NMFC Class 65 — Chemicals
Fertilizers and agricultural chemicals are dense products that ship at freight class 60–70. Some require hazmat documentation.
Typical class: 65 · Density: 22.5–40 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
Fertilizers and agricultural chemicals are seasonal, high-volume freight commodities with significant regulatory complexity. The fertilizer market is seasonal — spring planting season (March–May) creates the largest demand surge, followed by a secondary fall application window in September–November. Mosaic, Nutrien, and CF Industries are major domestic producers, while ag retailers like Simplot and regional co-operatives distribute to farmers. Anhydrous ammonia, a key nitrogen source, moves by specialized pressure vessel equipment and tank cars.
Freight class for bagged and bulk dry fertilizer is Class 60–70. A 50-lb bag of urea or ammonium nitrate in a woven poly bag occupies roughly 0.4 cubic feet — 125 lbs/cuft for the product alone, but bagged and palletized with air spaces, the effective freight density is typically 25–35 lbs/cuft, Class 65–70. Liquid fertilizer in totes runs higher density. Dry granular fertilizer in super sacks achieves similar density to bagged product.
Regulatory compliance is complex. Ammonium nitrate — one of the most common nitrogen fertilizers — is a regulated explosive precursor under the Safe Explosives Act and DHS CFATS regulations. Purchases and transport above certain thresholds require registration with ATF, and carriers transporting ammonium nitrate must comply with DOT regulations for oxidizers (Class 5.1 oxidizer). Some states have additional restrictions. Carriers must verify ammonium nitrate shipment compliance carefully before acceptance.
Anhydrous ammonia is a separate category entirely — it is a liquefied gas under pressure (Class 2.3 Poison Gas) that requires specialized MC-331 pressure vessels, hazmat endorsement, and extensive safety training. General dry van carriers should not attempt anhydrous ammonia loads without specialized equipment and training. Rate context: bagged fertilizer at Class 65–70 pays fair commodity rates. The seasonal nature creates spring demand spikes where rates can rise 20–40% above baseline for carriers with positioning in agricultural regions.
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