NMFC Class 70 — Auto Parts
Auto glass and windshields are fragile, moderately dense items that ship at freight class 70–85.
Typical class: 70 · Density: 15–25 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 |
Get weekly rate alerts & trucking industry insights.
NMFC Class 70 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Auto glass and windshields are among the most fragile freight categories in the transportation industry. A cracked or chipped windshield has zero salvage value — it cannot be repaired and sold as new, making every damage event a total loss claim. Auto glass distributors like Safelite, Pilkington (NSG Group), and AGC supply auto glass retailers, dealers, and repair shops. The replacement windshield market generates substantial freight volume because windshields are frequently damaged by road debris, hail, and accident-related breakage.
Freight class for auto glass is Class 70–85, reflecting moderate density when properly packaged in custom crates. A windshield for a full-size pickup truck weighs 30–50 lbs and occupies 3–5 cubic feet in its shipping crate — roughly 8–15 lbs/cuft, Class 70–85. Side glass and rear glass is smaller and similarly moderate in density. The crating that protects auto glass is itself heavy, which improves the density calculation somewhat.
The handling protocol for auto glass starts with the crate itself. Glass should never be shipped loose or in standard cardboard boxes — purpose-built wooden or plastic crates with foam cushioning around all edges and point contacts are mandatory. Within the crate, the glass must be supported along its full perimeter without any concentrated contact points that create stress risers. Crates should be labeled "GLASS - FRAGILE - DO NOT STACK" on all faces, and this instruction must be followed strictly — no exceptions for any reason.
Vibration is as dangerous as impact for auto glass. Road vibration over rough surfaces causes glass to flex at mounting points and can develop cracks that are not immediately visible but propagate over the life of the windshield. Carriers running routes through areas with known rough road conditions should reduce speed when hauling auto glass. LTL handlers must never use hook tools or impactors to move glass crates. Rate context: auto glass freight at Class 70–85 pays fair rates. The high claims exposure with glass freight means carriers who maintain excellent damage records build strong relationships with auto glass distributors who prioritize carrier quality over the lowest rate.
Get weekly rate alerts & trucking industry insights.