NMFC Class 85 — Raw Materials
Raw cotton and natural fibers ship at freight class 70–100 depending on whether they are baled and compressed.
Typical class: 85 · Density: 10–18 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
Raw cotton and natural fiber freight connects agricultural production to textile manufacturing in a supply chain that spans from cotton gin operations in Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia to textile mills in the Southeast, and increasingly to export channels shipping US cotton abroad. The USDA reports that the US produces 15–17 million bales of cotton annually, with roughly 70% exported. Cotton freight is therefore a significant long-haul lane commodity, particularly between gin locations and cotton warehouses, and from warehouses to ports.
Freight class for cotton depends heavily on packaging. A standard 500-lb compressed cotton bale measures approximately 20x21x54 inches — roughly 12.5 cubic feet — yielding 40 lbs/cuft, which qualifies for Class 55–60. However, loose cotton before compression can be as low as 3–5 lbs/cuft (Class 175+). Modern cotton gins compress bales to high density, so commercial cotton freight is usually at the dense end of the range.
Equipment for cotton bales is typically flatbed or specialized cotton trailers. Cotton modules — large plastic-wrapped blocks formed in the field by cotton harvesters — require specialized trailer configurations and are too large for standard flatbed use. Compressed bales can be stacked two high on flatbed trailers with appropriate blocking and strapping. Cotton is highly flammable and should be kept away from heat sources and sparks during transport.
Moisture and contamination are significant concerns for cotton. Even small amounts of plastic, twine, metal, or lubricant contamination in cotton bales create problems at the spinning mill — contamination shuts down spinning machines and requires the entire bale or contaminated lot to be graded down. Carriers should keep cotton protected from rain and should not load cotton near oils, lubricants, or metal wire and hardware. Rate context: cotton freight is agricultural commodity work, paying at moderate rates. Export-bound cotton lanes to Gulf ports can pay reasonably well during harvest season.
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