Freight reference
Freight Class Chart
This chart maps packaged freight density in pounds per cubic foot to the NMFTA 13-sub scale while also listing valid classes that have no density band. Density is total packaged pounds divided by total packaged cubic feet. The scale shown is effective July 19, 2025.
This freight class chart lists all 18 valid class values from 50 through 500 and maps the classes used by NMFTA's post-July-2025 13-sub density scale. It also identifies valid classes that have no band in that standardized scale. Commodity examples are illustrative only; the current NMFC item, packaging, and all four transportation characteristics determine the authoritative class.
Freight class list and density bands
The NMFC class range has 18 values, but the current standardized density scale has 13 bands. Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200, and 500 are valid class values without a band in the 13-sub scale. They can still appear when a commodity item or another provision assigns them. The table does not fill those gaps with invented density ranges.
| Freight class | 13-sub density band | Illustrative commodity context |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 pcf or greater | Very dense packaged metal parts, fasteners, or similar compact freight when the governing item uses this band |
| 55 | 35 to under 50 pcf | Dense packaged paper, beverages, or metal products when the governing item uses this band |
| 60 | 30 to under 35 pcf | Dense packaged components or automotive accessories under an applicable density provision |
| 65 | 22.5 to under 30 pcf | Packaged books, bottled products, or machinery components under an applicable density provision |
| 70 | 15 to under 22.5 pcf | Packaged machinery, food products, or auto components under an applicable density provision |
| 77.5 | No band in the 13-sub scale | A valid NMFC class that may still be assigned by a commodity item or other provision |
| 85 | 12 to under 15 pcf | Crated machinery, packaged equipment, or other freight under an applicable density provision |
| 92.5 | 10 to under 12 pcf | Packaged equipment or mixed manufactured goods under an applicable density provision |
| 100 | 8 to under 10 pcf | Packaged auto parts, boat covers, or similar freight when the governing item assigns class 100 |
| 110 | No band in the 13-sub scale | A valid NMFC class that may still be assigned by a commodity item or other provision |
| 125 | 6 to under 8 pcf | Small appliances, boxed fixtures, or similar packaged freight under an applicable density provision |
| 150 | No band in the 13-sub scale | A valid NMFC class often associated with lighter or less stowable freight through item-specific provisions |
| 175 | 4 to under 6 pcf | Light furniture, packaged clothing, or similar freight under an applicable density provision |
| 200 | No band in the 13-sub scale | A valid NMFC class that may apply through a commodity item, handling, stowability, or liability provision |
| 250 | 2 to under 4 pcf | Bulky furniture, mattresses, or light assembled products under an applicable density provision |
| 300 | 1 to under 2 pcf | Very bulky cabinets, tables, or light packaged assemblies under an applicable density provision |
| 400 | Less than 1 pcf | Extremely low-density packaged articles, such as very light hollow products, when the governing item uses this band |
| 500 | No band in the 13-sub scale | The highest valid class, reserved through item-specific provisions for freight with exceptional transportation characteristics |
How to read the chart
A lower class number often corresponds to denser, easier-to-handle freight, while a higher class often corresponds to low-density, difficult-to-stow, difficult-to-handle, or higher-liability freight. That general pattern is not a lookup rule. NMFC classification evaluates four transportation characteristics: density, stowability, handling, and liability. A commodity item can contain a fixed class, a density-based subprovision, packaging conditions, or references to other rules.
For a density-based item, calculate aggregate shipment density from the complete packaged handling units. Add gross packaged weight across all units, add packaged cubic volume across all units, and divide total pounds by total cubic feet. Then apply the band stated in the governing item. The public 13-sub scale begins at less than 1 pcf for class 400 and ends at 50 pcf or greater for class 50.
Worked density example
A handling unit measuring 48 by 40 by 45 inches occupies 50 cubic feet. At 450 pounds, density is 9.00 pcf. The current 13-sub table maps 8 to under 10 pcf to class 100, so a density-based screening result is class 100.
The example is not an official classification. If the commodity item assigns a fixed class, requires different packaging, or reflects unusual handling, stowability, or liability, the correct class can differ. The item description and rules in the current NMFC control. Incorrect classification can lead to inspection, reclassification, and additional carrier charges.
Post-July-2025 change
Docket 2025-1 expanded the former 11-sub density structure to 13 subprovisions effective July 19, 2025. The high-density end was split into three bands: 30 to under 35 pcf at class 60, 35 to under 50 pcf at class 55, and 50 pcf or greater at class 50. Classes 55 and 50 were the added standardized bands.
NMFC continues to change through the docket and supplement process. Dated charts should be checked against the current NMFTA record, particularly when a commodity description, package type, handling unit, or density changes.
Use and limitations
The example commodities are context, not item assignments, and should never be used to classify freight by resemblance. This independent chart does not reproduce the proprietary NMFC commodity database. It cannot identify an NMFC item, resolve ambiguous descriptions, apply a carrier tariff, or replace NMFTA ClassIT+ and qualified classification review.
Frequently asked questions
How many freight classes are there?
There are 18 valid freight classes: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500.
Why are some classes missing from the 13-tier density scale?
The standardized 13-sub scale does not use classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200, or 500. Those remain valid classes and can be assigned by commodity items or other NMFC provisions.
Does a density band always determine the freight class?
No. Density is one of four characteristics. Stowability, handling, liability, packaging, and commodity-specific rules can change the governing class.
Is this chart valid after July 19, 2025?
The density bands shown are the post-July-2025 13-sub scale. Current commodity items and later NMFC updates still require confirmation in NMFTA ClassIT+.
Sources
The newest source record below was captured 2026-08-13. This date identifies the stored record, not currentness; follow the link before purchasing, rating, or loading.