Methodology
How the planner builds its output
1) Density calculation
The app multiplies handling unit count by outside dimensions in inches, converts cubic inches to cubic feet, then divides total shipment weight by total cubic feet to produce density in pounds per cubic foot.
2) Density-based class estimate
The likely class band uses a public 13-tier density chart commonly summarized by freight education resources such as Freightquote: less than 1 = class 400; 1 to under 2 = 300; 2 to under 4 = 250; 4 to under 6 = 175; 6 to under 8 = 125; 8 to under 10 = 100; 10 to under 12 = 92.5; 12 to under 15 = 85; 15 to under 22.5 = 70; 22.5 to under 30 = 65; 30 to under 35 = 60; 35 to under 50 = 55; 50 or more = 50.
3) Exception factor treatment
NMFTA freight class guidance is not density-only. Handling, stowability, and liability factors can still justify higher class treatment or manual review. This planner intentionally shifts from certainty language to escalation notes whenever those exceptions are present.
4) Practical output layer
The tool adds dock measurement checks, BOL wording, and carrier questions so teams can reduce avoidable reclass triggers before pickup.
Public reference points used
- NMFTA high-level freight class factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.
- Freightquote public summaries of the 13-tier density-based class chart.
- C.H. Robinson, Old Dominion Freight Line, and Priority1 high-level 2025 NMFC change guidance explaining the broader shift toward density-based classification with continued exception review.
This site is educational and operational in nature. Final class decisions should be verified against current tariff materials and carrier requirements.