What freight class is machinery?

Crated machinery typically rates class 85 (12 - 15 pcf); dense compact machines can rate class 65 - 70, large light frames higher. The exact class depends on the measured density of your packaged shipment.

How do I find the exact class for my machinery shipment?

Measure the packaged dimensions and weight, compute pounds per cubic foot, and read the current 13-band NMFC density scale - or use the free calculator on this site. Confirm the NMFC item number with your carrier for the BOL.

Did the 2025 NMFC changes affect machinery?

Docket 2025-1 (July 2025) moved roughly 2,000 commodity listings to density-based classification and rebuilt the density scale to 13 bands, so most freight - including this category - now classes primarily by measured density.

Freight Class for Machinery: Typical Classes & How to Verify

Why machinery rates where it does

Machinery classing is dominated by the crate. A compact machine bolted to a skid can run 20+ pcf and rate class 65 - 70. Put the same machine in a full lumber crate with clearance on all sides and the density can halve.

Worked example. A crated machine on a skid: 60 × 48 × 50 in, 1400 lb. That is 83.3 cu ft and 1400 lb → 16.80 pcf → class 70. Run your own numbers →

Relevant class pages: class 85 · class 70 · class 65.

What moves the number

Many machinery listings moved to density rating under Docket 2025-1, and machinery is also where liability and handling sub-factors most often apply - very high-value or awkward machines can class above their density. Confirm the NMFC item for anything expensive, self-propelled or fragile.

Measure, don't assume. Since NMFC Docket 2025-1 (July 2025) most commodities class by measured density on a 13-band scale. The ranges above are typical, not guaranteed — your packaging decides your density. Calculate your actual class →

Freight class for machinery

Why machinery rates where it does

What moves the number