NMFC lookup/Category guide
Apparel & textiles freight classes and NMFC guide
Apparel and textiles are light for their cube unless they are compressed or baled. Packaging — boxes, hanging garments, or rolls — drives the density more than the fabric itself.
Reviewed November 11, 2026 · Reference 2026.11 · 3 commodity guides
At a glance
What changes the class inside this category.
The class is not set by the category name. It is set by the form, packaging, and handling unit of the specific commodity. These are the variables that move a shipment between tiers.
3
commodity guides
2
density-rated
1
mixed or item-specific
What to watch
- Hanging garments need a garment rack or box, which changes the cube.
- Compressed bales and loose cartons land in different bands.
- Fabric rolls are dense; finished clothing is not.
Start with the document, not the class. The NMFC item controls the description and any special provision. Confirm it in ClassIT+ or with the carrier, then measure the handling unit.
How to find an NMFC codeCommodity · basis · density · class span
3 entries
| Commodity | Basis | Typical density | Class span | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxed clothing Boxed clothing is light for its cube unless it is compressed or densely packed. Carton size, fold method, and the number of units per carton drive the density. | Density | 5–10 lb/ft³ | Class 92.5–175 | Medium |
| Clothing on hangers Clothing on hangers needs a garment box or rack, which adds cube without much weight. That packaging usually pushes the shipment into a lighter, more expensive class. | Mixed | 2–5 lb/ft³ | Class 175–250 | High |
| Fabric rolls Fabric rolls are denser than finished clothing and usually easier to rate. Roll diameter, length, and the way the rolls are racked or stacked decide the handling unit. | Density | 8–15 lb/ft³ | Class 70–100 | Low |
Class spans are derived from the endpoints of each typical density estimate. A measured shipment returns one class. Methodology & sources.
Turn it into a number
Measure the shipment, not the category.
Use the freight class calculator for the density math, the pallet calculator for the finished handling unit, and the linear feet calculator for trailer floor space.
Related categories
Keep browsing.
Furniture & fixtures
Furniture is one of the hardest categories to classify because the same item can ship assembled, knocked down, or nested. Density, packaging, and whether the carrier can stack the handling unit usually decide the class.
Browse category →Appliances & electronics
Appliances and electronics are bulky relative to their weight, so density usually lands in the middle of the scale. The packaging — foam, crates, and pallets — often matters more than the product itself.
Browse category →Building materials
Building materials are usually dense and stable, which makes them easier to classify than furniture. The trap is shipping partial units, mixed loads, or material that is wet, wrapped, or bundled differently from the norm.
Browse category →Category notes
One category, several density stories.
The table is a starting point. The detail page for each commodity explains what drives the density, how to measure it, and what to confirm before booking.
Corrections: hello@freightclasshub.com