FreightCal2026
Building Materials & Minerals·Class 50

Density of Dry Silica Sand (Bulk / Supersack)

Clean, graded quartz silica sand used in concrete batching, glassmaking, and industrial sandblasting.

Density (PCF)100lbs / cu ft
Metric Density1.6g / cm³
Density (SI)1,600kg / m³
NMFC FreightClass 5040000
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
667 lbs
302 kg · (5 units)
Single Piece Weight
133.3 lbs
60.5 kg per unit
Freight Class & Density
Class 50
100 PCF (1.602 g/cm³)
53ft Semi PayloadOK
1.5%
of 45,000 lbs legal payload

Logistics & Transport Recommendations

Pallet Packaging Rule

Safe stacking limit: 18 pieces per pallet to stay within the 2,500 lbs standard wood pallet rating.

NMFC Item Guidance

Reference code: 40000 (Sand, Silica or Industrial). Rated under Class 50 based on 100 PCF density.

  • Shipment utilizes 1.5% of a standard 53ft trailer's 45,000 lbs legal cargo payload (44,333 lbs capacity remaining).
  • Standard GMA pallet recommendation: Maximum 18 units per pallet to remain within the 2,500 lbs safe working limit.

Shipping, Packaging & Stacking Specifications for Dry Sand

Transport & Palletizing Rules

Shipped in 2,000–3,000 lbs bulk bags (FIBC Supersacks) or dedicated pneumatic tanker trailers.

Typical Industrial Applications
  • Mortar & concrete mix
  • Sandblasting media
  • Fracking proppant
  • Water filtration beds
Critical Handling Cautions:
  • Bags must be lifted by all 4 corner loops evenly to prevent bottom seam blowout
Material density and metallurgical weight benchmarks correspond to standard test specifications from ASTM International and density rating tables from NMFTA.

Compare with Other Building Materials & Minerals

View all materials
Class 50Standard Cured Concrete (Normal Weight)
145 lbs/cu ft
Class 55Natural Granite Stone (Solid Slabs)
168 lbs/cu ft
Class 55Natural Marble (Architectural Slabs)
165 lbs/cu ft

Dry Sand Weight & Freight FAQs

What is the density of Dry Silica Sand (Bulk / Supersack) in lbs/cu ft and g/cm³?

The standard density of Dry Silica Sand (Bulk / Supersack) is 100 pounds per cubic foot (lbs/cu ft), which equals 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or 1,600 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

What NMFC freight class is assigned to Dry Sand?

Due to its density of 100 PCF, shipments of Dry Sand 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 40000 (Sand, Silica or Industrial).

How many pieces of Dry Sand 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.