Density — pounds per cubic foot — is what carriers actually price LTL freight on, not just weight. Enter your dimensions and weight below to get the density and estimated NMFC freight class for your shipment.
Estimate only — carriers may re-class on inspection.
Use this in an LTL quoteHow carriers calculate density
Density is total cubic feet divided into total weight: measure length, width, and height in inches, multiply them together, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide your weight by that number. A pallet that’s small and heavy has high density and ships cheaper; a pallet that’s large and light has low density and costs more per pound to move, because it eats up trailer space the carrier can’t sell to anyone else.
Why density is the key number
Density is the main input carriers use to set NMFC freight class — the classification that determines your per-hundredweight LTL rate. Get the density right and the class (and the quote) follows. That’s why this tool focuses on the one measurement that actually drives your price, rather than secondary figures that can vary by carrier.
Frequently asked questions
What unit is density measured in for LTL freight?
Pounds per cubic foot (PCF, sometimes written pcf or lb/ft³). It’s calculated by dividing total shipment weight by total cubic feet.
Why does a large, lightweight pallet cost more to ship than a small, heavy one?
LTL carriers sell trailer space, not just weight capacity. A large but light pallet takes up room that could otherwise carry denser, heavier freight — so low-density shipments get a higher freight class and a higher per-hundredweight rate.
Can I use this for auto transport or expedited shipments too?
Density and freight class are LTL-specific concepts — auto transport and expedited freight (dedicated vehicles) are priced differently, by vehicle count or distance rather than class. This tool is built for palletized LTL freight.
Related content
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Density Calculator”, https://transportli.com/ltl-freight/density-calculator/, updated September 24, 2026.
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