NMFC Class 85 — Machinery
HVAC units including air conditioners and furnaces typically ship at freight class 85–100.
Typical class: 85 · Density: 10–18 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
HVAC equipment — residential and commercial air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, air handlers, and rooftop units — follows construction cycles and replacement demand closely. HVAC distributors like Watsco and Ferguson supply contractors who are running seasonal installation and replacement work. Spring and early summer generate heavy cooling equipment shipments; fall drives heating equipment volume. Distributors typically run their own delivery trucks for local markets, but regional and long-haul movements of large orders create carrier opportunities.
HVAC units have moderate density — a residential 2.5-ton split system condensing unit weighs 130–180 lbs and occupies 10–15 cubic feet at 10–15 lbs/cuft, placing it at Class 85. Larger commercial rooftop units weighing 400–800 lbs in 30–50 cubic feet achieve 10–16 lbs/cuft — still Class 85 territory. The density is consistent enough that Class 85–100 is the reliable range across most residential and light commercial HVAC.
Condenser coil fins are the most fragile component and the most commonly damaged. The aluminum fins on condenser and evaporator coils bend from even light contact, and while fin combs can straighten them, bent fins reduce equipment efficiency and can create warranty issues. HVAC units must be packaged with coil protection — cardboard guards or foam strips around the coil sections. Units should always be transported upright; inverting an AC unit causes compressor oil migration that requires hours of upright resting before startup.
Carriers should verify that refrigerant lines are capped, that control boards are protected from static, and that any loose components like grilles or drain pans are secured or removed. Rooftop units with crane-lift lugs need flatbed transport and site access confirmation before delivery — not all job sites have fork capability to offload a 500-lb unit. Rate context: HVAC freight pays fair rates at Class 85. Contractors with delivery accounts during peak seasons represent consistent volume.
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