What is an NMFC code?
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is the standard published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) that every LTL carrier uses to classify freight. It assigns each commodity an article number (the NMFC code) and a freight class from 50 to 500. The class is what drives your LTL rate: lower classes (e.g. 50, 55) are dense, easy-to-handle, low-liability freight and cost less per pound; higher classes (300, 400, 500) are light, bulky, fragile, or high-value and cost more.
Carriers determine class from four factors: density (pounds per cubic foot), stowability, handling, and liability. For most commodities density is the dominant factor, which is why you can estimate a likely class from weight and dimensions alone.
How to read an NMFC code
An NMFC entry has an article number (often 6 digits, sometimes with a sub) and an assigned class. Many articles have sub-items that split one commodity into several density brackets, each with its own class. For example, an item shipped at "less than 4 lbs/ft³" might be class 400, while the same item at "8 lbs/ft³ or greater" is class 110 - same article number, different sub, different class. That is why a single commodity name can return several NMFC codes: you pick the sub that matches your shipment's actual density and packaging.
How to find the NMFC code for an item
- Search the commodity name in the box above (e.g. steel, electronics, furniture) to see candidate NMFC article numbers and their freight class.
- If the article has sub-items, match your shipment's density (use the Freight Class Calculator) to the correct sub and class.
- Confirm packaging and any notes - packaging can change the applicable sub-item.
- For bulk or programmatic lookups, the NMFC API returns full descriptions, sub-item density tables, rules, and change history.
Common commodities and freight class
Indicative classes for everyday commodities - always verify the exact NMFC article and sub for your shipment, since density and packaging change the class:
| Commodity | Typical freight class |
|---|---|
| Bricks, steel, dense machinery | 50 – 60 |
| Auto parts, boxed appliances | 70 – 85 |
| Packaged electronics, machinery parts | 85 – 100 |
| Furniture, apparel, books | 100 – 175 |
| Light plastics, fixtures, lampshades | 250 – 400 |
| Ping-pong balls, inflated goods (very low density) | 500 |
NMFC lookup FAQ
What is an NMFC code?
An NMFC code is an article number from the National Motor Freight Classification that identifies a commodity and assigns it a freight class (50–500) used to price LTL shipments.
How do I find the NMFC code for an item?
Search by commodity name on this page to find candidate NMFC article numbers and their freight class, then match your shipment's density to the correct sub-item. For full programmatic lookups, use the NMFC API.
Is NMFC the same as freight class?
No. The NMFC code is the article number that identifies the commodity; the freight class (50–500) is the rating assigned to it. One NMFC article can map to several classes through its density-based sub-items.
How many freight classes are there?
There are 18 freight classes: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500.
Is this NMFC lookup free?
Yes. You can search the NMFC tariff by commodity for free. The full dataset - complete descriptions, sub-item density tables, rules, and change history - is available through the NMFC API on all plans, with higher monthly quotas on paid tiers.