Freight Class Chart: Classes 50–500 Explained
Freight class is one of 18 NMFC ratings (50 to 500) that LTL carriers use to price shipments. Learn how density, stowability, handling, and liability determine class.
The NMFC freight-class system contains 18 class numbers from 50 through 500:
| Freight classes |
|---|
| 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500 |
Those numbers are standardized classification categories, not a universal price chart. A class is assigned under the applicable National Motor Freight Classification provision by considering density, handling, stowability, and liability. The carrier then uses that classification within its own rating terms.
What the class number means
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association describes freight class as the common language shippers and carriers use to compare the effort required to transport a commodity. Lower class numbers generally represent freight that is denser and easier to transport. Higher classes generally represent freight with characteristics that make transportation more difficult.
That is a broad explanation, not a lookup method. You cannot identify the correct class by deciding that a product “looks like” Class 70 or Class 150. Start with the commodity’s current NMFC item and read its subprovisions, notes, and packaging requirements.
The current full-density scale
For NMFC items subject to the standard 13-subprovision full-density scale, the current density ranges are:
| Packaged density in pounds per cubic foot | Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 50 or greater | 50 |
This table comes from NMFTA’s current Freight Classification Development Center policies. It does not contain every one of the 18 class numbers because the full-density scale is one classification structure, not the entire NMFC.
Do not apply this table until you have confirmed that the commodity’s current NMFC provision uses it. An item with unusual or significant handling, stowability, or liability characteristics may use a different structure.
Why there are 18 classes but 13 density rows
The distinction prevents a common mistake. The 18-class list describes all available freight-class categories. The 13-row table describes the standard full-density scale used by eligible NMFC items.
Classes such as 77.5, 110, 150, 200, and 500 remain part of the classification system even though they do not appear in that full-density table. They may be assigned through other NMFC provisions. A generic density calculator should not be used to erase those commodity-specific rules.
The four transportation characteristics
NMFTA evaluates classification through four characteristics:
Density
Density is packaged weight divided by packaged cubic volume. It shows how much weight occupies a given amount of space. Use the final handling unit, including the pallet, crate, carton, padding, wrap, and any projections.
Handling
Handling considers how easy or difficult the commodity is to move on a dock and into or out of transportation equipment. Size, weight, configuration, fragility, hazardous characteristics, and special-care requirements can matter.
Stowability
Stowability concerns how effectively freight can be placed with other freight in a trailer. Loading restrictions, excessive dimensions, protrusions, and limited load-bearing surfaces are among the possible considerations.
Liability
Liability can include susceptibility to damage, the potential to damage other freight, perishability, and hazardous nature.
These are classification considerations, not four numbers that a shipper should add together. Their application is reflected in the NMFC provisions.
How to use the chart correctly
Use the class list and density scale as references inside a commodity-first process:
- Describe the commodity precisely, including material, form, use, and packaging.
- Find the current NMFC item in ClassIT+.
- Read the item, subitem, notes, rules, and packaging requirements.
- Measure and weigh the final packaged handling unit.
- Calculate density if the governing provision requires it.
- Apply the class shown by that current provision.
- Use the same class and NMFC information in the quote and shipping documents.
NMFTA states that its ClassIT+ calculators are for estimation and reference and do not suggest an item’s class. The calculator can perform the density math; the NMFC lookup supplies the classification context.
For the calculation steps and limitations, see how to estimate freight class from density.
Why older charts can mislead
Classification provisions change. NMFTA’s 2025 modernization expanded use of a standardized 13-subprovision density scale for many commodities, while retaining special treatment for freight with relevant handling, stowability, or liability concerns.
An undated chart may show an older density scale, omit the newer Class 60 and Class 55 density breaks, or suggest that every commodity is density-based. Check the current NMFC instead of relying on a saved screenshot or an old shipping worksheet.
The NMFC is also a voluntary standard. NMFTA explains that it is the industry standard to use when class is being determined absent a carrier tariff or other applicable terms. This is another reason to review the governing carrier documents rather than treating a public chart as a universal contract.
Class and price are related, but not identical
Freight class can affect an LTL rate, but the chart does not show what a shipment will cost. Carrier pricing can also reflect the origin and destination, weight, customer pricing terms, service level, fuel treatment, and required accessorial services.
Do not assume that moving one line on the class chart creates a fixed percentage change in price. Request current rates using the correct shipment details and compare the complete options returned for that freight.
What to gather before requesting a quote
Prepare:
- Commodity description
- Current NMFC item and subitem when applicable
- Confirmed freight class
- Final packaged dimensions for every handling unit
- Packaged weight for every handling unit and the shipment total
- Packaging type and handling-unit count
- Stackability and any unusual handling characteristics
- Hazardous-material status when applicable
- Origin and destination postal codes
- Pickup date and required pickup or delivery services
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