NMFC Freight Class Chart
The NMFC Freight Class Chart is an essential reference tool for shippers, carriers, and logistics professionals to determine the correct freight class for shipping goods under the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) standards. This chart categorizes commodities into specific freight classes—ranging from Class 50 to Class 500—based on factors like density, stowability, handling, and liability. Using the NMFC freight class chart ensures accurate freight quotes, prevents costly reclassifications, and keeps your shipments compliant with industry regulations. Whether you’re shipping heavy machinery, delicate electronics, or bulk materials, understanding how to read and apply the NMFC freight class chart is key to optimizing costs and avoiding shipping disputes.
NMFC Freight Class Chart - Complete Guide
National Motor Freight Classification
NMFC Freight Class Chart
Complete Guide to National Motor Freight Classification
Understanding Freight Classes
Lower Class Numbers
Higher density, lower shipping costs
Density Formula
Weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic Feet = PCF
Higher Class Numbers
Lower density, higher shipping costs
| Class | Density (PCF) | Typical Commodities | Cost Level | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ lbs/ft³ | Steel, cement, machinery, engines, transmissions, cast iron | Lowest | Very dense, heavy |
| 55 | 35-50 lbs/ft³ | Bricks, hardwood flooring, construction materials | Very Low | Dense, durable |
| 60 | 30-35 lbs/ft³ | Car parts, appliances, bottled beverages, canned goods | Low | Heavy, compact |
| 65 | 22.5-30 lbs/ft³ | Automobile engines, small appliances, tools | Low | Moderately dense |
| 70 | 15-22.5 lbs/ft³ | Food products, automobile accessories, books | Low | Good density |
| 77.5 | 13.5-15 lbs/ft³ | Tires, bathroom fixtures | Medium | Moderate density |
| 85 | 12-13.5 lbs/ft³ | Manufactured food, cloth, cardboard boxes | Medium | Average density |
| 92.5 | 10.5-12 lbs/ft³ | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | Medium | Below average |
| 100 | 9-10.5 lbs/ft³ | Car covers, canvas, boat covers, wine cases | Medium | Light-medium |
| 110 | 8-9 lbs/ft³ | Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw | Medium | Bulky items |
| 125 | 7-8 lbs/ft³ | Small household appliances, printers | Medium | Low-medium density |
| 150 | 6-7 lbs/ft³ | Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases, furniture | High | Light weight |
| 175 | 5-6 lbs/ft³ | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture | High | Bulky, light |
| 200 | 4-5 lbs/ft³ | Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum table | High | Very light |
| 250 | 3-4 lbs/ft³ | Bamboo furniture, mattresses, plasma TVs | Very High | Extremely light |
| 300 | 2-3 lbs/ft³ | Wood cabinets, chairs, tables | Very High | Very bulky |
| 400 | 1-2 lbs/ft³ | Deer antlers, ping pong balls | Highest | Extremely bulky |
| 500 | Less than 1 lbs/ft³ | Bags, balloons, gold leaf | Highest | Featherweight |
Key Calculation Tips
- Include pallet weight and dimensions
- Measure to the farthest points
- Round measurements up, never down
- Consider all packaging materials
- Use certified scales for accuracy
Important Notes
- Density is just one factor in classification
- Liability and handling also affect class
- Carriers may reclassify based on inspection
- NMFC codes override density classifications
- Always verify with your carrier
This chart is based on NMFTA standards. Always consult with your carrier for final classification.
Last updated: 2025 | For educational purposes only
NMFC Freight Class Chart: A Complete Guide That Doesn’t Bore You
So... you just found yourself neck-deep in shipping paperwork, and now someone's asking about your NMFC freight class?
Yeah. I’ve been there too. You stare at the shipping label like it's written in Martian, wondering what on earth “Class 70” even means. Is it good? Bad? Expensive? Free shipping? (Spoiler: nope.)
But don’t worry—this chart below will make it make sense. I’m keeping it clear, useful, and zero percent boring.
🧠 What’s a Freight Class Anyway?
Freight class is like a cheat code that carriers use to figure out how much your shipment will cost. The higher the class, the lighter or bulkier the item—and usually, that means pricier shipping.
The Golden Rule: Higher density = lower class = lower cost. Lower density = higher class = higher cost.
It’s all based on something called PCF—pounds per cubic foot. Basically:
📏 Weight ÷ Volume = Density
So if you’re shipping something super heavy but compact (like a box of car parts), you’ll pay less. Ship something like balloons? Yeah...that’s Class 500. And you’ll feel it on your invoice.
📊 NMFC Freight Class Chart (Simplified)
Here’s a simple, color-coded breakdown. The more green you see, the happier your wallet is.
| Class | Density (lbs/ft³) | Commodities | Cost Level | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Steel, engines, cement | 💚 Lowest | Heavy, dense, compact |
| 60–70 | 30–22.5 | Bottled drinks, books, tools | 💚 Low | Still dense, still cheap |
| 77.5–92.5 | 13.5–10.5 | Tires, electronics | 💛 Medium | Bulkier, more fragile |
| 100–125 | 9–7 | Cabinets, printers, canvas | 💛 Medium | Starting to float \$\$\$ |
| 150–200 | 6–4 | Couches, furniture, auto parts | 🔴 High | Bulky, low density |
| 250–500 | 3–<1 | Mattresses, balloons, ping pong balls | 🔥 Highest | Pay up—it’s light + huge |
🛠️ How to Actually Use This
Don’t just look at the table—use it smartly. Here’s how:
- Measure everything. And I mean everything—pallet, wrap, packaging.
- Round up your dimensions (not down! That’ll mess things up).
- Weigh it. Use a certified scale. Not your bathroom one.
- Plug those into a freight class calculator. Your shipper might have one (or use the one on your shipping site).
- Cross-check with this chart. If it says 15 lbs/ft³, you're looking at Class 70.
👉 Real talk:
When I first tried calculating density, I forgot to add the pallet weight. Yeah... got slapped with a reclass fee. Don’t be like past me.
🧮 Handy Density Formula
If you want to flex your math muscles, here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Measure length × width × height (in inches)
Step 2: Convert to cubic feet → divide by 1728
Step 3: Weight (lbs) ÷ cubic feet = PCF (density)
Example: Your box is 48x40x36 inches and weighs 450 lbs.
- 48×40×36 = 69,120 cubic inches
- ÷1728 = 40 cubic feet
- 450 ÷ 40 = 11.25 PCF → That’s Class 85, aka mid-range pricing.
⚠️ Don’t Skip This Part (It’ll Save You Money)
Shipping class isn’t just about density. Some curveballs to watch out for:
- Liability – Is your stuff fragile, dangerous, or expensive?
- Handling – Weird shapes or delicate parts? Expect an upcharge.
- Reclassification – Carriers will reclassify if you fudge the numbers.
- NMFC Codes – These trump density, always.
I once shipped a sofa marked as Class 100. Carrier said “nope,” bumped it to Class 175. That cost stung more than stepping on a Lego.
💡 Final Tips (Because Nobody Likes Surprise Charges)
- ✅ Add the pallet when measuring.
- ✅ Round up everything.
- ✅ Use your carrier’s calculator to double-check.
- ✅ Know your commodity type (it really matters).
- ✅ Double-check with your carrier before finalizing.
🤔 Still Confused?
Hey, it’s a lot to take in. If you’re still wondering what class your box of garden gnomes fits into... maybe just use the calculator and call your carrier. (Seriously, they’ll tell you.)
📌 Print This Chart. Stick It Near Your Desk.
You’ll thank yourself later.
Note: This chart is based on NMFTA standards. Always check with your carrier—because nothing’s worse than getting reclassed after your pallet’s already on a truck.
