Shipping Guide
Freight Class Explained: How to Determine Your NMFC Code
Freight class is confusing—but getting it wrong can cost you big. After seeing countless shippers overpay (or get hit with reclassification fees), here's what you actually need to know.
What is Freight Class?
Freight class is a standardized classification system for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping. It ranges from Class 50 (cheapest) to Class 500 (most expensive) and determines how much you pay per hundred pounds (CWT).
The classification comes from the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification), which assigns codes to virtually every type of commodity based on four factors.
The 4 Factors That Determine Class
1. Density
Weight per cubic foot. Denser = lower class = cheaper. A pallet of steel (dense) costs less to ship than a pallet of pillows (not dense).
2. Stowability
How easily can it be stored with other freight? Regular pallets are easy. Odd shapes, hazmat, or items that can't be stacked are harder.
3. Handling
Does it require special care? Fragile items, items needing special equipment, or careful loading cost more to handle.
4. Liability
Risk of damage or theft. High-value electronics have higher liability than concrete blocks. More risk = higher class.
Freight Class Chart
| Class | Density (lbs/cu ft) | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Steel, bricks, cement |
| 55 | 35-50 | Construction materials |
| 60 | 30-35 | Car parts, bottled beverages |
| 65 | 22.5-30 | Car accessories, boxed books |
| 70 | 15-22.5 | Food items, auto engines |
| 77.5 | 13.5-15 | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| 85 | 12-13.5 | Machine parts, crated items |
| 92.5 | 10.5-12 | Computers, monitors |
| 100 | 9-10.5 | Furniture, crates |
| 110 | 8-9 | Cabinets, table saws |
| 125 | 7-8 | Small appliances |
| 150 | 6-7 | Auto sheet metal |
| 175 | 5-6 | Clothing, couches |
| 200 | 4-5 | TVs, packaged mattresses |
| 250 | 3-4 | Bamboo furniture, mattresses |
| 300 | 2-3 | Model boats, kayaks |
| 400 | 1-2 | Ping pong balls |
| 500 | <1 | Gold dust, ping pong balls |
How to Find Your Freight Class
Method 1: Calculate Density
For most products, density is the main factor. Here's how to calculate it:
Density = Weight ÷ Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1,728
Example: A pallet is 48" × 40" × 48" and weighs 500 lbs.
- Cubic feet = (48 × 40 × 48) ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 cu ft
- Density = 500 ÷ 53.3 = 9.4 lbs per cubic foot
- Based on the chart, this is Class 100
Method 2: Look Up NMFC Code
Many products have specific NMFC codes regardless of density. You can look these up in the NMFC database (requires subscription) or ask your broker.
From my experience: Don't guess your freight class. If you ship Class 85 but the freight is actually Class 125, the carrier will reclassify it and bill you the difference—plus a reclassification fee. I always verify the NMFC code before quoting.
Why Freight Class Matters
The difference between classes can be dramatic. Here's a real example for a 500 lb shipment from Chicago to Dallas:
- Class 70: ~$280
- Class 100: ~$420
- Class 150: ~$650
- Class 200: ~$890
Same weight, same lane—3x price difference based purely on freight class.
Pro tip: If your freight is close to a class boundary, consider repackaging to increase density. Adding a few more items to a pallet (if they fit) can sometimes bump you to a lower class and save money.
Common Freight Class Mistakes
- Using the wrong NMFC code: Leads to reclassification and extra charges
- Not measuring accurately: Dimensional weight can change your class
- Ignoring packaging: How you pack affects the calculation
- Assuming all items are the same: Mixed pallets need careful classification
The Bottom Line
Freight class directly impacts your shipping cost. Take time to measure accurately, find the right NMFC code, and verify before shipping. When in doubt, ask your broker—we deal with this daily and can help you classify correctly.
Not Sure About Your Freight Class?
Submit your shipment details including product description, weight, and dimensions. I'll determine the correct freight class and get you accurate quotes.
Written by
Jeff ConboyFreight Logistics Specialist
Freight industry professional with hands-on experience in LTL, FTL, flatbed, and refrigerated shipping. Helping businesses find the right carriers at the right prices.
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