What is Freight Class 50?

Freight class 50 is what is known as “clean” freight. It should be items that can fit on a typical 4x4 shrink wrapped pallet. These items will typically have a higher density and weight coming in at over 50 pounds per cubic foot. It is important to determine the correct freight class number on a shipment because you’ll get a more accurate quote and it will save you from pricey delays and reclassification fees. Items in NMFC® class 50 freight must be able to fit on a standard pallet. They should be durable and non-fragile items.

What determines Freight Class?

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DENSITY

The density of your shipment is always determined by the shipment’s weight and dimensions. Class 50 freight’s density will typically be over 50 pounds.

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STOWABILITY

The transfer of freight from LTL terminal to LTL terminal is the handling of your shipment. Items in freight class 50 should be easy to handle and fit on a standard shrink wrapped 4x4 pallet.

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LIABILITY

Liability is determined through the worth of your shipment and its possibility of being stolen or damaged. Shipments in freight class 50, should be resilient and have a lower liability.

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HANDLING

How your class 50 freight shipment can be arranged with other commodities is what defines the item’s stowability.

Look Up Commodities for Freight Class

There is a wide variety of commodities that’s classified under this freight class number. We’ve outlined some of the most common commodities we ship, their associated freight class numbers and NMFC® code to help you get the most accurate freight quote for your shipment.

FAQs

What is shipping class 50?
Freight class 50 commodities are higher density shipments of 50 pounds or more per cubic foot.
Are all shipments with a density of 50 or more pounds class 50 freight?
Not always. For example, precious metals usually have a density of 50 or more pounds but because their liability is much higher in terms of value, they’d have a different classification.
What items are usually NMFC® class 50?
Heavy manufactured materials that can be cleanly packed on a standard pallet. Some examples would be: flour, bricks, or sand.

Other Freight Class Resources