NMFC Class 85 — Sports Equipment
Fitness equipment like treadmills and weight sets varies widely in class, from Class 55 (weights) to Class 100 (cardio machines).
Typical class: 85 · Density: 10–20 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
Fitness equipment freight spans a wide density and value range — from rubber-encased free weights and cast iron kettlebells at one end, to commercial treadmills and ellipticals at the other. The fitness industry experienced unprecedented demand growth during 2020–2021 with home gym investments surging, and while the initial spike moderated, the category remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Commercial fitness suppliers like Life Fitness, Precor, and Peloton ship to gyms, hotels, and corporate wellness facilities, while consumer brands distribute through retail and direct channels.
Freight class varies dramatically by product. Olympic weight plates and cast iron dumbbells are extremely dense — 50–80 lbs/cuft — and qualify for Class 50–55. These are among the best freight deals in the category. By contrast, a commercial treadmill with motor, electronics, and large footprint might weigh 250 lbs in 25 cubic feet — 10 lbs/cuft — putting it at Class 85. Adjustable dumbbells in retail packaging might be Class 65–70. The most important advice: always calculate density per shipment rather than assuming a class.
Cardio machines have significant fragility risk due to electronic controls, display panels, and precision motors. Treadmill decks and rollers can be damaged by vibration if the machine is not properly stabilized in the carton or shipping crate. For commercial gym deliveries, equipment often arrives in manufacturer crates that require a pallet jack or forklift at minimum, and some pieces require assembly after delivery. Carriers doing commercial gym installs should have hand trucks and moving equipment.
Free weights — plates, dumbbells, barbells — are dense and individually heavy. A pallet of 45-lb plates might hold 30–40 plates for 1,350–1,800 lbs of product. Each plate is essentially a solid mass that can break adjacent items if it shifts. Secure weight pallets very well with heavy-duty strapping through the pallet, not just around the load. Rate context: fitness equipment freight ranges from excellent density at Class 50–55 (free weights) to average rates at Class 85–100 (cardio equipment). Commercial gym buildout contracts pay well and involve multiple coordinated loads.
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