NMFC Code Lookup
Search the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) database to find freight classes, article numbers, and commodity descriptions for LTL shipping.
What is NMFC?
The National Motor Freight Classification is a standard system used to categorize commodities for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight shipping. Each item is assigned a freight class from 50 to 500 based on density, handling, stowability, and liability.
How Freight Classes Work
Freight class determines shipping rates. Lower classes (50-85) are denser, easier to handle, and cheaper to ship. Higher classes (150-500) are lighter, bulkier, or more fragile and cost more. Density is the primary factor.
NMFC API Access
Integrate NMFC lookup into your TMS or shipping application with our REST API. Search articles, get sub-item details, density classifications, and change history programmatically.
View API docs →Understanding NMFC Freight Classification
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), assigns freight classes to over 10,000 commodity types. Each NMFC article describes a specific type of goods and its associated freight class, which ranges from Class 50 (most dense, lowest cost) to Class 500 (least dense, highest cost).
Freight classification is determined by four characteristics: density (weight per cubic foot), handling (ease of handling and special requirements), stowability (how well items can be stowed with other freight), and liability (susceptibility to damage or theft).
NMFC Freight Class Chart
| Class | Density (lbs/ft³) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Bricks, cement, sand |
| 55 | 35-50 | Hardwood flooring, concrete blocks |
| 60 | 30-35 | Car accessories, bottled beverages |
| 65 | 22.5-30 | Car parts, bottled drinks, books |
| 70 | 15-22.5 | Food items, automobile engines |
| 77.5 | 13.5-15 | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| 85 | 12-13.5 | Crated machinery, transmissions |
| 92.5 | 10.5-12 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators |
| 100 | 9-10.5 | Boat covers, wine cases, caskets |
| 110 | 8-9 | Cabinets, table saws |
| 125 | 7-8 | Small appliances, vending machines |
| 150 | 6-7 | Auto sheet metal, bookcases |
| 175 | 5-6 | Clothing, couches |
| 200 | 4-5 | Auto sheet metal parts, mattresses |
| 250 | 3-4 | Bamboo furniture, plasma TVs |
| 300 | 2-3 | Model boats, wood cabinets, tables |
| 400 | 1-2 | Deer antlers, lightweight fixtures |
| 500 | <1 | Gold dust, ping pong balls |
Need to calculate your freight class? Use our Freight Class Calculator.