NMFC Class 55 — Machinery
Construction equipment like excavators and skid steers typically ships by flatbed at freight class 50–60 for partial loads.
Typical class: 55 · Density: 30–80 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
Construction equipment freight is specialized work that demands flatbed expertise and, for larger pieces, oversize/overweight permit knowledge. Excavators, skid steers, mini excavators, trenchers, compactors, and lifts move constantly as contractors follow project cycles — equipment dealers deliver new machines, rental companies relocate their fleet, and auction houses clear estates and bankruptcy inventories. Equipment dealers like John Deere, Caterpillar, and Kubota run dedicated transport programs that contract with specialized carriers.
Freight class for construction equipment in LTL contexts is Class 50–55 based on density, but the reality is that most construction equipment moves as truckload on flatbed, step-deck, or lowboy trailers. A skid steer weighing 7,000–8,000 lbs with a footprint of 90 cubic feet sits at 80+ lbs/cuft and theoretically qualifies for Class 50, but the load builds around the physical dimensions and permit requirements rather than LTL class pricing.
Equipment preparation involves draining fluids in some jurisdictions (many states require this for equipment crossing their borders if fluid capacity exceeds certain thresholds), securing all attachments, and cleaning mud from tracks and undercarriage. Many states have weight and mud laws that can result in tickets if equipment is loaded with soil or debris. Bucket and blade attachments must be chained in the down/transport position or removed. Keys should be removed and provided separately.
Oversize permits are required when equipment width exceeds 8 feet 6 inches, height exceeds 13 feet 6 inches, or weight exceeds 80,000 lbs GVW. Pilot cars may be required for very wide or tall loads. Carriers should pull permits well in advance and understand travel time restrictions — many states prohibit oversize movement at night and on certain holidays. Rate context: construction equipment transport pays premium rates, typically $2.50–$4.50 per loaded mile depending on size and permit complexity.
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