What Is PCF? Pounds Per Cubic Foot in Freight Explained
What is PCF, what does it stand for, and why does it matter for your shipping cost? PCF is the density unit that determines your LTL freight class — and your rate. Here's the definition, the formula, and common PCF values explained.
What is PCF? PCF stands for pounds per cubic foot — the unit of measurement used to express freight density. It tells you how much a shipment weighs relative to the space it takes up. In LTL shipping, your PCF density directly determines your NMFC freight class, which sets your shipping rate.
⚡ PCF at a glance
Cubic Foot
formula
NMFC freight class
PCF Definition
PCF is a unit of density. Density measures how much mass is packed into a given volume. One PCF means one pound of weight for every cubic foot of space occupied.
In freight, PCF tells the LTL carrier how efficiently your shipment fills the trailer. A shipment at 15 PCF is moderately dense — it weighs 15 lbs for every cubic foot of space it takes up. A shipment at 2 PCF is very light and bulky — it only weighs 2 lbs per cubic foot, meaning the carrier is dedicating a lot of trailer space for relatively little revenue.
This is why low-PCF freight costs more per pound to ship. The carrier has to charge more to cover the cost of the space.
The PCF Formula
Calculating PCF takes two steps:
Volume (ft³) = (Length" × Width" × Height") ÷ 1,728
Step 2 — Calculate PCF:
PCF = Weight (lbs) ÷ Volume (ft³)
Example: 48" × 40" × 48" pallet, 500 lbs
Volume = (48 × 40 × 48) ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 ft³
PCF = 500 ÷ 53.3 = 9.38 PCF → Class 100
The 1,728 divisor converts cubic inches to cubic feet (12 × 12 × 12 = 1,728). Always measure to the outermost point of the shipment including overhang, packaging, and pallets.
💡 Skip the math
Enter your shipment dimensions and weight — get PCF density and NMFC freight class instantly.
Open Free PCF Calculator →Common PCF Values and What They Mean
Most LTL freight falls between 4 and 30 PCF. Here are reference points to calibrate your expectations:
| PCF Value | What it represents | NMFC Class | Example freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 1 PCF | Extremely light and bulky | 400 | Ping pong balls, balloons |
| 1–2 PCF | Very light, oversized packaging | 300 | Foam products, empty bottles |
| 2–4 PCF | Light — large items, low weight | 250 | Large furniture, bicycles |
| 4–6 PCF | Below average density | 175 | Sofas, mattresses, empty drums |
| 6–8 PCF | Below average | 125 | Appliances, auto parts, books |
| 8–12 PCF | Average — most common range | 100–92.5 | Packaged food, hardware, electronics |
| 15–22.5 PCF | Good density | 70 | Steel parts, heavy machinery components |
| > 50 PCF | Very dense — lowest class | 50 | Scrap metal, concrete, cast iron |
| 62.4 PCF | Density of water (reference point) | 50 | Water at ~62°F — standard imperial density benchmark |
Why 62.4 PCF Matters
You'll see 62.4 PCF cited as a reference constant. It's the density of liquid water at room temperature in imperial units — 62.4 lbs per cubic foot. In freight, it's useful as a ceiling reference: packaged goods almost never approach 62.4 PCF. Most dense industrial freight (steel, concrete) falls between 30 and 50 PCF. Anything above 50 PCF qualifies for NMFC Class 50, the cheapest freight class.
PCF in LTL Shipping — Why It Determines Your Rate
LTL carriers price freight by class, and class is determined by PCF density under the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) system. The July 2025 NMFC update standardised this into a 13-tier density scale — every shipment now maps to a class based purely on its PCF value, with very limited exceptions for specific commodities.
The logic is simple: a carrier earns revenue based on the weight they carry, but spends money based on the space they fill. Higher PCF freight earns the carrier more revenue per cubic foot of trailer space — so they reward it with a lower class and a cheaper rate per pound. Low-PCF freight fills the trailer without generating proportionate revenue, so it carries a higher class and a higher rate.
💡 The practical takeaway
If your freight is coming in at Class 125 or higher, check whether right-sizing packaging or consolidating pallets can push your PCF above the next tier threshold. A single PCF improvement can drop you a full class and reduce your rate by 10–25%. Use the free PCF calculator to find your current density and the threshold you need to hit.
PCF vs DIM Weight — Not the Same Thing
PCF and DIM weight both measure size-to-weight ratio, but they apply to completely different shipping modes and use different formulas.
| PCF (Freight Density) | DIM Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | LTL freight (pallets) | Parcel shipping (UPS, FedEx, USPS) |
| Formula | Weight ÷ (L×W×H ÷ 1,728) | L×W×H ÷ divisor (139 or 139/166) |
| Output | Density in PCF → NMFC freight class | Billable weight in lbs |
| Higher value = | Lower class = cheaper rate | Higher billable weight = higher cost |
Calculate Your PCF Density Free
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Open Free PCF Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What does PCF stand for?
PCF stands for pounds per cubic foot. It is a unit of density — weight divided by volume. In freight shipping, PCF measures how much a shipment weighs per cubic foot of space it occupies on the carrier’s trailer.
What is a PCF unit of measurement?
PCF is a density unit in the imperial measurement system. One PCF equals one pound of mass per cubic foot of volume. It is equivalent to 16.02 kg/m³ in metric units. In shipping contexts, PCF always refers to the density of a freight shipment — total weight divided by total cubic volume.
What is 62.4 PCF?
62.4 PCF is the density of liquid water at approximately 62°F — the standard imperial density reference point. In freight, it serves as an upper benchmark. Most packaged goods ship at 4–30 PCF. Dense industrial freight like scrap metal approaches 50 PCF. Almost no commercial freight exceeds 62.4 PCF.
How do I calculate PCF for my shipment?
PCF = weight (lbs) ÷ volume (ft³). Volume = (length" × width" × height") ÷ 1,728. Measure to the outermost point including packaging and pallet. Or use the free PCF calculator — enter three dimensions and weight, get density and freight class instantly.
What is PCF in shipping vs DIM weight?
PCF (pounds per cubic foot) is used in LTL freight to determine NMFC freight class and rate per hundredweight. DIM weight is used by parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) to calculate a billable weight for individual packages. PCF outputs a density value that maps to a class. DIM weight outputs a billable pound figure. Different shipping modes, different formulas, different purposes.
What PCF density do I need for Class 100?
Under the NMFC 13-tier density scale (effective July 2025), Class 100 covers freight with density between 8 and 10 PCF. To qualify for Class 92.5 (the next tier down), you need 10 PCF or higher. Use the freight density guide for a full class-to-PCF mapping table.