Freight class 175
A smaller package can improve density without crossing a class boundary.
4 to under 6 lb/ft³
The lower boundary of 4 lb/ft³ is included. Exactly 6 lb/ft³ enters class 125.
2025 density scale. Item confirmation required.
Where this class 175 example sits
Toward class 250: 4.8 − 4 = 0.8 lb/ft³ above the cutoff. The lower edge remains included. Toward class 125: 6 − 4.8 = 1.2 lb/ft³ to the next boundary.
Three package heights, one 320 lb gross weight
A finished 60 × 40 × 48 in handling unit weighing 320 lb occupies about 66.667 ft³. Density is 4.8 lb/ft³, placing it in class 175.
At the same footprint and gross weight, a 40 in height produces 5.76 lb/ft³. Density improves, but it stays below 6, so the class remains 175. Only the 38.4 in scenario reaches exactly 6 lb/ft³ and the class 125 band.
| Scenario | Quantity × L × W × H; weight per unit | Total volume | Density | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished height of 48 in | 1 × 60 × 40 × 48 in at 320 lb each | 66.667 ft³ | 4.8 lb/ft³ | 175 |
| Finished height of 40 in | 1 × 60 × 40 × 40 in at 320 lb each | 55.556 ft³ | 5.76 lb/ft³ | 175 |
| Finished height of 38.4 in | 1 × 60 × 40 × 38.4 in at 320 lb each | 53.333 ft³ | 6 lb/ft³ | 125 |
Hypothetical measurements. Calculator Methodology.
Compare the measured scenarios
Unrounded density; rounded display labels.
Compare the threshold before changing a package
The original unit needs a volume of 53.333… ft³ or less to reach 6 lb/ft³ at 320 lb. That is a 20% reduction from the original volume. The 40 in version reduces volume by about 16.667%, which is insufficient to cross the band.
These alternative dimensions are hypothetical. A packing change may also change gross weight, protection, or handling characteristics, so remeasure the complete new package and confirm the applicable item provisions. A density-class change alone is not a quoted saving.
The missing 1.6 inches between the last two plans
The 40-inch version remains short of 6 lb/ft³. Reaching 38.4 inches makes the full reduction 20%; a partial packaging change has no class effect until the threshold is crossed.
| Boundary density | Target volume | Total height | Class at boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 lb/ft³ | 53.333 ft³ | 38.4 in | 125 |
Arithmetic target; confirm safe packaging.
Questions before you ship
Does every increase in density lower the class number?
No. The class changes only when the unrounded density crosses a band boundary. In this example, both 4.8 and 5.76 lb/ft³ map to class 175.
Related density bands
Sources
Reviewed 2026-10-25: NMFTA scale; effective July 19, 2025; packaging margin (2026).
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