Freight Class for Tires
Tires carry more weight for their size than most freight, so under the 2025 density-based scale they usually class in the middle of the scale — roughly class 70 to 150. The exact number depends on how densely the tires are stacked. Here’s the typical range, the math, and the exact class one click away.
The short answer
Typical packaged tires runs about 6–15 PCF, which maps to roughly class 70–125 on the 2025 NMFTA scale. Worked example — a pallet of passenger tires, 48×40×55 in at 700 lb:
48×40×55 ÷ 1,728 = 61.11 ft³ → 700 ÷ 61.11 = 11.45 PCF → Class 92.5
Why tires classes the way it does
Tires are heavier than they look, but they also carry a lot of trapped air in the center and between stacked casings. On the 2025 NMFTA scale, which rates on density (pounds per cubic foot), a well-packed pallet of tires usually lands in the middle classes rather than the expensive light-and-bulky end.
Size and stacking drive the spread. Small, densely nested passenger tires pack tighter and can reach class 70–85. Large, hollow truck or OTR tires trap more air and lighter loads drift toward class 125–150. Loose versus banded, and whether the centers are nested, all change the density — so calculate from the actual palletized load.
How to calculate it for your shipment
Multiply your packed length, width, and height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight by that volume for density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Map the PCF to the class on the NMFTA scale. The Freight Density Calculator does it in one step; the Target Class Calculator runs it backward to find the weight that would hit a class you’re aiming for. Prefer a lookup? The density-to-freight-class chart lists every class and its PCF band.
Get the class right the first time
Because the 2025 scale rates on density, sloppy dimensions are what get tires reclassed and back-billed. Measure to the farthest points on the packed piece, weigh it on a certified scale, and calculate the density before pickup — don’t eyeball the class. For the full picture of how density-based classification works, start with the freight class guide, and see why freight gets reclassed if a carrier disputes your number. Freight class is set by the NMFTA; look up your specific NMFC item with the NMFTA.
Frequently asked
What is the freight class for tires?
Most palletized tires fall between class 70 and class 125 under the 2025 density-based scale, depending on how densely they are stacked. A pallet of passenger tires at about 11.5 PCF classes at 92.5, for example. Large hollow truck tires trap more air and class higher. Calculate the exact class from your load’s weight and dimensions.
Do new and used tires class differently?
Class is set by density, not condition, so a new and a used tire of the same size and stacking pattern class the same. What changes the class is how tightly the tires nest on the pallet and the overall pallet dimensions — not whether they are new or used.
How do I lower the freight class on a load of tires?
Pack them denser. Nesting tires, banding the stack, and keeping the pallet height reasonable all raise pounds per cubic foot, which lowers the class. Measure and weigh the finished, banded pallet, then calculate the density before pickup.
How do I calculate freight class for tires?
Multiply the palletized length, width, and height in inches and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet. Divide the weight in pounds by that volume to get density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), then map the PCF to a class on the NMFTA scale. The Freight Density Calculator does it for you.