Freight Class Codes Explained

Tags: Business Guides

Like many other industries, the shipping industry relies on a classification system to help carriers and shippers find the best solutions for moving their freight. This system is called the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Created by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA), it is a freight class list that compares commodities being shipped interstate, intrastate, and globally.

A basic freight class chart is a valuable tool for industry professionals—especially those using LTL shipping­—who frequently ship the same types of freight. With these standards, shippers and carriers have a simplified process for evaluating their packing needs and estimating shipping costs.

So, what are the freight classes, and how do you determine them? Below is everything you need to know about freight class codes.

What Is a Freight Class/NMFC Code?

Freight class is a system established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to determine how easily commodities can be transported. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) groups commodities into one of 18 classes, ranging from 50 to 500. 

Freight classes help standardize pricing for shipments across carriers, warehouses, and brokers. There are 18 classes based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. The lower the freight class, the lower the freight charge.

How Is the Freight Class List Determined?

The NMFC is responsible for determining freight classes based on the following four characteristics:

• Density
• Handling
• Stowability
• Liability

As a whole, these four characteristics establish the “transportability” of freight, or how capable it is to move freight. From these factors, codes were established, ranging from 50 to 500. The higher the code, the more expensive it is to ship freight. This is due in part to the liability that certain freight presents. If it’s fragile and has the potential to be damaged, it’s more expensive to ship.

1. Density: Calculating Freight Class

Before determining where freight lands on the freight class list, you need to calculate the density based on its weight and dimensions: length, width, and height. Simply, the density tells shippers and carriers how much space the freight will occupy inside the truck.

Accurate dimensions are essential for determining budget and shipping timelines. The following list details how to accurately measure freight:

1. Measure the length, width, and height in inches. Some items may not be regularly shaped, so measure them as if they were rectangular. Use the extreme points of the freight to get the best measurements.

2. Convert the measurement to cubic inches. L x W x H = Cubic Inches

3. Take measurements for each object you need to ship and add all dimensions together at the end for a final figure.

4. Divide total cubic inches by 1,728 to figure the cubic feet of your total shipment. (L x W x H) / 1,728

5. Weigh your shipment and divide the weight by cubic feet. This equals density. Weight / Cubic Feet

Shipments transported on pallets will need to be measured with the pallets included. Thus, height should be measured from the bottom of the pallet to the freight’s highest point. If freight extends beyond the length of the pallet, measure the freight length, not the pallet.

2. Handling

Freight handling relates to how easy it is to move during loading and unloading. Machines move most freight, but some require special consideration due to their fragility, weight, or shape. If freight requires special handling, its freight class will be higher on the freight class chart, resulting in a higher shipping cost.

3. Stowability or Storage Capability

If freight is challenging to stow and transport, it will appear higher on the freight class list. Some reasons freight may fall into this category are:

• Hazardous materials
• Heavy freight
• Items regulated by the government and/or carriers:
  • Food
  • Dietary supplements
  • Any item for human consumption

4. Liability

Items deemed more liable to theft, damage, or the potential to perish will be assigned a higher freight class code. The more accountable drivers and operators are for the freight, the higher the shipping cost.

Determining liability is also essential for legal concerns related to who is responsible if something happens to the shipment: the shipper, carrier, or broker. It’s important to always check contracts before shipping to ensure that each party understands who is responsible and why.

Example Freight Class Code Chart

Knowing how to calculate freight class is essential, but it can be helpful to have examples of what types of freight fit into certain freight classes. The following chart can be a general guideline for understanding where your shipment falls on the freight class chart.

Freight Class Code	Type of Freight	Weight per cubic foot
50 (lowest cost)	Durable freight, fits on a standard 4×4 pallet	50+
55	Bricks, cement, hardwood, construction materials	33–50
60	Auto accessories, car parts	30–35
65	Car accessories & parts, boxed books, bottled drinks	22.5–30
70	Car accessories & parts, auto engines, food items	15–22.5
77.5	Tires, bathroom fixtures	13.5–15
85	Crated machinery, cast iron stoves	12–13.5
92.5	Computers, monitors, refrigerators	10.5–12
100	Car covers, canvas, boat covers, wine cases, caskets	9–10.5
110	Cabinets, framed art, table saws	8–9
125	Small home appliances	7–8
150	Auto sheet metal, bookcases	6–7
175	Clothing, stuffed furniture	5–6
200	Sheet metal parts, aluminum tables, packaged mattresses, aircraft parts	4–5
250	Mattresses & box springs, plasma TVs, bamboo furniture	3–4
300	Model boats, assembled chairs, tables, wood cabinets	2–3
400	Deer antlers	1–2
500 (highest cost)	Gold dust, ping pong balls	<1

Changes to Freight Classifications

The NMFTA updates freight class lists three times a year to establish better standards for shipping. For example, in 2025, the NMFTA is adding the following:

• Standardized density scale for LTL freight when handling, stowability, and liability issues are not present;

• Unique identifiers for freight with special handling, stowability, or liability needs;

• Condensed and modernized commodity listings; and

• Improved usability of the ClassIT® classification tool. 

Shippers and carriers should note when the NMFC makes changes so they can adjust accordingly without any major disruptions. The NMFTA newsroom is a great resource to check periodically for updates. 

How Freight Class Codes Affect Trailer Selection

If you are a carrier, it’s important to know which trailers are best for the class of freight being shipped. Some carriers may prefer to look at trailers for rent, especially if they’re not planning to ship specific freight regularly. If a carrier frequently moves the same kinds of freight, it’s worth looking into trailers for sale.

Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel, Inc. has an extensive selection of trailers, whether you are renting or buying. Simply visit or contact one of our trailer rental locations to speak with a knowledgeable representative who can help you navigate freight class code charts and choose the best trailer for your needs.