NMFC Class 65 — Chemicals
Cleaning products are dense chemicals that typically ship at freight class 65–70. Some require hazmat placarding.
Typical class: 65 · Density: 20–35 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 65 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Cleaning products are a high-volume consumer and commercial freight category. Consumer brands like Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, and Clorox ship to grocery and mass retail distribution centers continuously, while commercial and industrial cleaning supply distributors serve restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and institutional facilities. The category runs year-round with minimal seasonal variation, making it one of the most reliable freight commodity types for carriers who build relationships with distribution centers.
Freight class is Class 65–70, reflecting moderate-to-high density. A case of 12 one-gallon jugs of all-purpose cleaner weighs roughly 100 lbs in 1.5 cubic feet — that is 65+ lbs/cuft, which technically would fall below Class 65, but NMFC cleaning product classifications account for packaging and handling factors that typically place these items at Class 65. Concentrated cleaning products in smaller containers are denser; ready-to-use products in spray bottles are less dense.
The key regulatory question with cleaning products is hazardous material classification. Many common cleaning chemicals — bleach (sodium hypochlorite), drain cleaners (sodium hydroxide), oven cleaners — are classified as hazardous materials under DOT regulations. Sodium hypochlorite solutions above 5% concentration are Class 8 Corrosive. Aerosol products with flammable propellants are Class 2.1 Flammable Gas. Carriers must verify whether any cleaning products on a load require hazmat placarding, and drivers must have a valid hazmat endorsement if carrying regulated hazardous cleaning products.
Separation from food freight is a practical loading requirement even for non-hazmat cleaning products. The strong fragrance compounds in many cleaning products can transfer through cardboard packaging and contaminate adjacent food products. Keep cleaning products away from food, coffee, and tea on LTL loads. Watch for leakers at pickup — damaged containers should be noted on the BOL before acceptance. Rate context: cleaning product freight at Class 65–70 pays fair rates. High-volume grocery distribution accounts represent excellent steady revenue for carriers who qualify under food-grade standards.
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