Calculate PCF (pounds per cubic foot) density for any shipment instantly. Enter your dimensions and weight — the calculator returns your density and maps it to the correct NMFC freight class. Essential for accurate LTL quoting and avoiding carrier re-classification fees. Free, no signup.
💡 Pro Tip: Always include pallet weight (typically 40–50 lbs) in your total weight. Higher density = lower freight class = lower LTL rate. A few extra pounds on the scale can drop you a full class.
Adds pallet weight to your total weight above
Your calculated class will be highlighted below.
| Freight Class | PCF Density | Rate Level |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ PCF | Lowest |
| 55 | 35–50 PCF | Very Low |
| 60 | 30–35 PCF | Low |
| 65 | 22.5–30 PCF | Low |
| 70 | 15–22.5 PCF | Below Avg |
| 77.5 | 13.5–15 PCF | Average |
| 85 | 12–13.5 PCF | Average |
| 92.5 | 10.5–12 PCF | Above Avg |
| 100 | 9–10.5 PCF | High |
| 110 | 8–9 PCF | High |
| 125 | 7–8 PCF | High |
| 150 | 6–7 PCF | Very High |
| 175 | 5–6 PCF | Very High |
| 200 | 4–5 PCF | Premium |
| 250 | 3–4 PCF | Premium |
| 300 | 2–3 PCF | Premium |
| 400 | 1–2 PCF | Max |
| 500 | <1 PCF | Max |
The freight class calculator includes PCF density plus NMFC commodity lookup, multi-pallet support, and Bill of Lading export.
Open Freight Class Calculator →PCF stands for Pounds per Cubic Foot — the standard measurement of freight density used across the US LTL (Less Than Truckload) industry. It tells carriers how much a shipment weighs relative to the space it occupies. A high PCF means dense, compact freight. A low PCF means light, bulky freight that takes up space without adding much weight.
Under the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) system, PCF density is the primary factor in determining freight class for most commodity types. Freight class runs from 50 (cheapest, densest) to 500 (most expensive, least dense). Getting your PCF right before you ship means getting an accurate freight class — and avoiding re-classification fees of $50–$500 per shipment.
PCF = Weight (lbs) ÷ (L × W × H ÷ 1,728)
The 1,728 converts cubic inches to cubic feet (12 × 12 × 12 = 1,728). Always measure in inches and weight in pounds for the standard PCF formula used by US carriers. For metric measurements, convert to imperial first or use the metric toggle in the calculator above.
Example calculation:
A standard GMA pallet weighs 40–50 lbs. Including it in your total weight increases density. On a light shipment, this alone can move you to a lower (cheaper) freight class.
Excess void fill and oversized boxes increase cubic volume without adding weight. Tighter packaging improves your PCF and can drop you a freight class.
Carriers measure at the widest and tallest points of your load — including any overhang or irregular shapes. Measure the same way they will to avoid surprises at the dock.
Shipping multiple small pieces on one pallet improves overall density compared to several loose pieces. Carriers may calculate density per piece if freight is not palletized.
To put PCF in context: water weighs 62.4 PCF. Steel is around 490 PCF. Most general freight falls between 6 and 30 PCF. Feathers, foam, and empty packaging might be under 1 PCF — which is why those shipments get Class 500, the most expensive rate.
For most warehouse managers, the target is Class 70 or below (15+ PCF). If your shipment is below 6 PCF, it's worth looking at how packaging can be improved, or whether the product qualifies for a commodity-specific NMFC class that ignores density entirely.
PCF stands for Pounds per Cubic Foot. It's the standard unit of freight density used in the US LTL (Less Than Truckload) industry to determine NMFC freight class. PCF tells carriers how much weight your shipment carries per unit of space — which determines how efficiently it fits in a truck.
PCF = Weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic Feet. To get cubic feet: multiply L × W × H in inches, then divide by 1,728. Example: a 48" × 40" × 48" pallet weighing 500 lbs = 92,160 cubic inches ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet. 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 PCF, which maps to Freight Class 100.
Yes — always include pallet weight. Carriers weigh your entire shipment including the pallet. A standard GMA pallet (48" × 40") weighs 40–50 lbs. Including it increases your total weight, which increases PCF density and can move you to a lower, cheaper freight class.
Generally, 15 PCF or higher puts you in Class 70 or below, which is considered good for LTL pricing. Most carriers prefer dense freight. Below 6 PCF you're in Class 150–500 territory where rates get very expensive. If your PCF is consistently low, consider palletizing tighter or switching to volume/truckload shipping.
PCF is the raw density number you calculate from your shipment's dimensions and weight. Freight class is the NMFC classification (50 to 500) assigned based on that density. PCF is the input; freight class is the output. You calculate PCF first, then map it to the freight class using the NMFC density scale.
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