The complete NMFC density scale: 13 bands from under 1 lb per cubic foot (class 400) to 50 and over (class 50). Bands include the lower number and exclude the upper one, so a density of exactly 10 lb/ft³ takes class 92.5, not 100. Run your own figures in the freight class calculator.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| Under 1 | 400 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 50 and over | 50 |
Source: NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371, Docket 2025-1 Subject 1, effective July 19, 2025. The scale did not change in Docket 2026-1 (effective May 23, 2026) or Docket 2026-2 (effective December 12, 2026).
These classes have no density band. Specific NMFC items assign them to specific commodities. A density calculator never returns them, and a shipment whose item carries one of them should be billed by the item, not by density.
Density is the starting point, not the whole rule. Freight that is hard to handle, hard to stow with other freight, or carries unusual liability can be classed above its density band by its item.
When the density estimate and the NMFC item disagree, the item wins. Our freight class explainer covers how items, dockets and density fit together, including the dated change log.
Rules last checked November 12, 2026 · How we check every figure