NMFC Class 55 — Building Materials
Aluminum products including sheet, extrusions, and castings ship at freight class 50–55 due to high density.
Typical class: 55 · Density: 30–60 lbs/cu ft
Shipment Dimensions (inches)
| Class | Density (lbs/cu ft) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Heaviest, most dense freight |
| 55 | 35–50 | Very dense freight |
| 60 | 30–35 | Dense freight |
| 65 | 22.5–30 | Moderately dense |
| 70 | 15–22.5 | Average density |
| 77.5 | 13.5–15 | Slightly below average |
| 85 | 12–13.5 | Below average density |
| 92.5 | 10.5–12 | Light freight |
| 100 | 9–10.5 | Light freight |
| 110 | 8–9 | Light, bulky freight |
| 125 | 7–8 | Bulky freight |
| 150 | 6–7 | Very bulky freight |
| 175 | 5–6 | Very light, bulky |
| 200 | 4–5 | Extremely light |
| 250 | 3–4 | Extremely light, high value |
| 300 | 2–3 | Low density, high handling |
| 400 | 1–2 | Very low density |
| 500 | 0–1 | Lowest density, highest cost |
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NMFC Class 55 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Aluminum is the second most common structural metal in freight after steel, and it moves through a distinct supply chain. Aluminum producers like Novelis, Arconic, and Kaiser Aluminum ship sheet, coil, extrusions, castings, and plate to fabricators, manufacturers, and metal service centers. The aerospace, automotive, construction, and packaging industries are the primary end consumers. Aluminum freight volume tracks manufacturing activity closely.
Freight class for aluminum is Class 50–55, reflecting high density. Aluminum weighs approximately 168 lbs per cubic foot as a solid, but practical freight (extrusions with hollow sections, sheet metal in bundles, and castings) achieves effective densities of 30–60 lbs/cuft depending on form. Sheet aluminum in tight coils or bundles reaches the higher end of this range. Aluminum extrusions with complex hollow cross-sections may land at the lower end, around 30–40 lbs/cuft, Class 55.
Surface protection is the primary concern that distinguishes aluminum freight from steel. Mill-finish aluminum scratches readily, and anodized or painted aluminum products are even more sensitive. Any surface-to-surface contact during transit creates rub marks that may be cosmetically unacceptable for architectural or automotive applications. Aluminum extrusions should be stored on end caps and separated with craft paper or foam interleave between layers. Sheet coils need edge protectors and foam dunnage beneath strap contact points.
Flatbed is the standard equipment for structural aluminum loads — extrusions run 8–24 feet, sheet coils weigh 10,000–30,000 lbs, and plate sections are wide and heavy. Coil handling requires coil racks or V-cradles to prevent rolling. Carriers should confirm coil ID and OD dimensions before accepting to ensure proper cradle fit. Rate context: aluminum freight pays at Class 50–55 rates. Value per pound is high, so carriers who can offer enhanced security and specialized equipment command premium rates, particularly for aerospace-grade aluminum.
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