NMFC Code Lookup
Reference examples of common LTL commodities and their typical density-based freight classes. Use this page to understand how the NMFC classification system works.
How to use: Browse the commodity reference list below to see typical density-based freight class assignments. Classes range from 50 (densest) to 500 (lightest); the table groups examples by class.
The commodity descriptions and freight classes shown on this page are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to be used or relied upon for designating NMFC shipping codes in actual freight transactions. For authoritative classification, license the official NMFC and ClassIT+ database from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).
| Commodity | Freight Class | Density (lbs/cu ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, sheets or coils | 50 | 50+ |
| Bolts, nuts, and screws, iron or steel, boxed | 50 | 50+ |
| Building materials, NOI | 50 | 50+ |
| Cement, Portland, bags | 50 | 50+ |
| Concrete blocks, solid | 50 | 50+ |
| Engine blocks, cast iron, crated | 50 | 50+ |
| Steel beams, structural | 50 | 50+ |
| Sugar, granulated, bagged | 50 | 50+ |
| Acids, liquid, in drums | 55 | 35-50 |
| Brake rotors (discs), iron, boxed | 55 | 35-50 |
| Drywall (gypsum board) sheets | 55 | 35-50 |
| Flour, wheat, bagged | 55 | 35-50 |
| Pet food, bagged | 55 | 35-50 |
| Roofing shingles, asphalt, bundled | 55 | 35-50 |
| Abrasive discs or wheels, boxed | 60 | 30-35 |
| Ceramic tile, floor or wall, boxed | 60 | 30-35 |
| Detergent, liquid or powder | 60 | 30-35 |
| Lumber, dimensional | 60 | 30-35 |
| Wire, electrical, spools | 60 | 30-35 |
| Adhesive, construction, cases | 65 | 22.5-30 |
| Beer, canned or bottled, cases | 65 | 22.5-30 |
| Books, printed | 65 | 22.5-30 |
| Bottled water, cases, palletized | 65 | 22.5-30 |
| Coffee, ground, canned or bagged | 65 | 22.5-30 |
| Tools, hand, boxed | 65 | 22.5-30 |
| Auto parts, NOI | 70 | 15-22.5 |
| Canned vegetables, cases | 70 | 15-22.5 |
| Pallets, wood, empty | 70 | 15-22.5 |
| Paper products, NOI | 70 | 15-22.5 |
| Pipe, metal or PVC | 70 | 15-22.5 |
| Vitamins or supplements, tablets, boxed | 70 | 15-22.5 |
| Bathroom fixtures, porcelain, crated | 77.5 | 13.5-15 |
| Cheese, blocks or wheels, boxed | 77.5 | 13.5-15 |
| Tires, rubber, new | 77.5 | 13.5-15 |
| Toilets, porcelain, boxed | 77.5 | 13.5-15 |
| Computer equipment, boxed | 85 | 12-13.5 |
| Doors, wood or metal | 85 | 12-13.5 |
| Eggs, fresh, in standard cases | 85 | 12-13.5 |
| Engines, automotive | 85 | 12-13.5 |
| Water heaters | 85 | 12-13.5 |
| Cereal, boxed, cases | 92.5 | 10.5-12 |
| Laptop computers, boxed | 92.5 | 10.5-12 |
| Microwave ovens, boxed | 92.5 | 10.5-12 |
| Watches, boxed | 92.5 | 10.5-12 |
| Bakery goods, commercial | 100 | 9-10.5 |
| Cosmetics, packaged | 100 | 9-10.5 |
| Glassware, drinking glasses, boxed | 100 | 9-10.5 |
| Vacuum cleaners, electric, boxed | 100 | 9-10.5 |
| Yogurt, in containers, refrigerated | 100 | 9-10.5 |
| Appliances, household, NOI | 110 | 8-9 |
| Carpet, rolled | 110 | 8-9 |
| Sporting goods, NOI | 110 | 8-9 |
| Treadmill, boxed | 110 | 8-9 |
| Air fryers, electric, boxed | 125 | 7-8 |
| Bath towels, boxed | 125 | 7-8 |
| Coffee makers, electric, boxed | 125 | 7-8 |
| Electronics, consumer, boxed | 125 | 7-8 |
| Toys, boxed | 125 | 7-8 |
| Air purifiers, boxed | 150 | 6-7 |
| Backpacks, packed flat, boxed | 150 | 6-7 |
| Bicycle, disassembled, boxed | 150 | 6-7 |
| Television displays, under 55 inch, boxed | 150 | 6-7 |
| Window blinds, boxed | 150 | 6-7 |
| Bottles, glass, empty | 175 | 5-6 |
| Clothing, hanging (GOH) | 175 | 5-6 |
| Furniture, household, NOI | 175 | 5-6 |
| Lamps, table or floor, boxed | 175 | 5-6 |
| Artificial flowers and plants, boxed | 200 | 4-5 |
| Comforters, boxed or rolled | 200 | 4-5 |
| Hats and caps, boxed | 200 | 4-5 |
| Mattresses, boxed | 200 | 4-5 |
| Television displays, 55 inch and larger, boxed | 200 | 4-5 |
| Canoe, fiberglass or plastic | 250 | 3-4 |
| Paddleboard (SUP), rigid | 250 | 3-4 |
| Surfboard, foam or fiberglass | 250 | 3-4 |
| Foam, polystyrene or polyurethane | 300 | 2-3 |
What is an NMFC code?
NMFC stands for National Motor Freight Classification. It is the standardized system that assigns a numeric code and freight class to every commodity shipped via LTL. The NMFC code determines how your freight is classified, which directly affects the rate your carrier charges.
Each NMFC code maps to a freight class between 50 and 500. The class is based on four characteristics: density, stowability, handling difficulty, and liability. In practice, density is the dominant factor for most commodities.
Why NMFC codes matter
Using the wrong NMFC code on your bill of lading is one of the most common causes of reclassification charges. When a carrier inspects your shipment at the terminal and assigns a different NMFC code than what you declared, they reclassify the shipment to a higher freight class and bill you the difference, often weeks after delivery.
Getting the NMFC code right at booking prevents these surprises. Refer to the commodity examples above to understand how density drives freight class, and license the official NMFC and ClassIT+ database from the NMFTA for authoritative classification before booking.
Warp does not require NMFC codes
Warp prices by pallet, not by NMFC classification. You do not need to look up commodity codes, determine freight class, or worry about reclassification. Enter your pallet count, weight, and dimensions, and get an all-inclusive rate. The price at booking is the price you pay. For the full prevention and dispute playbook, see how to avoid reclass and reweigh fees.
NMFC code FAQ
Common questions about NMFC classification. Tap a question to expand.
What is an NMFC code?
An NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code is a standardized numeric code assigned to every type of commodity shipped via LTL freight. Each code maps to a freight class (50-500) that determines shipping rates. The codes are maintained by the NMFTA.
How do I find my NMFC code?
Browse the commodity reference examples on this page to understand how density-based classification works. For authoritative NMFC codes, license the official NMFC and ClassIT+ database from the NMFTA, or contact your carrier — the examples shown here are illustrative only and should not be used to designate codes on actual shipments.
What does NOI mean in NMFC classification?
NOI stands for Not Otherwise Indicated. It is a catch-all classification for commodities that do not have a specific NMFC code. NOI codes are classified based on density, so the freight class depends on actual weight and dimensions.
What are NMFC sub-codes?
Sub-codes are variations within a single NMFC item number that assign different freight classes based on density ranges. For example, NMFC 116030 (furniture) has sub-codes 1 through 5, each mapping to a different class. Sub-code 1 might be Class 70 for dense pieces while sub-code 5 is Class 200 for lightweight items.
Can my carrier override the NMFC code I put on the BOL?
Yes. Carriers inspect freight at their terminals and can reclassify if the commodity does not match the declared NMFC code or if actual density falls into a different sub-code range. This triggers a reclassification charge billed after delivery.
Where does the official NMFC database come from?
The NMFC is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) in Alexandria, Virginia. The official lookup tool is ClassIT+, which requires a paid subscription. The commodity examples on this page are illustrative only — the NMFTA database is the authoritative source and must be licensed for use in actual shipments.
What are the four factors that determine NMFC classification?
Density (weight per cubic foot, the dominant factor), stowability (how well freight fits with other cargo), handling difficulty (whether special equipment is needed), and liability (risk of damage, theft, or spoilage). For most general freight, density alone determines the class.
Do I need an NMFC code for FTL shipments?
No. NMFC codes and freight classes apply to LTL shipments only. FTL rates are based on lane distance, equipment type, and market conditions. You still need an accurate commodity description on the BOL for insurance and customs, but the NMFC code does not affect FTL pricing.
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Ship without NMFC codes
Warp quotes by pallet with all-inclusive pricing. No NMFC lookups, no freight class guesswork, no reclassification risk.