Saia Freight Class Calculator
Saia LTL Freight prices shipments on the standard NMFC freight class. Use the calculator below to find your class before requesting a Saia quote.
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
Free PDF includes a watermark. Pro removes it & adds your brand.
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 Saia uses freight class
Founded in 1924, Saia has grown from a Louisiana regional carrier into a national LTL network. Like all LTL carriers it uses the NMFC density scale to set freight class, then prices by class, weight and lane. Saia also offers guaranteed and expedited options at a premium — but the base rate still starts with your freight class, so calculate it first.
Saia's network and service options
Saia started as a single Louisiana truck in 1924 and has grown into a coast-to-coast LTL carrier, opening new terminals aggressively in recent years to close the gaps in its national map. That expansion widens the lanes Saia can quote directly, but it doesn't change how the freight is rated: every Saia LTL shipment prices off the NMFC density class, then weight and lane.
On top of standard LTL, Saia sells guaranteed and expedited options — day- and time-definite delivery for a premium over the base rate. Those upgrades sit on top of your freight class rather than replacing it, so calculating the class first tells you the base you're building from before you add a guarantee.
Is Saia’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 Saia 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 Saia against other carriers on identical numbers with the freight quote builder.
Frequently asked questions
Does Saia 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 Saia or anyone else. Saia simply applies that class to its own rates and lanes.
How do I find my Saia 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 Saia when you book.
Why does freight class matter for a Saia quote?
Class is usually the single biggest factor in an LTL rate. Saia rates LTL shipments on NMFC freight class, with guaranteed/expedited service available at a premium. Getting it right before you request a quote keeps the rate accurate and avoids a costly reclassification later.
Does Saia offer guaranteed delivery?
Yes — Saia sells guaranteed and expedited (day- and time-definite) LTL options at a premium over the standard rate. The base rate still starts from your freight class.
Does Saia serve my area?
Saia has expanded from a Louisiana regional carrier to a national LTL network and keeps opening terminals, so direct coverage is broad and growing. Freight class is the same nationwide — calculate it here and request a Saia quote for your lane.