carrier, and divide by 1,728 cubic inches (one cubic foot). Then divide the weight of the handling unit as tendered by those cubic feet. The answer is the density in pounds per cubic foot.

NMFTA's own example is a pallet of boxes measuring 48 × 40 × 45 inches and weighing 450 pounds: 86,400 cubic inches, 50 cubic feet, and 9.00 pounds per cubic foot. The calculator reproduces it.

Why measuring the pallet matters

Leaving out the pallet understates the cube and overstates the density. In a made-up example, a pallet that is 52 × 44 inches and 60 inches high including the pallet weighs 600 pounds: 79.44 cubic feet and 7.55 pounds per cubic foot. Measured at 54 inches, as if the 6-inch pallet were left out, the same load looks like 71.50 cubic feet and 8.39 pounds per cubic foot. That difference is the kind that can lead a carrier to reclassify a shipment after it measures it.

What this tool does not tell you

  • The freight class. Density is one of four characteristics (with handling, stowability and liability) that set a class from 50 to 500, and the class for your commodity depends on its NMFC item number and the current NMFTA tables. NMFTA says its ClassIT+ is the official source for item changes, density scales and rule updates.
  • Your rate. Carriers add their own tariffs, discounts, minimum charges and accessorial fees on top of the class.
  • Multiple handling units on one bill of lading. NMFTA cites the rule that density is calculated on each handling unit unless the shipping papers show only a total weight for all units.

Frequently asked questions

What is density in LTL shipping?

Density is how heavy the freight is relative to the space it takes up, measured in pounds per cubic foot. It is one of the four characteristics NMFTA uses to assign a freight class.

Do I include the pallet in the measurements?

Yes. NMFTA advises to include pallets or packaging, and the method uses the greatest dimensions of the handling unit as tendered to the carrier, including any projections.

Does this tell me my freight class?

No. The class depends on the commodity and its NMFC item number as well as density. Look up the current class and density rules in NMFTA’s ClassIT+.

Why does a taller pallet have a lower density?

Because the same weight is spread over more cubic feet. Adding height raises the cube without adding weight, so pounds per cubic foot falls.

Sources and further reading

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These calculators run in your browser and do not send or store what you enter. Results are estimates for planning only; your carrier, broker or contract decides the final charge. Loadly is not a carrier or broker and this is not professional advice.