Freight class (NMFC)
Freight class is the NMFC rating, from 50 to 500, that US LTL carriers use to price a shipment; a lower class means denser, easier-to-handle freight and a lower rate.
What is Freight class (NMFC)?
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It sorts commodities into 18 classes based on four transportation characteristics: density, stowability, handling and liability. The classes are 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 500. Carriers apply their rates per class, so the same pallet can cost very different amounts depending on how it is classed.
Since Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025, density plays a bigger role: the standard density scale grew from 11 to 13 steps, adding classes 55 and 50 for very dense freight, and about 2,000 commodity-specific items were folded into density-based items. Docket 2026-1 followed on May 23, 2026, and Docket 2026-2 goes to its public meeting on September 29, 2026.
The 13-step NMFC density scale
Density in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) maps to class as follows: less than 1 = class 400; 1 to under 2 = 300; 2 to under 4 = 250; 4 to under 6 = 175; 6 to under 8 = 125; 8 to under 10 = 100; 10 to under 12 = 92.5; 12 to under 15 = 85; 15 to under 22.5 = 70; 22.5 to under 30 = 65; 30 to under 35 = 60; 35 to under 50 = 55; 50 or more = 50. Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 never come out of the standard scale; they belong to commodity-specific items.
To calculate density, multiply the greatest length, width and height of the handling unit in inches, including the pallet and any overhang, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, and divide the weight (pallet included) by that. NMFTA’s own example: a 48 × 40 × 45 inch pallet weighing 450 lb is 50 cubic feet, 9.00 pcf, class 100. The free freight class calculator does this per handling unit. For how much trailer the shipment takes up, use the linear feet calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is freight class always based on density?
No. Items with no special handling, stowability or liability characteristics use the standard 13-step density scale. Commodities that do have such characteristics keep their own NMFC item and class, which may use a different scale. A density calculator gives an estimate; the NMFC item for your commodity decides.
What happens if I put the wrong freight class on the BOL?
The LTL carrier can inspect, reweigh and remeasure the shipment and reclassify it, billing the correct class plus a reclass or inspection fee under its rules tariff. Measuring every handling unit accurately, including the pallet, avoids most corrections.
Does freight class apply to full truckload?
Generally no. Freight class is an LTL pricing tool. Full truckload is usually priced per mile or per lane for the whole trailer, whatever its density. See FTL vs LTL for how the two modes differ.
What does "FAK" mean in freight class?
Freight All Kinds: a contract term in which a shipper and carrier agree to rate a range of classes at a single class. FAK agreements are commercial arrangements outside the NMFC itself.
See Freight class (NMFC) in a real TMS
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