FreightCal2026
Plastics & Polymers·Class 65

Density of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Tough, chemical-resistant polymer with high tensile strength. Used for industrial cutting boards and bulk shipping totes.

Density (PCF)60lbs / cu ft
Metric Density0.96g / cm³
Density (SI)960kg / m³
NMFC FreightClass 65156600
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
400 lbs
181 kg · (5 units)
Single Piece Weight
80.0 lbs
36.3 kg per unit
Freight Class & Density
Class 50
60 PCF (0.961 g/cm³)
53ft Semi PayloadOK
0.9%
of 45,000 lbs legal payload

Logistics & Transport Recommendations

Pallet Packaging Rule

Safe stacking limit: 31 pieces per pallet to stay within the 2,500 lbs standard wood pallet rating.

NMFC Item Guidance

Reference code: 156600 (Plastic Sheets & Resins). Rated under Class 50 based on 60 PCF density.

  • Shipment utilizes 0.9% of a standard 53ft trailer's 45,000 lbs legal cargo payload (44,600 lbs capacity remaining).
  • Standard GMA pallet recommendation: Maximum 31 units per pallet to remain within the 2,500 lbs safe working limit.

Shipping, Packaging & Stacking Specifications for HDPE Plastic

Transport & Palletizing Rules

Floats in water! Slippery surface material (low coefficient of friction). Requires friction mats on trailer decks.

Typical Industrial Applications
  • Industrial cutting boards
  • Drainage culvert pipe
  • Fuel tanks & chemical drums
  • Recycling bins
Critical Handling Cautions:
  • Stacks slide very easily during truck braking unless locked with non-slip rubber friction mats
Material density and metallurgical weight benchmarks correspond to standard test specifications from ASTM International and density rating tables from NMFTA.

Compare with Other Plastics & Polymers

View all materials
Class 60Rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride Type 1)
87 lbs/cu ft
Class 60Cast Acrylic / Plexiglass (PMMA)
74 lbs/cu ft
Class 60Polycarbonate Sheet (Lexan / Makrolon)
75 lbs/cu ft

HDPE Plastic Weight & Freight FAQs

What is the density of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) in lbs/cu ft and g/cm³?

The standard density of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is 60 pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cu ft), which equals 0.96 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or 960 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

What NMFC freight class is assigned to HDPE Plastic?

Due to its density of 60 PCF, shipments of HDPE Plastic typically qualify for Class 65 (the lowest, most economical LTL freight tier for dense cargo exceeding 50 lbs/cu ft). The primary reference item is 156600 (Plastic Sheets & Resins).

How many pieces of HDPE Plastic 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.