What freight class are motorcycles?

Crated motorcycles typically measure 4 - 8 pcf and rate class 125 - 175; palletized without a full crate they trend denser. The exact class depends on the measured density of your packaged shipment.

How do I find the exact class for my motorcycles 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 motorcycles?

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 Motorcycles: Typical Classes & How to Verify

Why motorcycles rate where they do

A motorcycle is dense metal in a very airy shape. A full crate around a 500 lb bike commonly comes out at 4 - 6 pcf (class 175); a tight pallet-and-brace setup with the wheels on can reach 7 - 8 pcf (class 125 or 100).

Worked example. A crated 560 lb motorcycle: 90 × 40 × 50 in, 560 lb. That is 104.2 cu ft and 560 lb → 5.38 pcf → class 175. Run your own numbers →

Relevant class pages: class 125 · class 175 · class 100.

What moves the number

Drain most of the fuel, disconnect the battery, and compress the forks when strapping. Motorcycles also carry liability weight - many carriers require crating or exclude them entirely, so confirm before you book.

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 motorcycles

Why motorcycles rate where they do

What moves the number