Freight Class Chart (NMFC)

Look up your commodity, calculate density on the current 13-sub scale, and class your freight correctly.

Last updated: July 16, 2026  ·  Reviewed by the ShipCanada freight team — classifying LTL freight since 2000  ·  Reflects NMFC Dockets 2025-1 & 2026-1

What is a freight class? Freight class is a standardized number between 50 and 500 that LTL carriers use to price shipments, set by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) based on four factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. Dense, durable freight (class 50–85) costs less to ship; light, bulky, or fragile freight (class 150–500) costs more. Use the density scale, the density calculator, or the commodity lookup chart below to find your class.

⚠ The 2025–2026 NMFC overhaul changed thousands of freight classes

On July 19, 2025, NMFC Docket 2025-1 took effect — the largest reclassification in decades. Over 2,000 items moved from commodity-based to density-based classification, and the density scale expanded from 11 to 13 sub-provisions, adding classes 50 and 55 for very dense freight. A further round of changes, Docket 2026-1, was released February 6, 2026.

What this means for you: a class you used before July 2025 may no longer be valid. For most general freight, your measured density now determines your class. When in doubt, calculate your density below or request a quote — we classify your freight for you at no charge.

NMFC Density-to-Class Scale (13-Sub, Effective July 19, 2025)

For freight with no special handling, stowability, or liability issues, the NMFC now assigns class directly from density — the weight of your shipment in pounds divided by its volume in cubic feet (PCF). This is the current 13-sub-provision scale:

SubDensity (lbs per cubic foot)Freight Class
1Less than 1400
21 but less than 2300
32 but less than 4250
44 but less than 6175
56 but less than 8125
68 but less than 10100
710 but less than 1292.5
812 but less than 1585
915 but less than 22.570
1022.5 but less than 3065
1130 but less than 3560
1235 but less than 5055
1350 or greater50

Subs 11–13 reflect the expanded scale introduced by Docket 2025-1. Freight with handling, stowability, or liability concerns may be assigned a different class than density alone suggests.

Freight Class Density Calculator

Enter your shipment dimensions and weight — in inches/pounds or centimetres/kilograms — and we'll calculate your density and estimated class from the current 13-sub scale. Measure the full footprint including the pallet and any overhang.

Estimate is based on density only. Items with handling, stowability, or liability provisions — and items still classed by commodity — may differ. Final class is confirmed on your quote and subject to carrier inspection.

How to Calculate Freight Density (3 Steps)

  1. Measure the volume. Multiply length × width × height in inches at the shipment's longest points, including the pallet and any overhang. Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
  2. Weigh the shipment. Use the total weight in pounds, including the pallet and all packaging. Metric shippers: multiply kilograms by 2.205.
  3. Divide weight by volume. Pounds ÷ cubic feet = density in PCF. Find that density in the 13-sub scale above to get your class. Example: a 48×40×48″ pallet weighing 500 lbs is 53.3 cu ft, so 500 ÷ 53.3 = 9.4 PCF → class 100.

The Four Factors That Determine Freight Class

Density

Weight relative to space occupied. The dominant factor — and since the 2025 changes, the only factor for thousands of general commodities. Higher density = lower class = lower cost.

Stowability

How easily freight loads alongside other shipments. Hazardous materials, excessive length, or shapes that can't be stacked raise the class.

Handling

Freight needing special equipment, care, or manual effort at the dock — fragile, awkward, or non-palletized goods — classes higher.

Liability

Risk of theft, damage, or damage to adjacent freight. High value-per-pound goods (electronics, artwork) and perishables carry higher classes.

Commodity Freight Class Lookup Chart (300+ Items)

The table below lists commodities we commonly quote, with their historical NMFC item numbers and classes, compiled from 25 years of ShipCanada brokerage files. Type to filter — try “furniture”, “motorcycle”, or an NMFC number.

Important: Many items below now classify by measured density under Dockets 2025-1 and 2026-1, and NMFC provisions change over time. Treat this chart as a starting reference, verify density-based items with the calculator, and rely on your quote for the confirmed class. The official NMFC source is NMFTA's ClassIT+.

CommodityDescription / ConditionClassNMFC ItemSub
1/4 Panels for VehicleMetal (boxed or crated)200190972
1/4 Panels for VehicleMetal (packages other than boxes or crates)250190971
Acorns (Nuts)Acorn / Nuts in shell70141760
Aircraft Partsmetal, struts, skins, panels200117901
Aluminum ChannelU channel6013340
Aluminum Table Setaluminum table SU200821051
Ambulance Stretcherstretcher200569206
Arches SupportIron Steel6052460
Architectural Details6 < 8 lbs per cubic foot125562905
Architectural Details2 < 4 lbs per cubic ft250562903
Assembled FurnitureBathroom cabinet set up300392201
Assembled FurnitureHighboys, dressers, wooden set up125801201
Assembled FurnitureWood furniture200822701
Assembled FurnitureChairs wooden setup w/out upholstery300807701
Assembled FurnitureChairs wooden setup w/out upholstery KD125807703
Assembled FurnitureCouch w/ back & arms put together175808653
Assembled FurnitureChairs put together w/ upholstery200792551
Assembled FurnitureMetal cabinets in boxes110392706
Assembled Furniture18 gauge steel cabinet7039340
Assembled FurnitureBenches, cabinets, tables for workstations12523410
Assembled FurnitureBuffets, china cabinets put together12580080
Assembled FurnitureCabinets of metal or plastic for storage92.539235
Assembled FurnitureTanning bed150109050
Assembled FurnitureMattresses, in packages or boxes20079550
ATV less than 8 lbs per cu ftinternal combustion engine, battery disconnected, drained of fuel/oil1501904503
ATV more than 8 lbs per cu ftATV in boxes or crates, with internal combustion, battery disconnected, drained of fuel/oil1001904504
Auto Parts: AccessoriesCarriers or bar type luggage racks70184321
Auto Parts: AccessoriesLuggage racks set up (non bar type)200184322
Auto Parts: AccessoriesWheel iron or steel finished, with or without bearings77.51975832
Auto Parts: AccessoriesLuggage racks knocked down (non bar type)70184324
Auto Parts: AccessoriesCar Covers: seat, hood, tire or top covers in boxes10018460
Auto Parts: AccessoriesPneumatic tires for vehicles77.5157230
Auto Parts: Body PartsDoors or tailgates: truck or car in boxes.150185202
Auto Parts: Body PartsFenders metal, in boxes or crates primed.200186602
Auto Parts: Body PartsBumpers metal (used)6018410
Auto Parts: Body PartsBumpers plastic, rubber or foam plastic7018423
Auto Parts: Body PartsEngine hoods, metal, in boxes or crates.25018600
Auto Parts: Body PartsRunning boards, alum or steel.7019400
Auto Parts: InteriorCarpet or rug, felted, molded.25018430
AxlesAutomobile or trailer: Loose100179202
AxlesAutomobile or trailer: Packaged/Skid85179203
Bagsbags, envelopes, pouches, cellulose, plastic or woven NOI150204801
Bagsbags, envelopes, pouches, cellulose, plastic or woven NOI92.5 > 8# cu ft204802
Bagsbags, envelopes, pouches, cellulose, plastic or woven NOI60 > 15# cu ft204803
BagsApparel / material woven bags7020510
BagsCotton bags in packages8520720
BagsBalloons, plastic or rubber, not inflated8521300
BagsBurlap, rubberized, in bales or bundles8520660
Bamboo Furniturefurniture made of bamboo SU25079050
BarrelsBarrels, wooden, nested100217302
BarrelsPails / buckets, rubber, nested8521920
Barristers BookcaseSection wood bookcase150800001
BasketsBaskets or hampers, wood or wire15022200
BasketsWire baskets8522240
Boat Parts NOIWood boat parts (panels)200245407
BooksBooks in bags or boxes or bundles NOI.65161560
Books/Printed MaterialUsed Magazines- no declared value55161710
Books/Printed MaterialNew Magazines or periodicals55161700
Books/Printed MaterialNewspapers wholly or partly printed70161800
Books/Printed MaterialPaper back books60161630
Books/Printed MaterialPrinted matter in sheets70161860
Brass BedFrame only6581330
Brass Headboard & FootHeadboard and foot boards metal SU100797401
Building: Wood/ MaterialBalusters / wood railing, in boxes or crates8537530
Building: Wood/ MaterialMoldings, wood or plastic coated, primed, box/crate6038050
Building: Wood/ MaterialStairs in sections, wood8538180
Building: Wood/ MaterialWallboard / Fiberboard7039370
Building: Wood / MaterialStones, boxes or crated5532550
Canoe Crated300245404
Canvas (tarp)Canvas as cloth, dry goods or fabric rolled, boxed bagged or crated10049390
Car HardtopRoof of car, hardtop for automobile200190972
Car TiresUsed not to exceed $1.00 per lb release value60157235
CarsPassenger cars150190210
Case Of Winewine, bottled in cases1001115102
CasketsWooden caskets in boxes or crates100389102
CasketsBurial case or casket handles in boxes8538820
CasketsCasket or coffin material – wood / knocked down7038930
Cast Iron Bathtubbath fixtures, iron bathtub77.5158031
Cast Iron Bed frameCast Iron bed frame dismantled6581320
Cast Iron StoveStove, cast iron KD85274102
Cast Iron Urn8578790
Cement/Concrete/BricksBricks, common building50321002
Cement/Concrete/BricksBricks cement or mortar55322802
Cement/Concrete/BricksBricks, crushed or ground5032130
Cement/Concrete/BricksBricks, insulating, industrial5532200
Cement/Concrete/BricksGlass blocks in boxes or crates6032170
Chair woodenChair wooden 2 < 4 lbs per cu ft250805803
Chair (Arm chair)***MUST BE IN A CORRUGATED BOX***175806052
ChairsMetal stacked 1 317580590
Chairs StackedNested 4 upon each other125806053
Chandelier***MUST BE IN A CORRUGATED BOX***200109087
China Cupboard12580080
Chiropractic Table200819301
ClothingAprons, coveralls, pants, shirts disposable -10049795
Clothing & MaterialsCotton: Cloths or rags for cleaning100499652
Clothing & MaterialsJet ski, Wet jet w/ jet pump propulsion in crates15025095
Clothing & MaterialsCotton: Cloth, cotton or synthetic fibre, bales or rolls8549170
Clothing (coat/pant/dress/etc)View full description HERE17549880
Coat RackCoat / Hat Rack175814401
CoffinSet up wood NOI20038900
CompressorCompressor, NOI Air with or without tanks8511810
Computer: Computerized Equipvalue = up to $10.00 per pound1501160302
Computer: PC’s Computerized Equipvalue = up to $5.00 per pound92.51160301
Cooler Equipment1101141251
Copier Duplicating or Reproducing MachineCopier actual value not exceed $30.00/lbs1001182501
Copier Duplicating or Reproducing MachineCopier actual value not exceed $65.00/lbs1501182502
Copier Duplicating or Reproducing MachineCopier actual value not exceed $100.00/lbs2001182503
Copier Duplicating or Reproducing MachineCopier actual value exceeding $100.00/lbs3001182504
Corrugated boxesboxes 6 > 9 lbs per cu ft125292752
Corrugated Boxesboxes 9 lbs > 12 lbs per cu ft100292753
Corrugated boxescorrugated boxes 12 lbs/cu ft or greater70292754
Corrugated Sheetscorrugated / cardboard sheets701513152
Couch175808653
Counter Topwithout back splash or drip edge70836202
Counter Topwith backsplash or drip edge85836203
Deer Antlers400526901
Display Case Wall MountShadow Box Style125825802
Doll House125842605
Doors ManufacturedDoors, framed, in boxes or crates8537720
Doors ManufacturedIron or steel doors in boxes or crates7036320
Doors ManufacturedWood doors, covered w/ sheet aluminum8536360
Doors Manufactured: Iron/Steel/TinSiding, iron, steel or tin plate8536010
Drafting table dismantledTop removed100812701
Dress Form12575765
DresserChest of drawers125801201
DrumsDrums, steel, lead lined8521810
Dry Food StuffsDry Pet Food6067060
Dry Food StuffsFlour or Cornmeal50104600
Drying OvenKnocked down (dismantled)100626002
Electric MotorElectric motor boxed, crated on pallet not to exceed $5.00 per lbs65621204
Electric Pump85128000
Electric WheelchairKnocked Down (collapsed)125570703
Electric Wheelchair with BatteriesWheelchair with batteries (disconnect to ship)100570704
Electrical transformer7063410
ElectronicsComputers/PC’s, Computer Monitors/Display Screens, Fax machines & Data processing machines, systems or devices in which the value is not exceeding $5 per pound92.5116030
ElectronicsComputers/PC’s, Computer Monitor/Display Screens, Fax machines, & data processing machines, systems or devices in which the value is not exceeding $10 per pound150116030
ElectronicsComputers/PC’s, Computer Monitors/Display Screens, Fax machines, & data processing machines, systems, or devices in which the value is not exceeding $25 per pound250116030
Engine (truck/car motor)Engine skidded but NOT boxed or crated851207901
Engine (car or truck)engine boxed or crated on skid701207902
Engines: CratedEngines, automobile or tractor in boxes or crates701207902
Engines: TransmissionsTransmissions or clutches in boxes or crates8519940
File cabinetMetal file cabinet not wood,100802501
FireplaceWood / Coal125694201
FireplaceGas150694202
Fireplace MantleWood150350002
Fireplace Screen77.5693502
Floor SweepersFloor Sweepers, boxed, handle taken apart851305801
Floor Crane701189002
Floor Lamp1251094403
FlooringHardwood Flooring in boxes5537860
Framed ArtFramed art/ painting1101494201
Furnace/HeaterWater heater, packaged w/insulated outer shell175265201
Furnace/HeaterWater heater, packaged, w/out insulated outer shell85265202
Furnace/HeaterFurnaces, metal, w/ or w/out parts packaged77.5262903
Garage door openergarage door with drawbar rail or trolley SU1251261572
Garage door openerwith drawbar,rail or trolley jackshaft or slide mount701261574
Gate Valve6050870
Grandfather Clock20048730
Hand Tools Power85186590
Household: AppliancesOven, gas, baking, iron boxed or crated85267601
Household: AppliancesMicrowave oven, in box or crate8526770
Household: AppliancesOven, electric, stationary, boxed or crated8526740
Household: AppliancesStoves or ranges, iron-aluminum boxed or crated10027320
Household: AppliancesWater softener tank, iron or steel85181110
Household: AppliancesCoffee Makers, commercial or household12525925
Household: AppliancesRefrigerators and Freezers, household92.553100
Household: AppliancesToaster, Electric10063360
Household: AppliancesWood burning stove / cast iron7027400
Household: GoodsGeneral Items: See list HERE1001002401
HumidifierHumidifiers, automatic, in boxes8526580
Hydraulic Tools85186590
InkHAZARDOUS701017202
Jet skis / WaverunnersTrucks, passenger and freight trucks150190190
Jet Drive for boat pump unitHigh speed water pump85128000
Juke boxJukebox12562647
Kawasaki MuleATV1501904503
Keyboard / Organ125139165
KilnPottery kiln KD85123840
Kitchen CabinetKitchen Cabinet KD85804702
Lab EquipmentGlassware10088120
Lab EquipmentEquipment Apparatus15014500
Lamp Shade250109403
Laptop2501160303
LaserEngraving laser851333003
Lawn Mower/Snow PlowSnowplows, rotary, vehicle mounting in box or crate77.51302003
Lawn Mower/Snow PlowMowers, with engines or motors in boxes or crates -92.5125835
Lawn Mower/Snow PlowSnow blowers, rotary, 2wheeled, walk behind85130198
Lawn ornamentswooden ornaments8583330
LoomOther than Hand1501309301
Loom Hand1251309201
Machines arcadePinball, arcade games100841803
Mannequin25075790
Mattress & Box springMattress & Box spring less than 4lbs per cubic ft250795501
Mechanical ChairPower Chair15056536
Metal Bed RailsMetal Head & Foot100797401
Metal Fireplace Surround701365001
Metal Shelves92.5155207
Metal Storage CabinetsMetal Cabinets set up175804451
Metal table with glass topSteel tables NOI15082110
Metal Tool boxMetal tool box 10 < 12 lb per cu ft92.5397907
Metal vesseliron/steel tank greater than 10lbs per cu ft851814203
Microwave Oven8526770
MixerMixer food processor, machines with/wo attachments in boxes or crates8562560
Model BoatWooden300842602
MotorcycleCrated / Skidded if less than 8 lbs per cubic ft1501902901
MotorcycleCrated / Skidded If greater than 8 lbs per cubic foot.1001902902
Motorcycle Engine851208203
Motorcycle Parts NOIMetal parts, NOI100190740
MotorcyclesMotorcycle (gas powered)1501902901
Moveable Walls7035040
Nuts, EdibleIn bags, boxes or drums70141760
Outboard Boat Enginemaximum value $25.0085125760
Paintingvalue not exceeding 50 cents per pound1101494201
Paintingvalue not exceeding $2.00 per pound2001494202
Paintingvalue not exceeding $5.00 per pound3001494203
Personal EffectRelease value 10 ct per pound1001002401
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentTelephones ● Videophones ● Answering machines12563310
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentCell phones & wireless radios in which the value is not exceeding $3 per pound10062820
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentCell phones & wireless radios in which the value is not exceeding $6 per pound12562820
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentCell phones & wireless radios in which the value is not exceeding $10 per pound17562820
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentCD Players or Recorders ● DVD Players or Recorders12563035
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentVideo Cassette Players or Recorders, Tape Players or Recorders, Radios (other than auto), Tuners Amplifiers/Preamplifiers, Home Stereo, Home Speakers12563035
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentElectrical cords or cables, Extension cords, Phone cords10063036
Phones/Printers/AV EquipmentCD’s, DVD’s, Mini Discs85168910
PhonographPhonograph / Radio electric12562647
Photo CopierConsole1251391402
Pictures/Posters/SignsPictures or posters in rolls or boxes1251618301
Pictures/Posters/SignsPictures or posters individually rolled of paperboard1251618301
Pictures/Posters/SignsPictures or charts other than rolled or in boxes851618302
Pictures/Posters/SignsPosters or pictures on paperboard, not framed, in boxes85161830
Pinball MachinePinball Machine games electronic less than 4lbs/cu ft250841801
Pinball MachinePinball Machine 4 < 7 lbs / cu ft125841802
Pinball MachinePinball Machine 7 or greater lbs / cu ft100841803
Plant Hanger2501786903
Plasma TVPlasma TV25063322
Plastic partsDensity base 10 <1292.51566007
Platform Scale70129400
Postage mailer, folder inserterPostage mailer, folder inserter 8 > or greater851333003
Radar DomeRigging8525140
Range Electric10027320
Range Gas8527520
Raw MetalWire, or copper clad steel60309201
Raw MetalSteel Tanks2501814201
Raw MetalBronze or Copper Plates or sheets strapped in bundles60307402
Raw MetalAluminum Rods6013640
Raw MetalCopper or Brass Scrap Pieces10030762
Raw MetalCables of Iron or steel7039510
Raw MetalCast Pipe, Iron or Steel5051200
Rear End AssemblyUsed Auto Parts7019180
Riding Mower92.5125835
Rocking Chairs175806052
Rocking Horse250842603
RopeGreater than 35 lbs per cubic foot density55533903
Rope (coiled in boxes)Less than 35 lbs per cubic ft70533902
Rug10070930
Sailboat MastSteel70250401
Sailboat MastWood Hollow150250402
Sailboat MastWood Solid85250403
Setteeupholstered settee wooden upholstered85828701
SetteeCane25079050
Shark Cages110395303
Sheetrock5091930
Slot Machine110163402
Snow BlowerUNPACKAGED2001302002
Snow blowerPackaged, crated on pallet85130198
Snow plowSnowplow boxed or crated701301952
Snowmobile FrameDismantled with skis removed/ windshield851333904
Sofa175808651
Sousaphone Musical InstrumentNot Wind or String125139000
Sporting Equipment4 lbs / cu ft treadmill150155204
Stained Glass200867501
Statue StoneStatue 10<1292.5562907
Statue stone concrete8<10 lbs per cu ft100562908
Steel Storage CabinetsSteel storage cabinets, NO glass, set up125804601
Stereo Equipment12563035
Stereo SpeakersIn cabinet or case100624202
Stone Rock5585030
Surfboardsurfboard 1 < 2 lbs cubic ft300155202
T shirtsT-shirts T Shirts, clothing <12 lb per cu ft100498803
T Shirts / clothingT-shirts/Clothing >12lbs per cu ft77.5498804
TableTable dismantled, knocked down packed in cartons or crates85821302
TableWithout a top20082170
Table sawpackaged on pallet1101316701
Table Top Glasstable top, glass 1/4 thick minimum -7088580
Table Top ToolsTable Saw / Chop Saw1001316702
TelevisionsTVs, 40″ or greater200633211
TelevisionsTVs, Less than 40″125633212
TelevisionsTVs, Plasma TVs25063322
TelevisionsTVs, projection type20063325
Tile / Flooring/RoofingWood finished tile65182355
Tile / RoofingRoofing Tile, wood or cement6532710
Tool Box metalMetal tool box 12< 14 lbs per cu ft85397908
ToolsLathes, metalworking85123980
ToolsManual hand held Tools, other than power70186900
ToolsElectric hand held Power Tools, or parts85186590
Toy (figurine) Miniature250842603
Trade Show Materials125154630
TransmissionTransmissions or Clutches; or Parts thereof, NOI; in boxes or crates8519940
Truck Bumper[bumper] as Bumpers, front or rear end protection, metal, used6018410
Unassembled FurnitureBathroom cabinet knocked down100392201
Unassembled FurnitureDesks wooden unassembled100812502
Unassembled FurnitureFurniture completely knocked down / flat70791902
Unassembled FurnitureWooden bed headboard / footboard unassembled125797402
Unassembled FurnitureWooden chests knocked down85809002
Unassembled FurnitureCouch taken apart w/out back & arms125808654
Unassembled FurnitureBed rails, wooden, in packages8582825
UV ChamberLight Box1001793201
Vacuum PartsUsed vacuum parts701327002
Vacuum PartsVacuum parts, new mounted on wagons,100132670
Vehicle Hood Auto Body PartsMetal25018285
Vehicle Hood Auto Body PartsFiberglass30018650
Washer / Dryer85124125
Wheelchair poweredWheelchair powered shipped WITHOUT Batteries200570702
Wheelchair SU (Set up)Other than motor-propelled, in boxes or crates150570751
Wheelchair KD (Knock Down)Other than motor-propelled, in boxes or crates125570752
Wheelchair KD (Fully Knocked Down)Other than motor-propelled, in boxes or crates100570703
Wicker Basket250222603
Windows manufacturedBlinds or Shutters, door or window7037550
Wing ChairStuffed175805801
Wood Bed frame125797402
Wood CabinetDry Sink125804701
Wood carvingWood carving as decorations in crates or boxes 10 <12 lbs per/cu ft92.5562907
Wood Chair200806051
Wood Chest125801201
Wood Desk125793601
Wood DeskWooden desk Knocked down flat in cartons or crates100812502
Wood FinialFinial, wooden in boxes or crates100199970
Wood PelletsPellets, bricks/fuel, logs or pellets bagged or cartons55327322
Wood Table150821301
Wooden BenchWooden bench150799401
Wooden boatWood boat NOI, packaged or crated not nested300245404
Wooden Ventsvents for a building125526905
Writing UtensilsArtist’s crayons1001789301
Writing UtensilsMarkers or pens in boxes, other than felt tip92.51790601
Writing UtensilsCrayons in boxes for school601789302
Writing UtensilsChalk, other than pastels, in boxes77.5178920
Writing UtensilsLead pencils, wood, not mechanical70179050

Freight Class FAQ

What is a freight class?
Freight class is a standardized number between 50 and 500 that LTL carriers use to price shipments. It is set by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), maintained by the NMFTA, based on four factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. Lower classes (50–85) are dense, durable freight and cost less to ship; higher classes (150–500) are light, bulky, or fragile freight and cost more.
What changed in the 2025 NMFC update?
NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025, was the largest reclassification in decades. Over 2,000 items moved to density-based classification, the density scale expanded from 11 to 13 sub-provisions (adding classes 50 and 55 for very dense freight), and many commodity listings were consolidated. Further revisions followed in Docket 2026-1, released February 6, 2026. Classes published before July 2025 may no longer apply.
How do I calculate freight density?
Multiply length × width × height in inches (including the pallet and any overhang), divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the total weight in pounds by the cubic feet. The result is density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Compare it to the 13-sub density scale: for example, 8 to less than 10 PCF is class 100, and 50 PCF or greater is class 50.
What freight class is furniture?
It depends on assembly and packaging. Fully knocked-down flat-packed furniture is typically class 70, wooden dressers or desks set up are typically class 125, upholstered couches around class 175, and fully assembled wooden chairs can reach class 300. Under the 2025 NMFC changes many furniture items now classify by measured density, so calculating your actual density is the safest approach.
What happens if I use the wrong freight class?
Carriers inspect and re-weigh freight. If your declared class is wrong, the shipment is rebilled at the correct class plus a reclassification fee, which can significantly raise the final invoice and delay delivery. Accurate dimensions and weight on the bill of lading are the best protection.
Do freight classes apply to shipments within Canada?
The NMFC is a U.S. standard, but it governs virtually all cross-border Canada–USA LTL freight, and many Canadian carriers reference class or density-based pricing on domestic lanes as well. Canadian shippers working in metric should convert to inches and pounds before calculating density, or use a calculator that handles the conversion — the calculator above accepts cm/kg directly.
Where do I find the official NMFC code for my product?
The official source is NMFTA's ClassIT+ subscription database; the older free NMFC lookup tool has been retired. If you don't have a subscription, a licensed freight broker can classify your commodity for you — ShipCanada classifies freight as part of every quote at no charge.
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