NMFC Codes & Freight Class Search

To Get NMFC Codes

The use of a correct Freight Class and NMFC are two very key components in getting the best possible freight rates. Please email Ops@shipgsl.com for assistance with your NMFC lookup. A representative from Global Source Logistics will reach out to you. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association does not allow for freight classes or NMFC codes to be posted online to the public.

What is an NMFC and a Freight Class?

NMFC’s are a standard for comparing various commodities that help to identify what you are shipping. The freight class relates to that commodity in its handling, stowability, density and liability, and is grouped into 18 freight classes. From a high of 500 to a low of 50, these help to establish the transportability of the freight. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is a nonprofit organization that publishes NMFC’s and Freight Classes, but because the information is proprietary, you won’t find the specific information by doing a web search.  However, we can help!

Freight class is used as one of the factors to determine your shipping costs.  Generally speaking, the lower your freight class, the lower the shipping cost.  However, by using an incorrect freight class, you could be either spending too much money on shipping, or opening yourself up for a rebill when the carrier re-classes your freight to something higher.   Trying to fight the carrier is both frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you don’t fully understand the system.  Let us help you avoid that!

When looking into NMFC’s and figuring out a freight class, a number of commodities are density based, so you need to know the Pounds per Cubic Foot, or PCF of the item.  To get an idea of your PCF, use our Density Calculator.  As an example of how density affects freight class, consider this:  The space an empty 5 gallon plastic water bottle takes up is far greater than if you had just the raw material in your hand, yet they weigh the same.  The density of the raw materials is much greater than the density of the bottle itself.  Since big lightweight items take up a lot of space in the trailer, the carrier’s charge for the space used based on its density.

Freight Class Examples of Commodities** Density in PCF
50 Gravel 50+
55 Terrazzo or concrete tile 35-50
60 Machinery in crates 30-35
65 Books 22.5-30
70 Metal castings 15-22.5
77.5 Tools – other than hand 13.5-15
85 Prepared food 12-13.5
92.5 Electric toothbrushes 10.5-12
100 Used household goods 9-10.5
110 Paintings of low value 8-9
125 Furniture – wooden 7-8
150 Clothing 6-7
175 Tanks or aquariums – fish display 5-6
200 Optical lenses – ground or polished 4-5
250 Automobile body sections (hoods, fenders, etc.) 3-4
300 Animals – stuffed (taxidermy) 2-3
400 Bags of potato chips or popcorn 1-2
500 Acid solutions containing dissolved silver, gold or palladium < 1

** Note. The above examples are for comparison only and are not to be used for actual shipping purposes. For your current and correct freight class/NMFC, contact Global Source Logistics directly.

NMFC’s and freight class can be quite confusing, but we’re happy to help answer all your questions.  Feel free to contact us for an accurate NMFC and freight class.

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