NMFC Code Lookup

Q: What is an NMFC code?

An NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code is a standardized numeric code assigned to every commodity shipped via LTL (less-than-truckload) freight. Each code corresponds to a specific freight class (50-500) that determines shipping rates. The system is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and considers four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.

Q: How do I find my NMFC code?

You can find your NMFC code by searching for your commodity description in a lookup tool, checking your product packaging or shipping documentation, or contacting your carrier or freight broker. The official NMFC tariff is published by the NMFTA and updated regularly. Our free lookup tool above lets you search by code number, commodity description, or freight class.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong NMFC code?

Using the wrong NMFC code can result in reclassification by the carrier, which typically leads to higher freight charges, reweigh fees, and invoice adjustments after delivery. Carriers regularly inspect shipments and will reclassify freight that does not match the declared NMFC code. Always verify your code before shipping to avoid unexpected charges.

Q: What is the difference between NMFC code and freight class?

An NMFC code identifies a specific commodity (e.g., 101400 for printing paper in cartons), while a freight class (50-500) is a broader pricing category that the NMFC code maps to. Multiple NMFC codes can share the same freight class. Freight class is determined by four factors: density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability risk.

Q: How often are NMFC codes updated?

The NMFTA updates the NMFC tariff multiple times per year through official docket releases. These updates can add new codes, modify existing classifications, or change the freight class assigned to a commodity. Shippers should verify their NMFC codes periodically and especially before shipping new products for the first time.

Search the National Motor Freight Classification database by code number, commodity description, or freight class to find the correct NMFC code for your LTL shipment.

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Showing all 118 codes

NMFC Code	Description	Class	Category	Density
100240	Bags or Sacks, Burlap, Old or Used Applies to used burlap bags bundled or baled. New bags may classify differently.	Class 70	Paper & Packaging	15–22.5 PCF
100250	Bags or Sacks, Paper, Multiwall	Class 85	Paper & Packaging	12–13.5 PCF
100300	Bags, Plastic, Poly, Flat or Gusseted Flat poly bags shipped in cartons. Inflatable or bubble mailers may have higher class.	Class 100	Paper & Packaging	9–10.5 PCF
101200	Boxes, Corrugated, Knocked Down Flat KD flat corrugated boxes on pallets. Assembled boxes may classify higher.	Class 65	Paper & Packaging	22.5–30 PCF
101250	Boxes, Corrugated, Assembled or Set Up	Class 100	Paper & Packaging	9–10.5 PCF
101400	Paper, Printing or Writing, in Cartons Reams of copy/printer paper in cartons on pallets — very dense freight.	Class 55	Paper & Packaging	35–50 PCF
101450	Paper, Newsprint, Rolls	Class 50	Paper & Packaging	50+ PCF
101500	Cardboard, Sheets or Pads	Class 70	Paper & Packaging	15–22.5 PCF
101600	Paper Towels or Toilet Paper, Rolls in Cartons Low density despite weight — carriers often reweigh these shipments.	Class 125	Paper & Packaging	7–8 PCF
102200	Beverages, Non-Alcoholic, Bottled, in Cartons Water, soda, juice in cases on pallets. Must be properly palletized to avoid reclass.	Class 60	Food & Beverage	30–35 PCF
102210	Beverages, Alcoholic, Bottled (Wine) Wine shipments require proper packaging and may need temperature control.	Class 100	Food & Beverage	9–10.5 PCF
102220	Beverages, Alcoholic, Bottled (Beer), in Cases	Class 65	Food & Beverage	22.5–30 PCF
102230	Beverages, Alcoholic, Spirits, Bottled	Class 70	Food & Beverage	15–22.5 PCF
102400	Candy or Confectionery, in Boxes May require temperature-controlled transit in summer months.	Class 85	Food & Beverage	12–13.5 PCF
102600	Cereal, Breakfast, in Cartons	Class 100	Food & Beverage	9–10.5 PCF
102800	Coffee, Roasted, in Bags or Cans	Class 70	Food & Beverage	15–22.5 PCF
103000	Canned Goods, Food, in Cartons Very dense; among the lowest-cost LTL commodities per pound.	Class 55	Food & Beverage	35–50 PCF
103200	Flour, Wheat, in Bags	Class 60	Food & Beverage	30–35 PCF
103400	Frozen Foods, General, in Cartons Requires reefer trailer or insulated packaging. Carrier must maintain cold chain.	Class 85	Food & Beverage	12–13.5 PCF
103600	Meat, Fresh or Frozen, Boxed Must ship refrigerated. USDA inspection seals required.	Class 65	Food & Beverage	22.5–30 PCF
103800	Pet Food, Dry, in Bags	Class 55	Food & Beverage	35–50 PCF
104000	Spices, Ground or Whole, in Cartons	Class 85	Food & Beverage	12–13.5 PCF
104100	Sugar, Granulated, in Bags	Class 55	Food & Beverage	35–50 PCF
110000	Computers, Desktop, in Cartons High liability item. Ensure adequate packaging — carriers may apply value surcharges.	Class 92.5	Electronics	10.5–12 PCF
110020	Computers, Laptop, in Cartons High value; shippers should consider declared value coverage.	Class 100	Electronics	9–10.5 PCF
110040	Monitors, Computer, in Cartons	Class 92.5	Electronics	10.5–12 PCF
110060	Printers, Computer, in Cartons	Class 85	Electronics	12–13.5 PCF
110100	Servers, Computer, in Crates Often ships on custom skids. Liftgate and inside delivery frequently required.	Class 85	Electronics	12–13.5 PCF
110200	Televisions, Flat Panel, in Cartons Large physical size relative to weight increases class. Fragile — requires careful handling.	Class 150	Electronics	6–7 PCF
110300	Networking Equipment, Switches, Routers	Class 100	Electronics	9–10.5 PCF
110400	Cell Phones or Smartphones, in Cartons Extremely high value per pound. Theft-sensitive — seal and secure shipments.	Class 100	Electronics	9–10.5 PCF
110500	Speakers, Audio, in Cartons	Class 110	Electronics	8–9 PCF
110600	Cables, Electrical or Data, in Cartons	Class 65	Electronics	22.5–30 PCF
120000	Machinery, Industrial, NOI, in Crates NOI = Not Otherwise Indexed. Verify specific commodity for exact NMFC code.	Class 85	Machinery & Equipment	12–13.5 PCF
120020	Engines, Internal Combustion, in Crates	Class 70	Machinery & Equipment	15–22.5 PCF
120040	Generators, Electric, in Crates Must ship without fuel. Hazmat regulations may apply if fuel is present.	Class 85	Machinery & Equipment	12–13.5 PCF
120060	Compressors, Air, in Crates	Class 70	Machinery & Equipment	15–22.5 PCF
120100	Pumps, Industrial, NOI	Class 85	Machinery & Equipment	12–13.5 PCF
120200	Valves, Metal, Industrial	Class 65	Machinery & Equipment	22.5–30 PCF
120300	Bearings, Ball or Roller, in Cartons	Class 55	Machinery & Equipment	35–50 PCF
120400	Tools, Hand, NOI, in Cartons	Class 70	Machinery & Equipment	15–22.5 PCF
120500	Tools, Power, Electric, in Cartons	Class 85	Machinery & Equipment	12–13.5 PCF
120600	Conveyor Parts, Metal	Class 70	Machinery & Equipment	15–22.5 PCF
130000	Chemicals, NOI, in Drums Hazmat placard may be required. Verify UN number and proper shipping name.	Class 55	Chemicals	35–50 PCF
130100	Paint, Liquid, in Cans or Pails Flammable paints require hazmat documentation and placarding.	Class 65	Chemicals	22.5–30 PCF
130200	Adhesives or Glue, in Containers	Class 70	Chemicals	15–22.5 PCF
130300	Cleaning Compounds, Liquid, in Cartons	Class 65	Chemicals	22.5–30 PCF
130400	Fertilizer, Dry, in Bags Some fertilizers are regulated hazmat (e.g., ammonium nitrate).	Class 55	Chemicals	35–50 PCF
130500	Soap, Bar or Liquid, in Cartons	Class 70	Chemicals	15–22.5 PCF
130600	Resin, Plastic, Pellets, in Bags	Class 55	Chemicals	35–50 PCF
130700	Lubricants, Industrial, in Drums	Class 60	Chemicals	30–35 PCF
130800	Solvents, Industrial, in Drums Typically flammable — requires hazmat shipping papers and placards.	Class 60	Chemicals	30–35 PCF
140000	Clothing, NOI, in Cartons	Class 100	Textiles	9–10.5 PCF
140100	Fabric, Woven, Rolls	Class 110	Textiles	8–9 PCF
140200	Yarn, Cotton or Synthetic, in Cartons	Class 100	Textiles	9–10.5 PCF
140300	Towels, Bath or Kitchen, in Cartons	Class 110	Textiles	8–9 PCF
140400	Bedding, Sheets and Pillowcases, in Cartons	Class 110	Textiles	8–9 PCF
140500	Carpet or Rugs, Rolled Large rolls may exceed standard pallet dimensions. Measure carefully.	Class 100	Textiles	9–10.5 PCF
140600	Draperies or Curtains, in Cartons	Class 125	Textiles	7–8 PCF
140700	Uniforms, Work, in Cartons	Class 100	Textiles	9–10.5 PCF
150000	Furniture, NOI, KD Flat, in Cartons KD = Knocked Down. Assembled furniture ships at higher class (150–300).	Class 125	Furniture	7–8 PCF
150100	Furniture, Household, Assembled, Wrapped Blanket-wrapped furniture often ships at class 175–250. High handling requirement.	Class 175	Furniture	5–6 PCF
150200	Mattresses, in Cartons or Rolled	Class 200	Furniture	4–5 PCF
150300	Office Furniture, Desks, KD, in Cartons	Class 110	Furniture	8–9 PCF
150400	Chairs, Office, KD, in Cartons	Class 125	Furniture	7–8 PCF
150500	Shelving, Metal, KD, in Cartons	Class 85	Furniture	12–13.5 PCF
150600	Tables, Wood, Assembled	Class 175	Furniture	5–6 PCF
150700	Cabinets, Wood, KD	Class 150	Furniture	6–7 PCF
150800	Bookcases, Wood, Assembled	Class 150	Furniture	6–7 PCF
160000	Bricks, Clay, on Pallets Among the densest freight — qualifies for the lowest freight class.	Class 50	Building Materials	50+ PCF
160100	Cement, Portland, in Bags	Class 55	Building Materials	35–50 PCF
160200	Concrete Blocks, on Pallets	Class 60	Building Materials	30–35 PCF
160300	Lumber, Dimensional, Bundled	Class 65	Building Materials	22.5–30 PCF
160400	Drywall or Sheetrock, in Bundles	Class 65	Building Materials	22.5–30 PCF
160500	Roofing Shingles, Asphalt, in Bundles	Class 55	Building Materials	35–50 PCF
160600	Tile, Ceramic, in Cartons	Class 60	Building Materials	30–35 PCF
160700	Insulation, Fiberglass, in Rolls or Batts Extremely low density despite bulk. One of the most expensive classes per pound.	Class 200	Building Materials	4–5 PCF
160800	Plywood, in Bundles	Class 65	Building Materials	22.5–30 PCF
160900	Glass, Flat, Crated Fragile — requires special handling and A-frame crating for large panes.	Class 85	Building Materials	12–13.5 PCF
161000	Pipe, Steel or Iron	Class 50	Building Materials	50+ PCF
161100	Pipe, PVC, in Bundles Light relative to size. Long lengths may require flatbed.	Class 125	Building Materials	7–8 PCF
170000	Auto Parts, NOI, in Cartons	Class 70	Auto Parts	15–22.5 PCF
170100	Tires, Passenger Vehicle Stack and band tires to prevent rolling. Some carriers restrict loose tire shipments.	Class 77.5	Auto Parts	13.5–15 PCF
170200	Batteries, Lead-Acid, Auto Classified as hazmat (Class 8 Corrosive). Requires UN2794 marking and DOT packaging.	Class 50	Auto Parts	50+ PCF
170300	Brake Pads or Rotors, in Cartons	Class 60	Auto Parts	30–35 PCF
170400	Bumpers, Automobile, Plastic Low density, awkward shape. Often requires special handling.	Class 150	Auto Parts	6–7 PCF
170500	Engine Parts, Metal, in Cartons	Class 65	Auto Parts	22.5–30 PCF
170600	Wheels, Automobile, Alloy, in Cartons	Class 77.5	Auto Parts	13.5–15 PCF
170700	Windshields, Glass, Crated Fragile — must ship upright in A-frame crate. Never stack flat.	Class 85	Auto Parts	12–13.5 PCF
170800	Body Panels, Auto, Sheet Metal	Class 150	Auto Parts	6–7 PCF
180000	Plastic Products, NOI, in Cartons	Class 100	Plastics & Rubber	9–10.5 PCF
180100	Plastic Containers, Buckets or Pails, Nested Nested empty containers are very light for their volume.	Class 150	Plastics & Rubber	6–7 PCF
180200	Rubber Hose, Industrial, in Coils	Class 77.5	Plastics & Rubber	13.5–15 PCF
180300	Foam Rubber, Sheets or Pads Extremely low density — one of the highest freight classes.	Class 300	Plastics & Rubber	2–3 PCF
180400	Plastic Film, Rolls	Class 100	Plastics & Rubber	9–10.5 PCF
180500	Plastic Bottles, Empty, Nested	Class 175	Plastics & Rubber	5–6 PCF
180600	Rubber Gaskets or Seals, in Cartons	Class 85	Plastics & Rubber	12–13.5 PCF
180700	Styrofoam Packing Material, in Bags Near-zero density. Among the most expensive commodities to ship LTL.	Class 400	Plastics & Rubber	1–2 PCF
190000	Medical Instruments, NOI, in Cartons High-value items. Consider excess value coverage.	Class 100	Medical Supplies	9–10.5 PCF
190100	Pharmaceuticals, NOI, in Cartons Temperature-sensitive. May require validated cold chain shipping.	Class 92.5	Medical Supplies	10.5–12 PCF
190200	Hospital Beds, Assembled Bulky, awkward dimensions. May require liftgate and inside delivery.	Class 200	Medical Supplies	4–5 PCF
190300	Wheelchairs, Folded, in Cartons	Class 150	Medical Supplies	6–7 PCF
190400	Surgical Gloves, Latex, in Cartons	Class 85	Medical Supplies	12–13.5 PCF
190500	Bandages or Gauze, in Cartons	Class 100	Medical Supplies	9–10.5 PCF
190600	Syringes, Disposable, in Cartons	Class 110	Medical Supplies	8–9 PCF
190700	Dental Equipment, NOI, in Cartons	Class 100	Medical Supplies	9–10.5 PCF
200000	Household Goods, NOI, in Cartons	Class 100	Consumer Goods	9–10.5 PCF
200100	Toys, NOI, in Cartons	Class 125	Consumer Goods	7–8 PCF
200200	Sporting Goods, NOI, in Cartons	Class 110	Consumer Goods	8–9 PCF
200300	Bicycles, Assembled, in Cartons Awkward shape. Assembled bikes ship at higher class than KD frames.	Class 175	Consumer Goods	5–6 PCF
200400	Books, Printed, in Cartons	Class 65	Consumer Goods	22.5–30 PCF
200500	Cosmetics or Toiletries, in Cartons	Class 92.5	Consumer Goods	10.5–12 PCF
200600	Kitchenware, Pots and Pans, in Cartons	Class 85	Consumer Goods	12–13.5 PCF
200700	Small Appliances, in Cartons	Class 125	Consumer Goods	7–8 PCF
200800	Shoes or Footwear, in Cartons	Class 100	Consumer Goods	9–10.5 PCF
200900	Candles, in Cartons	Class 85	Consumer Goods	12–13.5 PCF
201000	Diapers, Disposable, in Cartons Very light for their size — typically palletized in large quantities.	Class 150	Consumer Goods	6–7 PCF
201100	Pet Supplies, NOI, in Cartons	Class 100	Consumer Goods	9–10.5 PCF

Freight Class Calculator Density Calculator

Reference

Freight Class Quick Reference

The NMFC system uses 18 freight classes ranging from Class 50 (densest, lowest cost) to Class 500 (least dense, highest cost). Each NMFC code maps to one of these classes based on density, handling, stowability, and liability.

Class	Density (PCF)	Cost Level	Common Examples
50	50+ lbs/ft³	Lowest	Bricks, cement, steel pipe
55	35–50	Very Low	Canned goods, pet food, bearings
60	30–35	Low	Bottled beverages, concrete blocks
65	22.5–30	Low-Mid	Lumber, books, engine parts
70	15–22.5	Mid-Low	Coffee, auto parts, hand tools
77.5	13.5–15	Mid	Tires, rubber hose, alloy wheels
85	12–13.5	Mid	Printers, frozen foods, glass
92.5	10.5–12	Mid-High	Computers, pharmaceuticals
100	9–10.5	Average	Clothing, networking gear, wine
110	8–9	Above Avg	Fabric rolls, speakers, sporting goods
125	7–8	High	Toys, small appliances, PVC pipe
150	6–7	High	TVs, bumpers, wheelchairs
175	5–6	Very High	Assembled furniture, bicycles
200	4–5	Very High	Mattresses, insulation, hospital beds
250	3–4	Premium	Bamboo furniture, plasma TVs
300	2–3	Premium	Foam rubber, wood cabinets
400	1–2	Highest	Styrofoam, deer antlers
500	<1	Highest	Gold dust bags, low-density items

Common Questions

NMFC Code FAQs

What is an NMFC code?

An NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code is a standardized numeric code assigned to every commodity shipped via LTL (less-than-truckload) freight. Each code corresponds to a specific freight class (50-500) that determines shipping rates. The system is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and considers four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.

How do I find my NMFC code?

You can find your NMFC code by searching for your commodity description in a lookup tool, checking your product packaging or shipping documentation, or contacting your carrier or freight broker. The official NMFC tariff is published by the NMFTA and updated regularly. Our free lookup tool above lets you search by code number, commodity description, or freight class.

What happens if I use the wrong NMFC code?

Using the wrong NMFC code can result in reclassification by the carrier, which typically leads to higher freight charges, reweigh fees, and invoice adjustments after delivery. Carriers regularly inspect shipments and will reclassify freight that does not match the declared NMFC code. Always verify your code before shipping to avoid unexpected charges.

What is the difference between NMFC code and freight class?

An NMFC code identifies a specific commodity (e.g., 101400 for printing paper in cartons), while a freight class (50-500) is a broader pricing category that the NMFC code maps to. Multiple NMFC codes can share the same freight class. Freight class is determined by four factors: density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability risk.

How often are NMFC codes updated?

The NMFTA updates the NMFC tariff multiple times per year through official docket releases. These updates can add new codes, modify existing classifications, or change the freight class assigned to a commodity. Shippers should verify their NMFC codes periodically and especially before shipping new products for the first time.

Need Help Classifying Your Freight?

Correct freight classification saves you money and prevents carrier reclassification charges. Our team can help verify your NMFC codes and find competitive LTL rates from vetted carriers.

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