FreightCal2026
Metals & Alloys·Class 50

Density of Carbon Steel (A36 Structural)

The most widely used structural steel in North America for construction, bridge framing, and heavy manufacturing.

Density (PCF)490lbs / cu ft
Metric Density7.85g / cm³
Density (SI)7,850kg / m³
NMFC FreightClass 50104500
Industrial Material & Freight Sizing

Material Weight & Freight Density Calculator

Select an industrial material or enter custom density. Calculate dimensions to total weight, volume, NMFC class, and trailer payload limits.

lbs/cu ft
Total Shipment Weight
3,267 lbs
1,482 kg · (5 units)
Single Piece Weight
653.3 lbs
296.4 kg per unit
Freight Class & Density
Class 50
490 PCF (7.849 g/cm³)
53ft Semi PayloadOK
7.3%
of 45,000 lbs legal payload

Logistics & Transport Recommendations

Pallet Packaging Rule

Safe stacking limit: 3 pieces per pallet to stay within the 2,500 lbs standard wood pallet rating.

NMFC Item Guidance

Reference code: 104500 (Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes). Rated under Class 50 based on 490 PCF density.

  • Shipment utilizes 7.3% of a standard 53ft trailer's 45,000 lbs legal cargo payload (41,733 lbs capacity remaining).
  • Standard GMA pallet recommendation: Maximum 3 units per pallet to remain within the 2,500 lbs safe working limit.

Shipping, Packaging & Stacking Specifications for Carbon Steel

Transport & Palletizing Rules

Extremely dense cargo. Requires heavy-duty 4x4 dunnage under plates. Must be tarped on flatbeds to prevent oxidation and road salt corrosion.

Typical Industrial Applications
  • I-beams & columns
  • Base plates & gussets
  • Machinery frames
  • Truck chassis
Critical Handling Cautions:
  • Point loading risk on wooden trailer floors
  • Sharp laser-cut edges require corner protectors
  • Coils require certified coil racks & beveled wood blocks
Material density and metallurgical weight benchmarks correspond to standard test specifications from ASTM International and density rating tables from NMFTA.

Compare with Other Metals & Alloys

View all materials
Class 50Stainless Steel (Grade 304)
495 lbs/cu ft
Class 50Stainless Steel (Grade 316 Marine)
500 lbs/cu ft
Class 55Aluminum Alloy (6061-T6)
169 lbs/cu ft

Carbon Steel Weight & Freight FAQs

What is the density of Carbon Steel (A36 Structural) in lbs/cu ft and g/cm³?

The standard density of Carbon Steel (A36 Structural) is 490 pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cu ft), which equals 7.85 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or 7,850 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

What NMFC freight class is assigned to Carbon Steel?

Due to its density of 490 PCF, shipments of Carbon Steel typically qualify for Class 50 (the lowest, most economical LTL freight tier for dense cargo exceeding 50 lbs/cu ft). The primary reference item is 104500 (Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes).

How many pieces of Carbon Steel can I load on a standard pallet?

A standard GMA 48x40 wooden pallet is rated for a maximum payload of 2,500 lbs. Use our interactive calculator above to enter your exact plate, bar, or tube dimensions to verify your pieces-per-pallet threshold before strapping.