What is an NMFC code?
It is the item number in the National Motor Freight Classification, the published rulebook that tells LTL carriers what class a commodity belongs to. This page also shows how to do an NMFC code lookup.
What is an NMFC code used for
Freight class is the output. The NMFC is the rulebook that produces it. Every commodity has an item number, and that item either fixes the class outright or sets it by density band.
Fixed-class items are things the industry decided do not need measuring: a specific machine part, a particular chemical, a category of furniture. Density-based items are the common case for packaged goods, where the class moves with pounds per cubic foot.
How NMFC codes changed in 2025
NMFTA Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025. Many items that used to carry a fixed commodity class now set the class by density on one 13-tier scale. Some items keep a commodity class.
If you ship under an item number from before that date, check it again. A class that was right on your last bill of lading can draw a reclass today.
NMFC class chart: the 13-tier density scale
For an item that sets its class by density, this is the scale. Measure the pallet as it ships, divide the weight by the cubic feet, and read the class.
| Density (lb per cubic foot) | Class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35–50 | 55 |
| 30–35 | 60 |
| 22.5–30 | 65 |
| 15–22.5 | 70 |
| 12–15 | 85 |
| 10–12 | 92.5 |
| 8–10 | 100 |
| 6–8 | 125 |
| 4–6 | 175 |
| 2–4 | 250 |
| 1–2 | 300 |
| Under 1 | 400 |
The NMFC rates freight on density, stowability, handling and liability, so a fixed-class item can land somewhere this chart would not put it. The item number decides which applies.
Why the description matters as much as the number
Carriers inspect. When the freight in the trailer does not match the description on the bill of lading, they reclassify it to the item that does, and rebill the difference.
So describe the commodity the way the classification does, not the way your warehouse does. "Auto parts, packaged" survives an inspection. "Stock" does not.
How to do an NMFC code lookup
An NMFC code lookup has four practical routes. Start with your own paperwork: a past bill of lading for the same product, one the carrier accepted without a reclass, gives you a tested item number.
Next, ask your supplier. Makers of packaged goods often know the item their product ships under. Your carrier or broker works from the licensed classification and can confirm the item before pickup.
The last route is the source. The NMFTA publishes the classification and sells access through its ClassIT+ subscription and the NMFC book. That pays off if you ship many different products. For a handful of products, ask us.
What to have ready for the lookup
Have the product name, what it is made of, how it is packed, its dimensions and weight, and what it is used for. The same product can sit under different items depending on how it is packed, so a photo of the packed pallet helps.
If the item sets the class by density, run the pallet through the freight class calculator to see where it lands.
Related terms
Quick answers
Where do I look up an NMFC number?
Carriers and brokers reference the classification under license, so the quick route is to tell us what the freight actually is. We will confirm the class before it ships.
What is the difference between an NMFC code and freight class?
The NMFC code identifies the commodity. Freight class is the rating that item carries, either fixed or set by density.
Does every shipment need an NMFC number on the bill of lading?
Not strictly, but including it removes the argument. A bill of lading with a class and no item number is easier for a carrier to reclassify.
Not sure of the class?
Tell us what the freight is and we work out the NMFC item before the truck arrives, not after the invoice does.