NMFC Class 100 — Clothing Textiles
Clothing and apparel typically ships at freight class 100–125 when boxed. Hanging garments may require specialized garment trailers.
Typical class: 100 · Density: 8–12 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 100 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Apparel freight is driven primarily by seasonal inventory cycles, with retailers receiving major shipments in spring/summer and fall/winter merchandise windows. The supply chain typically originates overseas — Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia produce the majority of US retail apparel — with containers arriving at ports like Los Angeles/Long Beach, savannah, and New York, then distributing to regional warehouses before final delivery to stores or consumers. Domestic apparel manufacturing also exists but represents a small fraction of volume.
Freight class for boxed clothing is Class 100–125. Clothing is low density relative to its retail price — a 48x40 pallet of boxed shirts might weigh 600–800 lbs and occupy 70–90 cubic feet, yielding 7–10 lbs/cuft. At Class 100, shippers pay moderate-to-high LTL rates that reflect both the density shortfall and the value of the merchandise. Hanging garments requiring specialized garment trailers with hanging rails are even less density-efficient and may reach Class 150.
Cleanliness and moisture protection are the primary handling requirements for apparel. Even small amounts of contamination — odor from adjacent freight, moisture from a roof leak, or contact with dirty surfaces — can render clothing unsalable. Carriers who regularly haul clothing should ensure trailer interiors are swept clean and free of odors before loading. Pallets should be wrapped in plastic film over the carton tops to provide a moisture barrier, not just around the sides.
Security matters significantly for apparel. Branded merchandise — name-brand athletic wear, designer goods — is a high-theft target because it is easily resold. Pallets should be opaque-wrapped, shipments should use cargo seals, and drivers should not discuss load contents at truck stops. The fashion retail calendar creates tight delivery windows; late delivery to a retailer at season start is expensive because it misses the selling window. Rate context: apparel freight at Class 100 pays decent LTL rates. Retailers with regular replenishment programs are strong carrier accounts.
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