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Paper and packaging freight

Paper and packaging freight moves well by LTL or truckload when rolls are blocked in the right orientation and board is wrapped against moisture and crushing. Send the product, how it is packed, the dimensions and the weight and we quote the service that fits.

At a glance

  • Paper rolls should ship with the orientation marked, either on end or on their side in a cradle, so the carrier handles each roll the way it was packed.
  • Corrugated board and paper stock absorb moisture, so plastic wrap and a top sheet protect the load from wet docks and condensation.
  • Stacking limits for paper products belong on the quote request, because a crushed bottom pallet is damage the receiver can refuse.

How should paper rolls be packed for LTL?

Paper rolls should be packed on end on a pallet, or on their side in a cradle or chocked frame, with the orientation marked on every side. A roll that shifts in transit flattens, and a flat spot or crushed core can ruin the roll for the receiver's press or converter.

Band rolls to the pallet and keep the edges from hanging over. Tell us the roll diameter, width and weight, and whether the rolls stand on end or lie flat, so the carrier can plan the load.

How is paper and packaging freight classed?

Paper and packaging freight is classed by the NMFC item for each product, whether rolls, sheets, corrugated boxes or packaging supplies. Many items use the 13-tier density scale from NMFTA Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025, and some keep a commodity class.

Flat stacks of paper and board are dense, while formed boxes, tubes or void fill hold a lot of air. The density scale and worked example on this page work through a pallet of flat corrugated sheets.

Freight class by density (lb per cubic foot)

  1. 0 to 1 lb/ft³Class 400
  2. 1 to 2 lb/ft³Class 300
  3. 2 to 4 lb/ft³Class 250
  4. 4 to 6 lb/ft³Class 175
  5. 6 to 8 lb/ft³Class 125
  6. 8 to 10 lb/ft³Class 100
  7. 10 to 12 lb/ft³Class 92.5
  8. 12 to 15 lb/ft³Class 85
  9. 15 to 22.5 lb/ft³Class 70
  10. 22.5 to 30 lb/ft³Class 65 example below
  11. 30 to 35 lb/ft³Class 60
  12. 35 to 50 lb/ft³Class 55
  13. 50 or more lb/ft³Class 50
Denser freight lands in a lower class, the basis for a lower rate. Source: NMFTA Docket 2025-1, 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025. The scale applies to items the NMFC classes by density; some items keep a commodity class, so confirm the NMFC item for your product.
Measured pallet: 48 by 40 by 48 inches, 1,300 pounds A pallet drawn as a box with its length, width and height labelled, including the pallet itself. L 48 in W 40 in H 48 in 1,300 lb

Worked example: a pallet of flat corrugated sheets

  1. Measure the loaded pallet, pallet included: 48 × 40 × 48 inches = 92,160 cubic inches.
  2. Convert to cubic feet: 92,160 ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 cubic feet.
  3. Divide the weight by the cubic feet: 1,300 lb ÷ 53.3 = 24.4 lb per cubic foot.
  4. Read the class off the density scale: 24.4 lb per cubic foot falls in class 65.

Run your own pallet through the freight class calculator, or read how freight class works.

Illustrative numbers, not a quote or a class ruling. Class depends on the NMFC item for the product; the scale is NMFTA Docket 2025-1, 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025.

How do you protect paper products from moisture and crush damage?

Paper products stay dry and square with stretch wrap, a top sheet and corner boards on every pallet. Corrugated board loses strength when it takes on moisture, and a wet bottom tier can collapse under the pallets above it.

State any stacking limit on the quote request. A pallet that cannot carry weight should be marked non-stackable, and a pallet that can carry weight should be built flat on top so the next pallet sits level.

Which service fits: LTL, volume LTL, partial or full truckload?

Standard LTL fits most palletized shipments that can share a trailer; volume LTL, partial truckload and full truckload fit larger loads or loads that need their own truck. Price the same shipment details across the four services, and confirm the points in the table before you book.

ServiceFitsConfirm before booking
Standard LTLPalletized freight that shares a trailer and moves through carrier terminalsNMFC item and class, pickup and delivery accessorials, delivery appointment
Volume LTLLarger LTL shipments quoted as a one-off price for that shipmentQuote terms, space the freight takes, whether it still moves through terminals
Partial truckloadShipments that share a truck with a few othersWhether the freight stays on one trailer, any planned transfers, transit estimate
Full truckloadFreight that fills a trailer, reaches its weight limit, or needs its own truckTrailer type, loading and unloading time, appointments at both ends

What do printers and converters expect at delivery?

Printers and converters expect paper and packaging freight at the dock during receiving hours, with paperwork that matches their purchase order. Many plants require an appointment, so send the rule with the quote request and we confirm with the carrier before booking.

Receivers inspect rolls and board for damage before signing. Note visible damage on the delivery receipt at the dock, since that notation supports a claim if one is needed.

What do you send for a paper and packaging freight quote?

A paper and packaging freight quote needs the 8 details below. Complete details let the carrier rate the shipment once, without a reweigh or reclass after pickup.

  1. Product: rolls, sheets, corrugated boxes or packaging supplies
  2. Roll diameter, width and orientation, on end or on the side
  3. Pallet dimensions and gross weight
  4. Stacking limit or non-stackable pallets
  5. Moisture protection used: wrap, top sheet, covered pallet
  6. Receiving hours and appointment rule at the plant
  7. Purchase order numbers for the bill of lading
  8. NMFC item number, if you know it

What do the freight terms on this page mean?

Roll orientation
Whether a paper roll ships standing on end or lying on its side, marked on the roll.
Top sheet
A sheet of board or plastic laid on top of a pallet to protect it from moisture and scuffs.
Crush damage
Damage from weight above or pressure on the sides that deforms boxes, board or roll cores.
Delivery receipt
The document the receiver signs at delivery, where damage should be noted.
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Quick answers

Can paper rolls ship on their side?

Yes, in a cradle or chocked frame that keeps them from rolling. Mark the orientation and tell us when you request the quote.

Is corrugated board stackable?

Flat board on a square pallet often carries weight, while formed boxes may not. Tell us the stacking limit for each pallet.

What if a roll arrives damaged?

Note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing, with photos. That record supports a claim.

Can a full load of paper stock go truckload?

Compare options on the pallet count, weight, dimensions and lane. We quote LTL, volume LTL, partial and full truckload on the same details.

Quote rolls, board or supplies

Send the product, packing, weight and dimensions and we will price your paper and packaging freight.

Get a free quote