What class 70 means
Class 70 is step 9 of 13, counting from the most expensive class (400) to the cheapest (50). LTL carriers price freight per hundred pounds, and the class sets the rate: the lower the number, the less each pound costs. Density decides the class for every commodity whose NMFC item follows the density scale, which Dockets 2025-1 and 2026-1 extended to many more items.
Lighter freight for its size, under 15 lb/ft³, is class 85. Denser freight, from 22.5 lb/ft³, is class 65. The freight class chart shows all 13 bands.
Pallet weights for class 70
The weight a standard 48 × 40 in pallet must have, at each height with the pallet included, to measure as class 70.
| Height (with pallet) | Cube | Weight for class 70 |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 26.7 ft³ | 400 to under 600 lb |
| 36 in | 40 ft³ | 600 to under 900 lb |
| 48 in | 53.3 ft³ | 800 to under 1,200 lb |
| 60 in | 66.7 ft³ | 1,000 to under 1,500 lb |
| 72 in | 80 ft³ | 1,200 to under 1,800 lb |
Weights include the pallet. A weight shown is always inside the class; at the upper limit the next cheaper class begins.
Getting from class 70 to class 65
Class is worked out per handling unit from its outside dimensions, so the same goods packed shorter and tighter can ship a class lower. The 1,000 lb pallet in the calculator is 48 in tall; restacked to 40 in or less at the same weight, it reaches class 65. The calculator's suggestions show the same for your own freight.
Class 70 and the 2025 scale change
This band did not change with Docket 2025-1: the scale is the same as before for freight under 30 lb/ft³. What changed for many shippers is that more commodities now follow the density scale instead of a fixed class. The background is in NMFC density changes 2025–2026.
Measuring it right
Measure each handling unit at its longest and widest points, overhang included, and weigh it with the pallet. Some carriers bill tall freight as if it were taller: XPO treats an article 75 in or taller as 96 in high, which lowers its density and can raise its class. If a carrier measures a different density at the dock, it can reclass the shipment; see reclass and reweigh fees.
Questions
What is class 70 freight?
On the NMFC density scale, freight whose density is 15 to less than 22.5 lb/ft³. It is step 9 of 13, counting from the most expensive class (400) to the cheapest (50). Commodities whose NMFC item follows the density scale take class 70 when they measure in this band; items with a fixed class keep their own.
What density is freight class 70?
15 to less than 22.5 lb/ft³, which is 240 to less than 360 kg/m³. Density is the weight in pounds divided by the cubic feet of the handling unit, pallet included.
How much does a class 70 pallet weigh?
A 48 × 40 in pallet stacked 48 in high, pallet included, is class 70 at 800 to under 1,200 lb. Taller or shorter pallets shift the range; the table above lists each height.
Is class 65 cheaper than class 70?
Yes. A lower class number means a lower rate per hundred pounds, and class 65 is the next step down from class 70. Freight reaches it at 22.5 lb/ft³ or more.