NMFC Class 65 — Food Beverage
Frozen foods require reefer transport and typically ship at freight class 65–70.
Typical class: 65 · Density: 20–35 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
Frozen food freight is a premium reefer segment that demands strict temperature discipline and zero tolerance for temperature excursions. Sysco, US Foods, and Gordon Food Service distribute frozen food to foodservice operators daily, while retail frozen food distributors supply grocery chains. Manufacturers like ConAgra, Nestle USA, and Tyson operate their own cold chain distribution programs. The frozen food category is large and growing, driven by convenience food demand and the ongoing expansion of frozen meal options.
Frozen food must be maintained at -10°F to 0°F throughout transit — product that thaws and refreezes loses texture and quality, and many frozen items cannot legally be relabeled as previously frozen once they have reached above 0°F. This temperature requirement means reefer trailers must be pre-cooled to set point before loading, must be verified with calibrated thermometers at loading, and must maintain temperature throughout a continuous journey without prolonged door opening events.
Freight class is Class 65–70, based on density of 20–35 lbs/cuft. Most frozen foods are packaged in cartons and stacked on pallets — a case of frozen pizza (12 units) weighs 15–20 lbs and a full pallet runs 1,500–2,000 lbs in 45–60 cubic feet. The density is moderate and class is consistent across most frozen food categories. Ice cream and frozen desserts can be lower density; frozen meat and seafood is typically higher density.
The practical concern for carriers is never opening trailer doors unnecessarily during transit. Every door opening admits warm ambient air that the refrigeration unit must then work to cool — during very hot summer conditions, repeated door openings on a multi-stop route can compromise product temperature. Carriers doing multi-stop frozen delivery routes should have a clear stop sequence and unload quickly at each stop. Rate context: frozen food reefer freight pays well — typically $2.50–$3.50 per mile — and carriers who maintain excellent temperature records build strong reputations with frozen food shippers.
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