NMFC Freight Class Lookup
Calculation Results
Calculated estimations for your inputs:
Email Your Calculation Results
Send these NMFC codes and freight density calculations directly to your email.
Embed This Calculator
Add this interactive calculator to your website or blog. Copy the code snippet below:
An NMFC Freight Class Lookup tool helps shippers find the correct cargo code and LTL shipping density class under standard NMFTA guidelines.
Density Formula:
Density (PCF) = Weight (lbs) ÷ [Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in) ÷ 1,728]
Worked Example: A crate weighing 300 lbs with dimensions 48" × 40" × 48" has a volume of 53.33 cubic feet. The resulting density is 5.63 PCF, which corresponds to NMFC Freight Class 175.
Understanding the NMFC Classification System
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to standardize freight pricing in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping. Shippers declare both the commodity-specific NMFC code (e.g., 156820 for printed books) and the density-based class on the Bill of Lading to prevent invoicing disputes.
The Four Shipping Transportability Factors
LTL carrier pricing depends on four primary factors defined under industry transport standards:
- Density: The weight-to-volume ratio measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). High-density cargo gets lower classes; low-density cargo gets higher classes.
- Stowability: How easily the shipment stacks or fits inside a standard trailer. Flat, stackable pallets have better stowability than irregular shapes or hazardous cargoes.
- Handling: The difficulty of loading and unloading the cargo. Packages requiring special forklifts, overhead cranes, or fragile handling receive classification overrides.
- Liability: The risk of cargo damage, theft, perishability, or combustion. High-value electronics or explosives carry high liability classes.
Standard NMFC Density-to-Class Thresholds Table
The standard mapping of cargo density thresholds to NMFC freight classes is as follows:
| Minimum Density (PCF) | LTL Freight Class | Typical Commodities Example |
|---|---|---|
| Over 50 | Class 50 | Steel bars, bolts, iron castings |
| 35 to 50 | Class 55 | Hardwood flooring, bricks, plywood |
| 30 to 35 | Class 60 | Stone blocks, ceramic tiles, auto parts |
| 22.5 to 30 | Class 65 | Books, boxed paper, machinery parts |
| 15 to 22.5 | Class 70 | Car batteries, hand tools, printing plates |
| 13.5 to 15 | Class 77.5 | Tires, boxed liquids, engines |
| 12 to 13.5 | Class 85 | Auto accessories, transmissions |
| 10.5 to 12 | Class 92.5 | Computers, small machinery |
| 9 to 10.5 | Class 100 | Clothing, textiles, dry food items |
| 8 to 9 | Class 110 | Unpackaged machinery, metal cabinets |
| 7 to 8 | Class 125 | Plastic pipes, hoses, tubing |
| 6 to 7 | Class 150 | Paper towels, boxes, luggage |
| 5 to 6 | Class 175 | Assembled furniture, clothing racks |
| 4 to 5 | Class 200 | Boxed TVs, boxed mattresses |
| 3 to 4 | Class 250 | Assembled furniture, light lighting fixtures |
| 2 to 3 | Class 300 | Model airplanes, dry sponges |
| 1 to 2 | Class 400 | Deer antlers, light plastic structures |
| Under 1 | Class 500 | Table tennis balls, feathers, gold flakes |
Sources & References
- National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA): National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) 100-Series Source Link
- US Department of Transportation (DOT): 49 CFR Part 373 - Bills of Lading requirements Source Link
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): 49 CFR Part 393 - Cargo Securement and Loading Rules Source Link
- ASTM D3951: Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging and Unitization Source Link
- ANSI MH10.8.2: Standard for Transportation & Logistics Data Identifiers Source Link
- ISO 1496-1: Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 1: General cargo containers Source Link
- SASO-ISO 18909: GCC Standard for Tie-Down Lashings on Road Transport Cargo Source Link
- IATA Resolution 606: Cargo Sizing and Volumetric Limits Source Link
- ISO 28219: Packaging - Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for shipment, packaging and labeling Source Link
- FMCSA 49 CFR Part 172: Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, and Classification rules Source Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between NMFC codes and freight classes?
NMFC codes are unique numbers assigned to specific commodities (e.g. 156820 for books). Freight classes (50 to 500) are the pricing categories that these codes fall under, which determine the carrier's rate per pound.
How is PCF density calculated for LTL shipments?
PCF (pounds per cubic foot) is weight divided by volume. Volume in cubic feet is calculated as: (Length in inches × Width in inches × Height in inches) ÷ 1,728.
What are the four factors evaluated under NMFC guidelines?
Commodity evaluation evaluates Density (weight-to-volume ratio), Stowability (pallet stacking limits/hazardous material rules), Handling (oversize/irregular shapes requiring special forklifts), and Liability (fragility, value, theft risk, and perishability).
How does cargo volume affect shipping rates?
Low-density cargo (high volume, low weight) occupies significant trailer space relative to its weight. To offset this opportunity cost, low-density shipments are assigned a higher class (e.g. Class 250 or 500) with a higher rate per pound.
Can a carrier change my NMFC freight class?
Yes. LTL carriers utilize certified dimensional scanning systems (like Cargill Cargo scanners) to verify weight and measurements. If the actual density differs from the declared class on the Bill of Lading, a re-class adjustment is issued.
How do packaging types (crate vs. pallet) affect classification?
Packaging influences the Stowability and Handling factors. Crates and stackable pallets allow carriers to double-deck trailers, resulting in lower classes, whereas irregular, unstackable shapes may receive a higher class penalty.
What is an NMFC class override?
Some items carry special handling or liability overrides. Hazardous materials, high-value electronics, or delicate machinery might be assigned a higher freight class than their physical density would normally indicate.
What is the lowest NMFC freight class?
The lowest class is Class 50, which applies to dense, highly durable items (like steel castings or iron bars) with densities exceeding 50 pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
What is the highest NMFC freight class?
The highest class is Class 500, which applies to extremely light, high-volume products (like table tennis balls, feathers, or assembled model airplanes) with densities under 1 PCF.
How do NMFC codes prevent shipping disputes?
Declaring both the NMFC commodity code and the correct density-based class on the Bill of Lading ensures alignment on rates, preventing post-shipment invoice disputes between shippers and carriers.