NMFC Class 85 — Electronics
Audio equipment including speakers and amplifiers typically ships at freight class 85–100.
Typical class: 85 · Density: 10–15 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 85 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Audio equipment covers a broad spectrum — consumer soundbars and home speakers, professional PA systems and mixing consoles, recording studio equipment, and commercial installs for concert venues and restaurants. Each segment has different freight characteristics. Consumer audio moves heavily through retail distribution channels and e-commerce, while professional and commercial audio involves project-based shipments with precise delivery windows tied to installation schedules.
Freight class for audio depends on the specific product. A bookshelf speaker weighing 15 lbs in a 1.5 cubic foot box hits 10 lbs/cuft — Class 85. A large PA subwoofer cabinet weighing 80 lbs in a 5 cubic foot box achieves 16 lbs/cuft — Class 85 as well, but a floor-standing tower speaker in a retail carton with lots of foam packaging might be only 6–8 lbs/cuft, pushing it toward Class 100–110. Amplifier racks are generally denser due to transformer and steel chassis weight.
Speaker cones and diaphragms are the primary fragility concern. Even minor impacts during transit can crack cones or shift magnets, producing distortion that may not be apparent until the unit is powered. Speakers must be packaged with the original foam inserts that contact the cone surround, not just end caps. For commercial PA equipment shipping in road cases and wooden crates, the road case itself provides adequate protection, but the case must still be secured against sliding.
Carriers should watch for magnetic fields when loading audio equipment near pallet tracking systems or other electronics — though this is increasingly less relevant with digital equipment, some legacy pro audio gear still uses magnetic storage. Rate context: audio equipment generally moves at Class 85–100, paying fair LTL rates. High-end and professional gear can be high-value freight that commands premium handling terms.
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