NMFC lookup/Category guide
Plastics & chemicals freight classes and NMFC guide
Plastics and chemicals range from dense resin pellets to extremely light foam. Some products are regulated hazmat, and the packaging form can move the density by an order of magnitude.
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
- Resin pellets, foam, and finished parts are different density stories.
- Paints, solvents, and aerosols may be hazmat.
- Compressed foam and loose foam have very different cubes.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foam products Foam is one of the lightest freight commodities. Density depends almost entirely on compression and packaging, and the class can move several tiers with a tighter bundle. | Density | 1–3 lb/ft³ | Class 250–300 | High |
| Paint Paint is dense and often regulated. The class is usually favorable, but the hazmat status of the paint and any solvents can decide the carrier and the paperwork. | Mixed | 40–60 lb/ft³ | Class 50–55 | Medium |
| Plastic resin Plastic resin ships as dense pellets in bags, boxes, or bulk containers. Density is high and stable, and the main variables are packaging, moisture protection, and unloading equipment. | Density | 30–45 lb/ft³ | Class 55–60 | 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