Freight Density Calculator: Measure Your Shipment in PCF
Enter your pallet dimensions and weight. The calculator returns cubic feet and density in pounds per cubic foot. Multi-pallet loads get a per-pallet breakdown.
A freight density calculator turns pallet size and weight into a density figure. Enter length, width, height, and weight. The tool returns cubic feet and density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Density is the main input carriers use to price LTL freight. AMZ Prep moves freight for 5,000+ brands across 50+ fulfillment centers in 6 countries.
Enter your pallet dimensions
Step 2 · Your results
View per-pallet breakdown
| Row | Dimensions | Qty | Weight | Volume |
|---|
Misclassified freight is a top cause of LTL overbilling. Confirm you are shipping Class 0 at the right rate.
The formula
Freight class reference
| Class | Density (PCF) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 30+ | Car parts, bricks |
| 65 | 22.5 – 30 | Bottled beverages |
| 70 | 15 – 22.5 | Food items, paper |
| 77.5 | 13.5 – 15 | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| 85 | 12 – 13.5 | Crated machinery |
| 92.5 | 10.5 – 12 | Computers, monitors |
| 100 | 9 – 10.5 | Boat covers, wine cases |
| 110 | 8 – 9 | Cabinets, table saws |
| 125 | 7 – 8 | Small appliances |
| 150 | 6 – 7 | Auto sheet metal |
| 175 | 4 – 6 | Clothing, couches |
| 200 | 3 – 4 | Auto parts, mattresses |
| 250 | 2 – 3 | Bamboo furniture |
| 300 | 1 – 2 | Model boats, wood cabinets |
| 400 | < 1 | Ping pong balls, deer antlers |
Density sets your freight class, which drives your LTL rate. Higher density means a lower class and a lower cost per pound.
Get a freight quote →What Is Freight Density
Freight density is shipment weight divided by shipment volume. It is measured in pounds per cubic foot, or PCF. It tells you how much weight your freight carries for the space it takes up.
An 800 lb pallet taking up 53.33 cubic feet works out to 15 PCF. Drop the same pallet to 270 lbs and density falls to 5 PCF. Denser freight fills less trailer space per pound. That is why it usually ships at a lower rate.
How to Calculate Freight Density
Two steps. Carriers use the same math.
Calculate cubic feet
Multiply length by width by height in inches. Divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet.
Calculate density
Divide total weight in pounds by total cubic feet. The result is your density in PCF.
For multi-pallet loads, set a quantity on each row. Volume and weight total across every row before density gets calculated. Once you have your density, use the freight class calculator to find your NMFC class.
What Your Density Means for LTL Rates
Higher density earns a better rate. The benchmarks below show the direction, from dense loads that ship cheap to light loads that cost the most per pound.
| Density (PCF) | Cost Impact | Typical Freight |
|---|---|---|
| 30 and above | Lowest | Bricks, car parts, concrete |
| 15 to 30 | Low | Bottled beverages, canned food, paper |
| 8 to 15 | Moderate | Appliances, computers, cabinets |
| 4 to 8 | High | Furniture, clothing |
| 1 to 4 | Very high | Mattresses, bamboo furniture |
| Under 1 | Maximum | Ping pong balls, kayaks |
Note: These ranges show cost direction, not an exact rate. Carriers factor in commodity type, stowability, handling, and liability alongside density. For the exact NMFC category your density falls into, use the freight class calculator.
Why Freight Density Matters
Density is the single biggest lever on your LTL rate. Three reasons it is worth measuring before you book.
Rate impact
Carriers price LTL loads on density first. Get the density right and your rate reflects the real freight. Get it wrong and the correction shows up after delivery.
Space you pay for
Carriers sell trailer space. A light, bulky pallet fills that space fast for very little weight. Low density means paying for air.
Rate shopping
Knowing density before you book lets you compare carriers on the same terms. AMZ Prep's 30+ carrier network covers rate shopping across every load.
How to Improve Your Freight Density
Small packing changes raise density and lower your cost per pound.
Consolidate partial pallets
Two half-full pallets ship as two units. Combine them into one full pallet and density climbs.
Cut void fill
Air adds volume, not weight. Trim excess dunnage and packaging so the cube reflects real freight.
Right-size the pallet
Match the pallet footprint to the load. A tall stack on a wide base leaves paid-for space empty.
Stack to the edges
Loose stacking wastes cube. Square, tight stacks use the full footprint and raise density.
Common Freight Density Mistakes
Four errors show up again and again on inbound freight.
Estimating instead of measuring
Two extra inches of height can swing the density. Measure the pallet as it sits, not the spec sheet.
Ignoring pallet overhang
Carriers measure the widest point of the load. Cases hanging past the edge count toward the cube.
Using product weight instead of shipping weight
Shipping weight includes the pallet, the wrap, the packaging, and any void fill. Leave those out and density reads wrong.
Rounding dimensions down
Every inch shaved off inflates the density figure. Round to the real measurement, not the convenient one.
Get Competitive LTL Freight Rates
AMZ Prep's Middle Mile program gives brands LTL rates through 30+ carrier partners. 2 to 4 day FBA inbound across 50+ fulfillment centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freight density is shipment weight divided by total volume, measured in pounds per cubic foot. Carriers use it to price LTL loads. Denser freight fills less space and usually ships at a lower cost per pound.
Multiply pallet length, width, and height in inches, then divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide total shipment weight in pounds by that cubic-foot figure. The result is your density in pounds per cubic foot.
Higher density means a better rate. Freight above 15 pounds per cubic foot generally ships cheaper per pound than light, bulky loads. Below 5 PCF, freight takes up space carriers charge a premium for.
Carriers sell trailer space. Dense freight uses less space for the same weight, so it costs less to move. Light, bulky freight fills the trailer fast, which is why low density drives higher rates.
Cut void fill, choose the right pallet size, and stack cases to remove empty space. Consolidating partial pallets into full ones also raises density. Tighter, heavier-per-cubic-foot loads earn lower rates.
Yes. AMZ Prep runs a Middle Mile freight program with 30+ carrier partners across 50+ fulfillment centers. Brands ship under AMZ Prep's volume for LTL rates and 2 to 4 day FBA inbound.
