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NMFC Code Lookup (Free) — Freight Class Codes

Free NMFC code lookup for LTL freight class codes (50–500). Search by NMFC number, commodity description, or freight class to classify your shipment correctly and avoid costly reclass fees.

Search NMFC Codes

Showing all 118 codes

NMFC CodeDescriptionClass
100240Bags or Sacks, Burlap, Old or Used

Applies to used burlap bags bundled or baled. New bags may classify differently.

Class 70
100250Bags or Sacks, Paper, MultiwallClass 85
100300Bags, Plastic, Poly, Flat or Gusseted

Flat poly bags shipped in cartons. Inflatable or bubble mailers may have higher class.

Class 100
101200Boxes, Corrugated, Knocked Down Flat

KD flat corrugated boxes on pallets. Assembled boxes may classify higher.

Class 65
101250Boxes, Corrugated, Assembled or Set UpClass 100
101400Paper, Printing or Writing, in Cartons

Reams of copy/printer paper in cartons on pallets — very dense freight.

Class 55
101450Paper, Newsprint, RollsClass 50
101500Cardboard, Sheets or PadsClass 70
101600Paper Towels or Toilet Paper, Rolls in Cartons

Low density despite weight — carriers often reweigh these shipments.

Class 125
102200Beverages, Non-Alcoholic, Bottled, in Cartons

Water, soda, juice in cases on pallets. Must be properly palletized to avoid reclass.

Class 60
102210Beverages, Alcoholic, Bottled (Wine)

Wine shipments require proper packaging and may need temperature control.

Class 100
102220Beverages, Alcoholic, Bottled (Beer), in CasesClass 65
102230Beverages, Alcoholic, Spirits, BottledClass 70
102400Candy or Confectionery, in Boxes

May require temperature-controlled transit in summer months.

Class 85
102600Cereal, Breakfast, in CartonsClass 100
102800Coffee, Roasted, in Bags or CansClass 70
103000Canned Goods, Food, in Cartons

Very dense; among the lowest-cost LTL commodities per pound.

Class 55
103200Flour, Wheat, in BagsClass 60
103400Frozen Foods, General, in Cartons

Requires reefer trailer or insulated packaging. Carrier must maintain cold chain.

Class 85
103600Meat, Fresh or Frozen, Boxed

Must ship refrigerated. USDA inspection seals required.

Class 65
103800Pet Food, Dry, in BagsClass 55
104000Spices, Ground or Whole, in CartonsClass 85
104100Sugar, Granulated, in BagsClass 55
110000Computers, Desktop, in Cartons

High liability item. Ensure adequate packaging — carriers may apply value surcharges.

Class 92.5
110020Computers, Laptop, in Cartons

High value; shippers should consider declared value coverage.

Class 100
110040Monitors, Computer, in CartonsClass 92.5
110060Printers, Computer, in CartonsClass 85
110100Servers, Computer, in Crates

Often ships on custom skids. Liftgate and inside delivery frequently required.

Class 85
110200Televisions, Flat Panel, in Cartons

Large physical size relative to weight increases class. Fragile — requires careful handling.

Class 150
110300Networking Equipment, Switches, RoutersClass 100
110400Cell Phones or Smartphones, in Cartons

Extremely high value per pound. Theft-sensitive — seal and secure shipments.

Class 100
110500Speakers, Audio, in CartonsClass 110
110600Cables, Electrical or Data, in CartonsClass 65
120000Machinery, Industrial, NOI, in Crates

NOI = Not Otherwise Indexed. Verify specific commodity for exact NMFC code.

Class 85
120020Engines, Internal Combustion, in CratesClass 70
120040Generators, Electric, in Crates

Must ship without fuel. Hazmat regulations may apply if fuel is present.

Class 85
120060Compressors, Air, in CratesClass 70
120100Pumps, Industrial, NOIClass 85
120200Valves, Metal, IndustrialClass 65
120300Bearings, Ball or Roller, in CartonsClass 55
120400Tools, Hand, NOI, in CartonsClass 70
120500Tools, Power, Electric, in CartonsClass 85
120600Conveyor Parts, MetalClass 70
130000Chemicals, NOI, in Drums

Hazmat placard may be required. Verify UN number and proper shipping name.

Class 55
130100Paint, Liquid, in Cans or Pails

Flammable paints require hazmat documentation and placarding.

Class 65
130200Adhesives or Glue, in ContainersClass 70
130300Cleaning Compounds, Liquid, in CartonsClass 65
130400Fertilizer, Dry, in Bags

Some fertilizers are regulated hazmat (e.g., ammonium nitrate).

Class 55
130500Soap, Bar or Liquid, in CartonsClass 70
130600Resin, Plastic, Pellets, in BagsClass 55
130700Lubricants, Industrial, in DrumsClass 60
130800Solvents, Industrial, in Drums

Typically flammable — requires hazmat shipping papers and placards.

Class 60
140000Clothing, NOI, in CartonsClass 100
140100Fabric, Woven, RollsClass 110
140200Yarn, Cotton or Synthetic, in CartonsClass 100
140300Towels, Bath or Kitchen, in CartonsClass 110
140400Bedding, Sheets and Pillowcases, in CartonsClass 110
140500Carpet or Rugs, Rolled

Large rolls may exceed standard pallet dimensions. Measure carefully.

Class 100
140600Draperies or Curtains, in CartonsClass 125
140700Uniforms, Work, in CartonsClass 100
150000Furniture, NOI, KD Flat, in Cartons

KD = Knocked Down. Assembled furniture ships at higher class (150–300).

Class 125
150100Furniture, Household, Assembled, Wrapped

Blanket-wrapped furniture often ships at class 175–250. High handling requirement.

Class 175
150200Mattresses, in Cartons or RolledClass 200
150300Office Furniture, Desks, KD, in CartonsClass 110
150400Chairs, Office, KD, in CartonsClass 125
150500Shelving, Metal, KD, in CartonsClass 85
150600Tables, Wood, AssembledClass 175
150700Cabinets, Wood, KDClass 150
150800Bookcases, Wood, AssembledClass 150
160000Bricks, Clay, on Pallets

Among the densest freight — qualifies for the lowest freight class.

Class 50
160100Cement, Portland, in BagsClass 55
160200Concrete Blocks, on PalletsClass 60
160300Lumber, Dimensional, BundledClass 65
160400Drywall or Sheetrock, in BundlesClass 65
160500Roofing Shingles, Asphalt, in BundlesClass 55
160600Tile, Ceramic, in CartonsClass 60
160700Insulation, Fiberglass, in Rolls or Batts

Extremely low density despite bulk. One of the most expensive classes per pound.

Class 200
160800Plywood, in BundlesClass 65
160900Glass, Flat, Crated

Fragile — requires special handling and A-frame crating for large panes.

Class 85
161000Pipe, Steel or IronClass 50
161100Pipe, PVC, in Bundles

Light relative to size. Long lengths may require flatbed.

Class 125
170000Auto Parts, NOI, in CartonsClass 70
170100Tires, Passenger Vehicle

Stack and band tires to prevent rolling. Some carriers restrict loose tire shipments.

Class 77.5
170200Batteries, Lead-Acid, Auto

Classified as hazmat (Class 8 Corrosive). Requires UN2794 marking and DOT packaging.

Class 50
170300Brake Pads or Rotors, in CartonsClass 60
170400Bumpers, Automobile, Plastic

Low density, awkward shape. Often requires special handling.

Class 150
170500Engine Parts, Metal, in CartonsClass 65
170600Wheels, Automobile, Alloy, in CartonsClass 77.5
170700Windshields, Glass, Crated

Fragile — must ship upright in A-frame crate. Never stack flat.

Class 85
170800Body Panels, Auto, Sheet MetalClass 150
180000Plastic Products, NOI, in CartonsClass 100
180100Plastic Containers, Buckets or Pails, Nested

Nested empty containers are very light for their volume.

Class 150
180200Rubber Hose, Industrial, in CoilsClass 77.5
180300Foam Rubber, Sheets or Pads

Extremely low density — one of the highest freight classes.

Class 300
180400Plastic Film, RollsClass 100
180500Plastic Bottles, Empty, NestedClass 175
180600Rubber Gaskets or Seals, in CartonsClass 85
180700Styrofoam Packing Material, in Bags

Near-zero density. Among the most expensive commodities to ship LTL.

Class 400
190000Medical Instruments, NOI, in Cartons

High-value items. Consider excess value coverage.

Class 100
190100Pharmaceuticals, NOI, in Cartons

Temperature-sensitive. May require validated cold chain shipping.

Class 92.5
190200Hospital Beds, Assembled

Bulky, awkward dimensions. May require liftgate and inside delivery.

Class 200
190300Wheelchairs, Folded, in CartonsClass 150
190400Surgical Gloves, Latex, in CartonsClass 85
190500Bandages or Gauze, in CartonsClass 100
190600Syringes, Disposable, in CartonsClass 110
190700Dental Equipment, NOI, in CartonsClass 100
200000Household Goods, NOI, in CartonsClass 100
200100Toys, NOI, in CartonsClass 125
200200Sporting Goods, NOI, in CartonsClass 110
200300Bicycles, Assembled, in Cartons

Awkward shape. Assembled bikes ship at higher class than KD frames.

Class 175
200400Books, Printed, in CartonsClass 65
200500Cosmetics or Toiletries, in CartonsClass 92.5
200600Kitchenware, Pots and Pans, in CartonsClass 85
200700Small Appliances, in CartonsClass 125
200800Shoes or Footwear, in CartonsClass 100
200900Candles, in CartonsClass 85
201000Diapers, Disposable, in Cartons

Very light for their size — typically palletized in large quantities.

Class 150
201100Pet Supplies, NOI, in CartonsClass 100

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.

ClassDensity (PCF)
5050+ lbs/ft³
5535–50
6030–35
6522.5–30
7015–22.5
77.513.5–15
8512–13.5
92.510.5–12
1009–10.5
1108–9
1257–8
1506–7
1755–6
2004–5
2503–4
3002–3
4001–2
500<1

Learn

NMFC Codes in 2026: Density, Class, and Reclass Risk

An NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code identifies your commodity in the NMFTA tariff. Freight class (50–500) is the pricing bucket LTL carriers use. Density — pounds per cubic foot (PCF) — still drives most day-to-day classification fights in 2026. Handling, stowability, and liability can push a commodity up or down even when density looks “fine.”

Density formula with a worked example

PCF = weight (lb) ÷ cubic feet. Cubic feet = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728. Measure the full shipping cube: pallet, overhang, and packaging — not the product alone.

Example A — dense: 48×40×40 in, 1,200 lb → 44.4 ft³ → 27.0 PCF → often Class 65 territory on density-driven items.

Example B — mid: 48×40×48 in, 480 lb → 53.3 ft³ → 9.0 PCF → often near Class 100.

Example C — light: 48×40×60 in, 180 lb → 66.7 ft³ → 2.7 PCF → Class 300-class pain if you declared Class 70.

Use our density calculator and freight class calculator before you tender a new SKU. Then confirm the commodity’s NMFC item in the lookup tool above — density alone does not invent an NMFC code.

What a reclass actually costs

Carriers reweigh and inspect. When declared class is too low, you pay the corrected class CWT difference plus inspection/reweigh fees that commonly land around $25–$75 per hit. The ugly part is the class jump: a pallet billed as Class 70 that inspects as Class 125 can more than double linehaul on the same weight. Three “small” reclasses a month can erase an entire LTL savings project.

Red flags that invite inspection: round-number weights (500 lb every time), cube that ignores the pallet, commodity notes like “FAK” with no backup, and mixed pallets declared as the densest item only. Photograph every pallet face with a tape measure in frame — that photo wins disputes.

NMFC vs freight class vs FAK

NMFC code = specific commodity item. Freight class = pricing bucket 50–500. FAK (Freight All Kinds) = a negotiated exception that grades many items into one class band with a carrier — powerful when audited correctly, expensive when you ship light cube under a heavy FAK assumption. FAK does not mean “skip measuring.”

Full truckload is usually priced per mile or per load, not NMFC class. NMFC still matters on LTL, volume LTL, and many partials that quote like LTL. For mode cost context, read how much freight shipping costs in 2026 and the companion NMFC codes explained.

Shipper checklist before every new SKU

  1. Weigh on a calibrated scale — do not guess.
  2. Measure L×W×H including pallet and overhang; compute PCF.
  3. Look up the commodity NMFC item (tool above) and note packaging type.
  4. Confirm class on the quote matches the BOL and the label.
  5. Save photos + worksheet; revisit after any NMFTA docket change.

Density formula

PCF = lb ÷ ((L×W×H)÷1728)

Lower class

Usually denser freight, lower CWT rate

Reclass trigger

Wrong cube, weight, or commodity notes

Common Questions

NMFC Code FAQs

What is an NMFC code lookup?

An NMFC code lookup lets you search National Motor Freight Classification codes by commodity name, NMFC number, or freight class (50–500) so you can declare the right LTL class before tender. Wrong codes trigger reclass bills — often the class jump plus $25–$75 inspection fees. Use the free search above, then verify density (PCF) on density-driven items.

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. In 2026, density-based classification continues to dominate many commodities, so a wrong density assumption still triggers reclass and accessorials. Shippers should verify NMFC codes periodically — and always before shipping a new SKU for the first time.

How do I calculate density (PCF) for freight class?

Measure length × width × height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the shipment weight in pounds by cubic feet. Example: a 48×40×48 in pallet at 480 lb is 48×40×48=92,160 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³; 480 ÷ 53.33 ≈ 9.0 PCF — often near Class 100 on density-driven items. Always measure the full shipping cube including pallet and overhang, not the product alone.

How much can an NMFC reclass cost in 2026?

Reclass bills commonly add the freight-class rate difference plus inspection/reweigh fees that often land in the $25–$75 range per occurrence — and the class jump can be hundreds of dollars on a single LTL shipment. A pallet declared Class 70 that inspects as Class 125 can more than double the linehaul CWT charge. Prevent it with accurate cube, weight, and commodity notes before tender.

Is NMFC the same as freight class?

No. An NMFC code identifies a specific commodity item in the tariff. Freight class (50–500) is the pricing bucket that code maps to. Multiple NMFC codes can share one class. Carriers rate on class (and weight, cube, ZIP lanes); they audit with NMFC + density + packaging.

Do I still need NMFC codes for FTL shipments?

Full truckload pricing is usually flat per mile or per load, not NMFC class. You still need accurate commodity descriptions, weight, and hazmat info on the BOL. NMFC matters most on LTL. If a “partial” or volume LTL quote is class-based, treat it like LTL and classify correctly.

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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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