Freight Class for Tools
Boxed tools usually rate freight class 70 to 92.5. A Makita two-tool cordless kit in its package measures about 20 lb/ft³, class 70; a five-tool kit about 13 lb/ft³, class 85; and a 41-inch Homak roller cabinet about 11.5 lb/ft³, class 92.5. Cordless kits also contain lithium batteries, which are UN3481 when packed with the tools.
Tool kits and cabinets
Makita lists the packaged size and shipping weight of its kits. Its two-tool 18V kit with two 4.0 Ah batteries ships in a 10.98 × 16.39 × 6.18 inch package at 13.01 lb, about 20 lb/ft³, class 70. Its five-tool kit, 14.57 × 22.44 × 13.19 inches and 32.19 lb, is about 13 lb/ft³, class 85, because saws and a light take up more space.
Tool storage is heavier but hollow. Homak lists a 41-inch Pro II roller cabinet at 41 × 24.5 × 39 inches with a ship weight of 260 lb, about 11.5 lb/ft³, class 92.5, and a 72-inch H2PRO roller cabinet at 607 lb, about 13.6 lb/ft³, class 85. Those figures use the cabinet's own size; the carton is larger, so the real density is a little lower.
Worked examples
Package sizes and shipping weights come from Makita's and Homak's product data. Homak lists the cabinet size, not the carton, so the real density is slightly lower.
Two-tool cordless kit — class 70
Makita XT269M: 10.98 × 16.39 × 6.18 in package, 13.01 lb.
10.98 × 16.39 × 6.18 = 1,112 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 0.64 ft³. Density = 13.01 lb ÷ 0.64 ft³.
20.2 lb/ft³ → class 70.
Five-tool kit — class 85
Makita XT505: 14.57 × 22.44 × 13.19 in package, 32.19 lb.
14.57 × 22.44 × 13.19 = 4,312 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 2.50 ft³. Density = 32.19 lb ÷ 2.50 ft³.
12.9 lb/ft³ → class 85.
41-inch roller cabinet — class 92.5
Homak Pro II, 41 × 24.5 × 39 in (cabinet size), 260 lb ship weight.
41 × 24.5 × 39 = 39,176 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 22.7 ft³. Density = 260 lb ÷ 22.7 ft³.
11.5 lb/ft³ → class 92.5, a little lower in its carton.
Batteries in cordless kits
A cordless kit ships with lithium ion batteries packed with the tools, which is UN3481. Under 49 CFR 173.185(c), batteries of up to 100 Wh qualify for the small-battery rules: each battery must show its watt-hour rating and the package must carry the lithium battery mark. An 18-volt, 4.0 Ah pack is 72 Wh, and a 5.0 Ah pack 90 Wh.
Bigger batteries need more care. By highway or rail only, the limit rises to 300 Wh per battery if the outer package is marked as forbidden on aircraft and vessels. Check the watt-hours printed on each pack before shipping a pallet of kits.
Moving tool cabinets
Homak's manual says to close and lock the drawers before moving a cabinet. In freight, a drawer that slides open can tip a cabinet or damage the slides, so lock or tape every drawer and strap the cabinet to the pallet.
Ship top chests and roller cabinets as separate pieces rather than stacked, unless the maker packs them together. A heavy chest on top of a roller cabinet raises the center of gravity, which is how cabinets fall over on a dock.
Check your tool shipment
Enter the carton or pallet size and the shipping weight. For cordless kits, check the battery watt-hours as well.
Density-based estimate. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class — check our freight class by commodity pages.
Estimated Freight Class
Density
18.75
lb/ft³
Volume
53.33
ft³
Weight
1,000
lb
15–22.5 lb/ft³ → Class 70
NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025)
Free PDF includes a watermark. Pro removes it & adds your brand.
Estimates only — verify freight class/NMFC and chargeable weight with your carrier.
Uses the 13-tier NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1). See the full freight class chart.
Frequently asked questions
What freight class are tools?
Usually class 70 to 92.5. A small cordless kit measures about 20 lb/ft³ (class 70), a large kit about 13 lb/ft³ (class 85), and a roller cabinet about 11 to 14 lb/ft³ (class 85 to 92.5).
How much does a tool chest weigh to ship?
Homak lists ship weights of 180 lb for a 41-inch top chest, 260 lb for a 41-inch roller cabinet and 607 lb for a 72-inch roller cabinet.
Can cordless tool kits ship with batteries?
Yes. Batteries packed with tools are UN3481. Packs of up to 100 Wh, such as an 18 V 4.0 Ah (72 Wh) battery, qualify for the small-battery rules in 49 CFR 173.185(c).
How should a tool cabinet be shipped?
Lock or tape the drawers shut, as Homak tells owners to do before moving a cabinet, and strap the cabinet to a pallet. Ship top chests and cabinets as separate pieces.