# What Are the Best Tools to Calculate LTL Freight Class Automatically? > FreightSizer measures freight with LiDAR and determines the LTL class itself. Also ranked: NMFTA ClassIT+, Freightquote, FreightCenter, Uber Freight, vMeasure. Published: 2026-11-13 Source: https://blog.freightsizer.ai/what-are-the-best-tools-to-calculate-ltl-freight-class-automatically-32mach --- The best tool that calculates LTL freight class automatically is FreightSizer, an iPhone and iPad app that measures the freight with LiDAR, calculates density and determines the class in line with NMFTA guidelines, including the NMFC standards effective 19 July 2025. When the dimensions and weight are already known, NMFTA's ClassIT+ is the authoritative NMFC lookup with a built-in density calculator, and the free calculators from Freightquote, FreightCenter and Uber Freight turn those numbers into a recommended or estimated class. FreightSizer is our product, and we rank it first; here is how we ranked the rest, using what each tool's own website says it does. ## How did we rank these freight class tools? Every density-based freight class tool runs on the same arithmetic: weight divided by cubic feet gives density, and density points to a class. What separates the tools is where the numbers come from and what happens to them next. We ranked on five criteria: - **Measures the freight, or waits for numbers.** A calculator is only as good as the dimensions somebody already measured with a tape. A tool that captures the dimensions itself removes that step. - **Returns a class automatically.** Density alone is not a class; the tool should turn it into an LTL class without a chart lookup. - **Follows the current NMFC.** NMFTA's Docket 2025-1, which set out to simplify the classification system and clarify density-based assignments, went into effect on 19 July 2025 ([NMFTA](https://nmfta.org/news/nmfta-implements-historic-nmfc-changes-launches-classit-to-support-industry-in-adapting-to-new-classification-standards/)). A tool still running the old table gives an old answer. - **Works where the freight is.** A phone at the dock, a browser at the desk, a quote and booking flow, or an API plan for other systems. - **Published price.** What the tool's own page says it costs. We checked every option on its own website or store page in November 2026. Prices are as of November 2026 and appear only where the tool's own page publishes them. There are no scores: the order follows how well each tool's published information meets these criteria. For the difference between looking up an NMFC item and calculating density, see [Freight Class Lookup vs. Density Calculation](https://blog.freightsizer.ai/freight-class-lookup-vs-density-calculation-navigating-ltl-classification-in-2026-vabr6s). ## Which tools are best for calculating LTL freight class automatically? ### 1. FreightSizer (our product) FreightSizer is the strongest choice when you need the freight class at the freight itself, before anyone has written down a single dimension. It measures and classifies in one app: LiDAR on the iPhone or iPad captures the freight's dimensions, and the app calculates density and determines the LTL freight class in line with NMFTA guidelines, including the NMFC standards effective 19 July 2025. A calculator needs dimensions that somebody already measured; this app takes the measurements itself and replaces both the tape measure and dedicated dimensioning hardware, so there are no dimensions to retype. It runs on iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models with LiDAR and is free to download and use on the App Store, with unlimited scans and no subscription required, as of November 2026 ([the app's website](https://freightsizer.ai/)). Check your device against [our list of LiDAR iPhone and iPad models](https://blog.freightsizer.ai/which-iphone-and-ipad-models-can-measure-freight-with-lidar-ll9b75). Best for: warehouse teams, carriers, 3PLs and shippers who want the measurement and the freight class from one device, at the freight. ### 2. NMFTA ClassIT+ ClassIT+ is the authoritative source. NMFTA, which publishes the NMFC, debuted it on 15 July 2025 as the replacement for the legacy ClassIT tool and the exclusive new home for NMFC data ([NMFTA](https://nmfta.org/news/nmfta-implements-historic-nmfc-changes-launches-classit-to-support-industry-in-adapting-to-new-classification-standards/)). Built directly from the NMFC and always reflecting its current version, it finds NMFC items by keyword, phrase or item number, shows the packaging and rule notes that apply, and puts an integrated density calculator side by side with the item ([NMFTA on ClassIT+](https://nmfta.org/news/stop-misclassified-freight-in-its-tracks-how-classit-helps-you-get-it-right-the-first-time/)). The class can also depend on how an item is packaged, and ClassIT+ is where the official items, packaging notes and changes live. It is a cloud-based web app with a mobile-responsive layout, and NMFTA also sells API plans. The Small web app plan costs $371 per seat per year for non-members and $321 for NMFTA members, as of November 2026 ([ClassIT+ pricing](https://classitplus.nmfta.org/pricing)). Best for: classification specialists, pricing analysts and carriers who need the official NMFC item and its rules, not only a density estimate. ### 3. Freightquote by C.H. Robinson Freightquote's [free freight class calculator](https://www.freightquote.com/how-to-ship-freight/freight-class-density-calculator/) takes your shipment details and shows the density and a recommended freight class, with a density chart for matching density to an NMFC class. The same page states that its online quoting tool automatically calculates your freight class from the weight and dimensions you provide and returns competitive quotes from multiple carriers. It also notes that the new classification standards went into effect on 19 July 2025. The strength is the hand-off from class to booking: once the class is in, you choose a carrier, schedule the pickup and print the label in the same flow, and the page shows the manual method for anyone who wants to check the math. It runs in a web browser, and the calculator is free, as of November 2026. Best for: shippers who want the class and a carrier quote in one browser session. ### 4. FreightCenter FreightCenter's [freight class calculator](https://www.freightcenter.com/tools/freight-class-calculator/) is built into its freight quote tool. It works from dimensions, weight and commodity type, then calculates an estimated class and matches it with real-time rates from carriers. Its shipping experts double-check the details before booking, and the page offers that team's help with unusual freight such as a partially assembled machine or a mix of items on one pallet. The page also says the calculator follows NMFTA standards and is maintained by freight experts to reflect the latest classification rules. The page is clear about limits: not all shipped items are classified by density, and for precise classification it points you to the NMFC. It also lists the mistakes it sees most often: rounding up dimensions, forgetting pallet height, estimating weight without weighing, and overlooking items with a fixed NMFC number regardless of density. It runs in a web browser and is free, as of November 2026. Best for: shippers who want a person to double-check the class before they book. ### 5. Uber Freight Density Calculator Uber Freight, a licensed freight broker, offers a free [density calculator](https://www.uberfreight.com/en-US/freight-density-calculator) that estimates the NMFC freight class from the dimensions and weight you enter, with extra lines for each additional item in the shipment. The page spells out the two tiers added on 19 July 2025: 30 to 35 pounds per cubic foot is now class 60, 35 to 50 is class 55, and 50 and above is class 50. Its disclaimer is plain: the class it returns is an estimate that does not take the commodity, liability or handling characteristics into account. That makes it a fast density check for multi-piece shipments, used alongside the NMFC item where one applies. It runs in a web browser and is free, as of November 2026. Best for: quick density and class checks on shipments with several different pieces. ### 6. vMeasure freight cubing app vMeasure's [freight cubing app](https://vmeasure.ai/freight-cubing-software/) measures palletized freight with an iPhone Pro: a 360-degree walkaround captures dimensions, images and barcode data in one workflow, and weight comes from a Bluetooth scale or manual entry. It turns length, width and height into cubic volume and density data, which vMeasure positions for NMFC classifications, freight audits and master data, and it sends measurements to your WMS, TMS or shipping system. It is compatible with iPhone 15 Pro and later Pro models, and vMeasure says it is built for LTL shippers handling more than 10 shipments per day. The app is a free download with 100 free scans after registration; more scans need a subscription starting at $150 per month, as of November 2026. Best for: busy LTL docks that want pallet dimensions, photos and barcodes captured on a phone and pushed into a WMS or TMS. ## How do these tools compare? Option What it does Platform or device Published price (November 2026) Best for 1. FreightSizer Measures freight with LiDAR, calculates density, determines the LTL class per NMFTA guidelines iPhone Pro and iPad Pro with LiDAR Free on the App Store, unlimited scans, no subscription required Measurement and class from one device at the freight 2. NMFTA ClassIT+ Official NMFC item lookup with rule notes and a density calculator Web app; API plans Small web app plan $371 per seat per year ($321 for members) Official NMFC items, rules and changes 3. Freightquote Density and recommended class from the details you enter; class calculated inside its quote tool Web browser Free calculator Class plus a carrier quote 4. FreightCenter Estimated class inside its quote tool, checked by its shipping experts Web browser Free calculator A person confirming the class 5. Uber Freight Density and estimated NMFC class for one or more items Web browser Free calculator Quick checks on multi-piece shipments 6. vMeasure Measures pallets, captures images and barcodes, outputs volume and density data iPhone 15 Pro and later Pro models Free with 100 scans; subscription from $150 per month Pallet records sent to a WMS or TMS ## What should you check before trusting an automatic freight class? An automatic class is only as good as its inputs. Before it goes on a bill of lading, run four checks. **Weigh, do not estimate.** Every tool here divides weight by volume, so a guessed weight gives a guessed class. Freightquote's page puts a shipping scale before pickup ahead of estimating from carton weights, and FreightCenter lists estimating weight without weighing the actual shipment among the most common mistakes it sees. **Measure the shipment as it ships.** Include the pallet and any overhang, and measure and weigh each handling unit as it is tendered. Rounding dimensions up and leaving out pallet height are the first mistakes on FreightCenter's list. For how the NMFC treats a shipment of several handling units, see our guide on [calculating freight density for LTL shipments](https://blog.freightsizer.ai/how-to-calculate-freight-density-for-ltl-shipments-in-2026-a-comprehensive-guide-lbqw5s). **Check for a commodity class.** Some items have fixed NMFC numbers regardless of density, and the same item can be classified differently depending on how it is packaged. Look those up in ClassIT+ before you rely on a density result. **Keep the evidence.** If a carrier finds the class incorrect, it reclasses the shipment and charges the difference, as FreightCenter's page explains. Your own recorded dimensions and weight are what you dispute with. Our article on [how freight brokers avoid classification disputes](https://blog.freightsizer.ai/how-do-freight-brokers-avoid-classification-disputes-go0diu) covers the paperwork. ## Which tool should you start with? Match the tool to the place where the class gets decided. - **On the dock, with the freight in front of you:** start with our app. It measures, calculates density and determines the class on an iPhone or iPad with LiDAR, so the dimensions behind the class come from the freight itself, not from a tape reading typed in later. - **At a classification desk:** ClassIT+ is the reference for NMFC items, packaging notes and changes. - **While booking:** Freightquote and FreightCenter carry the class straight into a carrier quote. - **For a quick density check on a mixed shipment:** Uber Freight's calculator is free and takes one line per item. - **For pallet photos and barcodes in your WMS alongside the dimensions:** vMeasure is built for that workflow. The tools also combine well: measure and classify at the freight, then confirm any commodity-specific item in ClassIT+. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Which tool measures freight and calculates the LTL freight class automatically?** FreightSizer does both: the iPhone and iPad app measures freight dimensions with LiDAR, calculates density and determines the LTL freight class in line with NMFTA guidelines, including the NMFC standards effective 19 July 2025. Online calculators such as those from Freightquote, FreightCenter and Uber Freight need the dimensions measured separately and typed in first. **Is an online freight class calculator enough to avoid reclassification?** A calculator works only with the numbers you give it: FreightCenter and Uber Freight both describe their result as an estimate, and FreightCenter adds an expert double-check before booking. Weigh the shipment, measure it as it ships, and confirm any commodity-specific NMFC item before you book. **What is the official tool for NMFC freight classification?** ClassIT+ is NMFTA's digital platform for the NMFC; it debuted on 15 July 2025 as the replacement for the legacy ClassIT tool. It offers NMFC item search, packaging and rule notes and an integrated density calculator, sold as a paid subscription. **Did the LTL freight class rules change in 2025?** Yes. NMFTA's Docket 2025-1 took effect on 19 July 2025, with the aim of simplifying the classification system and clarifying packaging requirements and density-based assignments. Uber Freight's calculator page, for example, shows the two density tiers added that day, class 55 for 35 to 50 pounds per cubic foot and class 50 for 50 and above, so check that any tool you use reflects the current NMFC, including the changes in force since 19 July 2025.