Almost all U.S. LTL carriers use NMFC freight classes, although some are attempting to move to a dimensionally-based system.

Freight classification groups products based on similar density, stowability, handling and liability so carriers and shippers have an effective way of communicating the ease of transporting said freight.

Density is the relationship between weight and size. A ping pong ball, which is very little material surrounding a good amount of air, is low density. Bricks, which are heavy for their size, are high density. In LTL shipping, it is commonly measured in pounds per cubic foot.