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Results & Class Mapping

Determined NMFC freight class details:

Calculated Density
9.38 pcf
approx 150.3 kg/m³
NMFC Freight Class
Class 100
Standard density: 9.0 to 10.5 pcf

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An NMFC class lookup establishes the correct freight classification for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments based on commodity density. Calculating measurements prevents freight re-billing adjustments from carriers.

Quick Answer: Calculate freight density by dividing total package weight by its total volume in cubic feet. Compare this with the 18 NMFC class divisions (Class 50 to Class 500) to find the shipping category.
Density Formula: Density (PCF) = Weight (lbs) ÷ [(Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)) ÷ 1,728]

The NMFC Freight Classification System

National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is a standardized pricing index managed by the NMFTA [1]. LTL freight rates are tiered into 18 classes based on shipping characteristics (density, handling, stowability, liability) as mandated by FMCSA transport standards [2] and ASTM commercial shipping packaging methods [3].

Standard Density-to-Class Reference Matrix

Shipment Density (PCF) Freight Class Representative Commodity
> 50 lbs/cu ftClass 50Steel hardware, nuts & bolts, raw iron castings
30.0 to 35.0 lbs/cu ftClass 60Car parts, hand tools, electrical switches
15.0 to 22.5 lbs/cu ftClass 70Heavy pumps, motors, packaged books
12.0 to 13.5 lbs/cu ftClass 85Packed tires, canned food, sheet goods
9.0 to 10.5 lbs/cu ftClass 100Laptops, clothes, bulk boxed inventory
7.0 to 8.0 lbs/cu ftClass 125Chairs, monitors, large home appliances
6.0 to 7.0 lbs/cu ftClass 150Corrugated boxes, standard plastic pipes
3.0 to 4.0 lbs/cu ftClass 250Empty plastic bottles, large foam wraps
< 1.0 lbs/cu ftClass 500Table tennis balls, feathers, air filters
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Sources & References

  1. National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) Freight Class & Code Groups
  2. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) CFR Title 49 codes
  3. ASTM D3951: Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging and Shipment Density