NMFC Class 60 — Machinery
Generators and power equipment ship at freight class 55–65 depending on size and construction.
Typical class: 60 · Density: 25–50 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 60 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Generators and power equipment move through multiple distribution channels — consumer portable generators through home improvement retail, commercial standby generators through electrical contractors and generator dealers, and industrial power plants through energy sector projects. Natural disasters and power outage events create sudden demand spikes that stress the freight network: after a major hurricane, generator demand can increase 10–20x overnight, and carriers with generator loads become critical infrastructure logistics participants.
Freight class for generators is Class 55–65. A 10,000-watt portable generator weighs 250–300 lbs and occupies 6–8 cubic feet — 35–45 lbs/cuft, Class 55–60. Smaller inverter generators are less dense and may reach Class 65. Large commercial standby generators in the 100kW+ range are extremely heavy and move as specialized freight on flatbed.
Fuel drainage is mandatory. All generators must have gasoline, diesel, or propane completely removed before shipment. Residual fuel vapor creates fire hazard, and liquid fuel in a tilted generator can leak onto other freight or the trailer floor. Most manufacturers include this in the owner's manual — carriers should verify the fuel tank is empty and the fuel petcock is closed before loading. Oil does not need to be drained for standard generator shipments, but the dipstick and fill cap should be secure.
Battery terminals on electric-start generators must be disconnected to prevent parasitic discharge or accidental starting. For LTL generators, the carburetor bowl should be drained to prevent varnish from gumming the carburetor during extended storage in the trailer. Commercial generators with control panels have delicate electronics that must be protected from vibration — consider foam padding around the control box for long-haul moves. Rate context: generator freight pays moderately well at Class 55–65. Disaster-response generator lanes during emergency events pay at a significant premium.
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