Freight Density Calculator
Calculate pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³ or PCF) and metric cubic volume for pallets and handling units. Enter dimensions once and reuse them across Freight Class, Pallet Stacking, and Trailer Space.
Calculated density
7.96 lb/ft³
1380 lb
View detailsShipment Dimensions & Weight
Enter outside dimensions and gross handling-unit weight to calculate shipment density.
Handling units
1 handling specification
Pallet 1
Calculated Freight Density
Equivalent to 127.53 kg/m³. Weighted average across all handling units.
- Total shipment volume
- 173.33 ft³ (4.908 m³)
- Total shipment weight
- 1380 lb (625.96 kg)
- Total handling units
- 3 units (1 distinct sizes)
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How to calculate freight density
Freight density measures how heavy a shipment is relative to the volume of space it occupies on a trailer. In North American less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, density is calculated in pounds per cubic foot (PCF):
Total Cubic Inches = Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)
Cubic Feet (ft³) = Total Cubic Inches ÷ 1,728
Density (PCF) = Total Weight (lb) ÷ Cubic Feet (ft³)
Always measure from the greatest outside dimensions of the handling unit, including pallet base, packaging overhang, and strapping.
NMFTA & classification methodology
Under National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) principles, high-density freight (e.g., steel bolts, dense liquids) packs tightly and is assigned lower classification numbers (e.g., Class 50–70).
Conversely, low-density freight (e.g., ping-pong balls, empty plastic containers) consumes excessive trailer cubic capacity without contributing significant weight, resulting in higher classification numbers (e.g., Class 250–400) and higher freight rates.
Field Tip
When shipping multiple pallets with different dimensions, calculate the individual density of each handling unit before averaging.
Frequently asked questions
Common operational questions about calculating density for freight shipments.
Does pallet weight count towards freight density?
Yes. The weight and exterior dimensions of the wooden or plastic pallet base must be included in the total gross weight and loaded height when tendered to an LTL carrier.
Why does quantity not change individual pallet density?
Density is an intensive physical property (mass ÷ volume). While shipping 10 identical pallets increases total weight and volume tenfold, the density of each individual handling unit remains unchanged.
How do I convert PCF to metric kg/m³?
Multiply the pounds per cubic foot (PCF) by 16.0185. For instance, a standard density of 9.00 lb/ft³ is equal to approximately 144.2 kg/m³.
What is considered a "good" freight density?
Densities above 15 lb/ft³ (Class 70 or lower) generally receive favorable LTL shipping rates. Shipments under 6 lb/ft³ are considered bulky/cube-out freight and incur higher rates per hundredweight (CWT).