Plastics & chemicals/Density-rated
Foam product freight class and NMFC guide
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.
Reviewed November 11, 2026 · Reference 2026.11 · Estimate, not a classification
At a glance
DensityClassification basis
Density-rated
Typical packed density
1–3 lb/ft³
Wide estimate
Density-rated span
Class 250–300
Reclass risk
High
The commodity ships in several forms, is easy to under-measure, or changes cube sharply with assembly or packaging.
Handling flags
Density-based estimate. Confirm the NMFC item, the packaging form, and any density subprovision before booking.
What drives the class
The density story behind foam products.
Foam density is mostly air. A loose bundle of foam blocks or sheets can be extremely light per cubic foot, while a compressed or high-density foam product is much denser. Packaging changes the result more than the material. Foam also compresses in transit, so the dimensions at pickup may not be the dimensions at delivery. Measure the load as tendered and use the gross weight with wrap, bands, and pallet.
Density-rated. Foam products are generally density-rated. Compressed foam and loose foam are very different handling units.
Density thresholds
Where the estimate sits on the 2025 scale.
The highlighted rows are the classes touched by the endpoints of the typical density estimate. A single measured density returns one class; the span is a planning range. The scale is effective July 19, 2025.
| Density band | Class | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 50 or more lb/ft³ | 50 | Reference |
| 35 to under 50 lb/ft³ | 55 | Reference |
| 30 to under 35 lb/ft³ | 60 | Reference |
| 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³ | 65 | Reference |
| 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³ | 70 | Reference |
| 12 to under 15 lb/ft³ | 85 | Reference |
| 10 to under 12 lb/ft³ | 92.5 | Reference |
| 8 to under 10 lb/ft³ | 100 | Reference |
| 6 to under 8 lb/ft³ | 125 | Reference |
| 4 to under 6 lb/ft³ | 175 | Reference |
| 2 to under 4 lb/ft³ | 250 | Typical span |
| 1 to under 2 lb/ft³ | 300 | Typical span |
| 0 to under 1 lb/ft³ | 400 | Reference |
Measure it right
The handling unit is the shipment.
Carriers measure what is tendered, not the product inside the box. Use the pallet, crate, or bundle as the handling unit and include everything that travels with it.
- Measure the bundle or pallet at its widest and tallest points.
- Use gross weight with wrap, bands, and pallet; foam itself may be very light.
- Measure compressed and loose foam separately; the density difference is large.
The formula
cube = L × W × H ÷ 1,728
density = gross lb ÷ cubeRound for display only. Compare the unrounded density to the scale boundary.
Oversize / bulky
Long, tall, or irregular handling units can affect stowability and linear feet.
Moisture-sensitive
Needs wrap, desiccant, or a dry loading position to avoid a damage claim.
Pack it for the rating
Packaging changes the cube before it changes the class.
- Compression saves cube but can damage the foam; follow the manufacturer limits.
- Keep foam dry and wrapped; moisture and dirt can make it unusable.
Don't confuse it with
Adjacent items, different answers.
The most expensive classification mistake is usually a description that sounds close but is not the item. Check these before you copy a description from another shipment.
Insulation
Mattresses
Plastic resin
Before you book
Make the rating defensible.
- Confirm the item for the specific foam type and form.
- Ask whether the carrier rates the bundle or the pallet.
- Photograph the bundle and wrap before pickup.
BOL description template
Starting pointFoam [product type], [compressed/loose], bundled, [quantity] bundles, [gross weight] lb gross, [length x width x height] in per bundle.
Add the confirmed NMFC item number before you tender the shipment. The template describes the freight; it is not a classification.
Common questions
Foam products and the 2025 scale.
How are foam products classified for LTL freight?
At an estimated packed density of 1–3 lb/ft³, the 2025 density scale spans Class 250–300. That is a planning span derived from the endpoints of the density estimate, not a promise that every shipment lands in every class. The NMFC item and the shipment as tendered control the final class.
What is the classification basis for foam products?
Density-rated. Foam products are generally density-rated. Compressed foam and loose foam are very different handling units.
How do I confirm the NMFC item for foam products?
Confirm the item for the specific foam type and form. Ask whether the carrier rates the bundle or the pallet. Photograph the bundle and wrap before pickup. Confirm the current item in ClassIT+ or with the carrier before booking.
Related commodities
Keep the comparison close.
Building materials
Insulation
Insulation is extremely light for its cube, so it usually lands in the most expensive density tiers. Compression and packaging are the difference between a full load and a costly one.
Class 250–400Plastics & chemicals
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.
Class 55–60Furniture & fixtures
Mattresses
Mattresses are bulky and light for their cube, so packed density usually lands in the low single digits. Compression, pallet height, and overhang move the result more than the mattress type.
Class 175–250Plastics & chemicals
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.
Class 50–55Sources & limits
What this page is, and what it is not.
This is an independent planning reference, not the NMFC and not a carrier classification. The typical density is an estimate. The class span is derived from the 2025 density scale. The NMFC item, the carrier tariff, and the shipment as tendered control the final rating.
Reviewed November 11, 2026 · Reference 2026.11
- NMFTA — National Motor Freight Classification
The official classification system, its 18 classes, and the role of the NMFC item.
- NMFTA — 2025 NMFC changes
The July 19, 2025 effective date and the density-scale restructuring.
- NMFTA — ClassIT+
The licensed lookup for current NMFC item numbers and classification text.
- FedEx Freight — freight class calculator
Carrier class and density reference used to sanity-check the ranges.
Next step
Measure the load, then check the class.
Use the freight class calculator for a measured density, the pallet calculator for the finished handling unit, and the chart for the full 2025 reference.