NMFC Class 85 — Clothing Textiles
Fabric and textile rolls typically ship at freight class 85–100 depending on weight per roll.
Typical class: 85 · Density: 10–15 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
Fabric and textile rolls move through a supply chain that serves garment manufacturers, home furnishing producers, automotive upholstery operations, industrial applications, and craft retail. Textile mills in North Carolina and Georgia (legacy domestic production), combined with large import volumes from Asia and Central America, create freight flows from ports and mills to cut-and-sew operations and distribution centers. Specialty technical textiles — geotextiles, industrial fabrics, filtration media — represent a distinct and growing segment with different end-user industries.
Freight class for fabric rolls is Class 85–100 depending on density. A roll of denim fabric 60 inches wide and 100 yards long weighs approximately 80–100 lbs and occupies 6–8 cubic feet on a core — 12–15 lbs/cuft, Class 85. Lighter fabrics like chiffon or voile would be less dense and push toward Class 100. Tightly wound compact rolls achieve higher density than loosely wound rolls; the packaging approach matters for class calculation.
Moisture is the primary enemy of fabric shipments. Fabric rolls that get wet develop mildew quickly, especially natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk. Once mildew sets in, the fabric is typically unsalable. Carriers should ensure dry van integrity before loading fabric — roof seals, door seals, and floor condition all matter. Fabric should never be loaded directly on a dirty trailer floor; use pallet boards or runner boards to elevate rolls slightly.
The practical loading consideration for fabric rolls is roll orientation. Rolls stored horizontally (on their sides) can deform under their own weight over long distances; rolls stored vertically on their flat ends maintain better shape. Most fabric rolls are shipped standing on end when possible. Long rolls may require custom racks or dunnage to prevent them from tipping during transit. Rate context: fabric freight is moderate-paying commodity work. Technical textile shipments for specialty industrial applications often command higher rates due to the value and specific handling requirements.
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