LTL Freight Class

Understanding LTL Freight Class: Density-Based vs. Fixed-Class Products

When shipping LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight, understanding your LTL Freight Class is essential for accurate pricing and efficient logistics. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system determines how your shipment is rated. Some products always ship under the same LTL Freight Class, while others are density-based, meaning the class changes depending on how much space the freight occupies relative to its weight.

At MO Trucking Inc., our freight brokerage division makes this process easy. Our LTL portal includes a built-in density calculator, allowing you to calculate skid density and get instant LTL freight quotes, ensuring you select the correct LTL Freight Class every time.

Fixed-Class Products (Always the Same LTL Freight Class)

Certain products have a fixed NMFC classification that does not change based on density. For example:

• Trade Show Freight (Paraphernalia)
  • NMFC: 154630
  • Freight Class: 125
  • As of September 22, 2025, this LTL Freight Class remains constant regardless of size or weight.

This consistency makes budgeting for trade show shipments simple and predictable.

Density-Based Freight

Many products are density-based, meaning the LTL Freight Class depends on how compact or bulky the shipment is. To determine the correct class, you need to calculate skid density.

How to Calculate Skid Density

1. Measure Dimensions:
   • Length × Width × Height (in inches) = Cubic Inches
2. Convert to Cubic Feet:
   • Divide cubic inches by 1,728
3. Calculate Density:
   • Weight ÷ Cubic Feet = Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF)
4. Match to NMFC Table:
   • Find the correct LTL Freight Class based on density

Example:

• Skid = 48″ × 40″ × 60″ = 115,200 cubic inches
• 115,200 ÷ 1,728 = 66.7 cubic feet
• Weight = 1,000 lbs → Density = 15 PCF
• Class = 70

NMFC Example: Bags, Envelopes, Packets, Pouches, or Wrappers

According to NMFC rules (Item 20476), density determines the LTL Freight Class:

• Sub 1 – Less than 1 PCF → Class 400
• Sub 2 – 1–2 PCF → Class 300
• Sub 3 – 2–4 PCF → Class 250
• Sub 4 – 4–6 PCF → Class 175
• Sub 5 – 6–8 PCF → Class 125
• Sub 6 – 8–10 PCF → Class 100
• Sub 7 – 10–12 PCF → Class 92.5
• Sub 8 – 12–15 PCF → Class 85
• Sub 9 – 15–22.5 PCF → Class 70
• Sub 10 – 22.5–30 PCF → Class 65
• Sub 11 – 30–35 PCF → Class 60
• Sub 12 – 35–50 PCF → Class 55
• Sub 13 – 50+ PCF → Class 50

NMFC Example: Drugs or Medicines

Drugs or Medicines (NMFC 58770) not requiring DOT hazard labels are also density-based, with the following LTL Freight Class breakdown:

• Sub 1 – Less than 1 PCF → Class 400
• Sub 2 – 1–2 PCF → Class 300
• Sub 3 – 2–4 PCF → Class 250
• Sub 4 – 4–6 PCF → Class 175
• Sub 5 – 6–8 PCF → Class 125
• Sub 6 – 8–10 PCF → Class 100
• Sub 7 – 10–12 PCF → Class 92.5
• Sub 8 – 12–15 PCF → Class 85
• Sub 9 – 15–22.5 PCF → Class 70
• Sub 10 – 22.5–30 PCF → Class 65
• Sub 11 – 30–35 PCF → Class 60
• Sub 12 – 35–50 PCF → Class 55
• Sub 13 – 50+ PCF → Class 50

NMFC Example: Planters, Flower or Plant Boxes, Baskets or Tubs

Planters or flower/plant containers (NMFC 155850) are density-based and shipped in boxes. The LTL Freight Class is determined by PCF:

• Sub 1 – Less than 1 PCF → Class 400
• Sub 2 – 1–2 PCF → Class 300
• Sub 3 – 2–4 PCF → Class 250
• Sub 4 – 4–6 PCF → Class 175
• Sub 5 – 6–8 PCF → Class 125
• Sub 6 – 8–10 PCF → Class 100
• Sub 7 – 10–12 PCF → Class 92.5
• Sub 8 – 12–15 PCF → Class 85
• Sub 9 – 15–22.5 PCF → Class 70
• Sub 10 – 22.5–30 PCF → Class 65
• Sub 11 – 30–35 PCF → Class 60
• Sub 12 – 35–50 PCF → Class 55
• Sub 13 – 50+ PCF → Class 50

NMFC Example: Foodstuffs, Other Than Frozen, Group IV

Foodstuffs (NMFC 73260) include a wide range of non-frozen items such as baby food, cereals, beverages, condiments, and sauces. These are density-based and shipped in boxes, bags, or drums. The LTL Freight Class is determined by pounds per cubic foot (PCF) as follows:

• Sub 1 – Less than 1 PCF → Class 400
• Sub 2 – 1–2 PCF → Class 300
• Sub 3 – 2–4 PCF → Class 250
• Sub 4 – 4–6 PCF → Class 175
• Sub 5 – 6–8 PCF → Class 125
• Sub 6 – 8–10 PCF → Class 100
• Sub 7 – 10–12 PCF → Class 92.5
• Sub 8 – 12–15 PCF → Class 85
• Sub 9 – 15–22.5 PCF → Class 70
• Sub 10 – 22.5–30 PCF → Class 65
• Sub 11 – 30–35 PCF → Class 60
• Sub 12 – 35–50 PCF → Class 55
• Sub 13 – 50+ PCF → Class 50

This category includes items such as: agave syrup, baby food, bakery goods, beverages, peanut butter, coffee, cereals, sauces, oils, and a wide array of pantry staples—all subject to NMFC Item 170 and density rules.

Why Use Our LTL Freight Portal

Our MO Trucking Inc. LTL portal offers:

• A density calculator for easy PCF and LTL Freight Class determination
• Instant LTL freight quotes from top carriers
• Accurate NMFC matching for both fixed-class and density-based items
• Real-time tools to avoid costly reclassifications

 

 

Final Thoughts

Please note this data is as of 9/22/2025 and NMFC and freight class change monthly E-Mail or call us for an update NMFC of your product.

Knowing your LTL Freight Class is critical for cost-effective shipping. Fixed-class items, like Trade Show Freight (NMFC 154630, Class 125), are simple to book, while density-based items, such as bags, medicines, planters, or foodstuffs (NMFC 20476, 58770, 155850 & 73260), require careful calculation.

With MO Trucking Inc.’s LTL portal, you can calculate densities, verify classes, and secure instant quotes—making LTL shipping fast, reliable, and accurate.