FedEx Freight Class Calculator
FedEx Freight rates LTL shipments by the standard NMFC freight class — the same density-based scale every US carrier uses. Get your class instantly with the calculator below.
Density-based estimate. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class — check our freight class by commodity pages.
Estimated Freight Class
Density
6.56
lb/ft³
Volume
53.33
ft³
Weight
350
lb
6–7 lb/ft³ → Class 150
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Estimates only — verify freight class/NMFC and chargeable weight with your carrier.
How freight class is calculated (density scale)
Freight class is set by density = weight (lb) ÷ volume (ft³). Higher density → lower class → typically lower cost. Volume here is L × W × H × quantity.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| 50+ | 50 |
| 35 – 50 | 55 |
| 30 – 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 – 30 | 65 |
| 15 – 22.5 | 70 |
| 13.5 – 15 | 77.5 |
| 12 – 13.5 | 85 |
| 10.5 – 12 | 92.5 |
| 9 – 10.5 | 100 |
| 8 – 9 | 110 |
| 7 – 8 | 125 |
| 6 – 7 | 150 |
| 5 – 6 | 175 |
| 4 – 5 | 200 |
| 3 – 4 | 250 |
| 2 – 3 | 300 |
| 1 – 2 | 400 |
| 0 – 1 | 500 |
How FedEx uses freight class
FedEx runs two LTL services — Freight Priority (faster) and Freight Economy — and prices both off your shipment's freight class, weight and lane. On the parcel side (Express and Ground), it is dimensional weight that drives cost instead, using a 139 divisor. Pin down your class before you request a FedEx Freight quote so the rate you are quoted is the rate you pay.
FedEx Freight Priority vs. Economy — and the flat-rate Freight Box
FedEx Freight runs two LTL services off the same class rating: Freight Priority for faster, day-definite transit, and Freight Economy for a lower rate when you can wait. Both are built from your shipment's freight class, weight and lane, so the class you calculate here feeds either service equally — the choice between them is speed versus price, not how the freight is classified.
FedEx also offers the FedEx Freight Box: a flat rate for whatever you can fit inside a specified box, up to 1,200 lb, which sidesteps class entirely for eligible shipments. It's worth comparing against a class-based quote when your freight is dense and awkward — sometimes the flat box wins, sometimes an accurate class does. Knowing your real class first is what lets you tell which is cheaper.
Is FedEx’s freight class different?
No — and this trips a lot of shippers up. Freight class is set by the NMFC density scale, a single national standard. The class you calculate here is the same one FedEx will rate against; what differs between carriers is the rate per class, the lanes they serve, and their accessorial fees — not the class itself. So calculate once, then compare FedEx against other carriers on identical numbers with the freight quote builder.
FedEx parcel vs LTL
One thing to watch with FedEx: small parcels are billed on dimensional weight (a 139 divisor), while palletized LTL freight is billed on freight class. If your shipment is a pallet, freight class is the number you need; if it is a box, check the dimensional weight instead.
Frequently asked questions
Does FedEx use a different freight class than other carriers?
No. Freight class comes from the NMFC density scale, which is an industry standard — so the class for your shipment is the same whether you ship with FedEx or anyone else. FedEx simply applies that class to its own rates and lanes.
How do I find my FedEx freight class?
Measure your shipment's dimensions and weight, work out the density (weight ÷ volume), and match it to the NMFC scale — the calculator above does exactly that. Confirm the final class and NMFC item number with FedEx when you book.
Why does freight class matter for a FedEx quote?
Class is usually the single biggest factor in an LTL rate. FedEx parcel uses a 139 in³/lb dimensional divisor; FedEx Freight LTL prices on NMFC freight class. Getting it right before you request a quote keeps the rate accurate and avoids a costly reclassification later.
What's the difference between FedEx Freight Priority and Economy?
Priority is the faster, day-definite LTL service; Economy trades speed for a lower rate. Both are priced from the same freight class, weight and lane — only the transit time and cost differ.
Does FedEx Freight have a flat-rate option?
Yes — the FedEx Freight Box charges a flat rate for whatever fits inside it (up to 1,200 lb), which skips freight class for eligible shipments. It's worth comparing against a class-based quote for dense freight.
Does FedEx bill on dimensional weight or freight class?
Both, by service: FedEx Express and Ground parcel bill on dimensional weight with a 139 divisor, while FedEx Freight LTL bills on NMFC freight class. A pallet needs its class; a box needs its dim weight.