Freight class is a standardized system that assigns a number from 50 to 500 to your shipment. The number determines how carriers rate your freight: lower classes (50–100) mean dense, easy-to-handle items that cost less to ship, while higher classes (125–500) mean bulky, light, or fragile items that cost more. Understanding these ranges helps you calculate freight class accurately and avoid reclassification fees.
Freight Class Ranges 50–500: Complete Reference Table
The table below shows each freight class, its density range (in lbs/cu ft), and typical examples. Use this as a quick reference when evaluating your shipment.
| Freight Class | Density Range (lbs/cu ft) | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Steel beams, bricks, concrete blocks |
| 55 | 35–50 | Cement, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile |
| 60 | 30–35 | Car parts, granite slabs, heavy machinery |
| 65 | 22.5–30 | Bottled beverages, stacked lumber |
| 70 | 15–22.5 | Automobile engines, metal castings |
| 77.5 | 13.5–15 | Tires, packaged auto parts |
| 85 | 12–13.5 | Crated machinery, wooden pallets of goods |
| 92.5 | 10.5–12 | Computers, monitors, small electronics |
| 100 | 9–10.5 | Boat covers, car covers, fiberglass panels |
| 110 | 8–9 | Cabinets, wooden furniture (knocked-down) |
| 125 | 7–8 | Small household goods, drywall |
| 150 | 6–7 | Auto sheet metal, plastic containers |
| 175 | 5–6 | Clothing, sofas, upholstered furniture |
| 200 | 4–5 | Mattresses, empty drums, lightweight boxes |
| 250 | 3–4 | Fiberglass insulation, pillows, foam products |
| 300 | 2–3 | Empty plastic bottles, large lightweight crates |
| 400 | 1–2 | Large empty pallets, bulky packaging |
| 500 | <1 | Very light, voluminous items (e.g., bags of air, foam peanuts) |
How to Interpret Your Freight Class Range
Your freight class is determined by density—the weight in pounds divided by the volume in cubic feet. The higher the density, the lower the class. Here's what each zone of the range implies for your shipment.
Class 50–70: Dense and Heavy
These are the most compact and heavy items. They fill little space relative to their weight, making them easy to stack and transport. If your shipment falls in this range, you're getting the lowest shipping rates. Examples: steel coils, iron castings, concrete blocks. Tip: Double-check your dimensions because a small change in volume can bump you into a higher class.
Class 77.5–110: Medium Density
This is where many common shipments land. Items are moderately dense—think furniture, electronics, or machinery. Shippers often see classes 85, 92.5, or 100. If your freight class is here, verify that your packaging doesn't waste space. Using the right box size can sometimes increase density and lower your class. For more on measuring correctly, see our guide to freight class definition.
Class 125–200: Light and Bulky
These are lighter items that take up a lot of room—clothing, mattresses, empty containers. Shipping costs rise because carriers earn less per pound on a truck. If you consistently ship these classes, consider reducing packaging volume or consolidating shipments. LTL shipping is especially sensitive to these high classes.
Class 250–500: Extremely Light or Voluminous
Classes above 200 are rare and often trigger additional surcharges. Typical examples are large, empty crates, foam products, or items with excessive packaging. If your shipment falls here, you may want to rework packaging to increase density. For example, filling empty space or using vacuum packing can bump you to a lower class. Check our freight class FAQ for tips on avoiding these high classes.
What to Do If Your Class Seems Too High
If your calculated class seems higher than expected, take these steps:
- Re-measure dimensions accurately—include all sides and pallet overhang.
- Weigh the shipment—a small weight change can shift density.
- Reduce packaging—cut down on bubble wrap, boxes, or pallet size.
- Consult the NMFC item number—some specific products have their own class regardless of density.
Remember, the freight class system is designed to reward dense shipments. The better you pack, the lower your class and cost.
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