NMFC Class 55 — Machinery
Industrial machinery is among the densest freight, typically shipping at class 50–60. Requires specialized handling equipment.
Typical class: 55 · Density: 30–60 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 55 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Industrial machinery covers an enormous range of equipment — CNC machining centers, punch presses, injection molding machines, conveyor systems, packaging lines, and manufacturing robots. This freight moves primarily when manufacturers expand, relocate, or upgrade production facilities. Machine tool dealers, industrial auctioneers, and equipment leasing companies are frequent shippers. The category moves in concentrated bursts rather than daily volume — a single plant relocation might generate 10–30 heavy machinery loads in a short window.
Freight class for industrial machinery is Class 50–60, reflecting the very high density of cast iron and steel construction. A 10,000-lb CNC mill occupying 200 cubic feet hits 50 lbs/cuft and qualifies for Class 50. The low freight class means cost-effective per-hundredweight rates, but the specialized handling requirements offset the savings in other ways.
Equipment preparation is extensive. All cutting tools, chucks, and toolholders must be removed and packed separately. Machine tables and heads that adjust or rotate must be locked in the home position. Ways, slides, and spindles must be protected with oil and covered to prevent dirt intrusion. Computer controls and pendant arms should be wrapped in bubble pack and secured against the machine body rather than left to flex freely. Any machine with fluids — coolant, hydraulic oil, lubricants — must be drained or the reservoirs fully sealed.
Most industrial machinery requires flatbed transportation for loading via overhead crane at the origin. Step-deck trailers handle taller pieces. Rigging is a specialized skill — carriers without industrial rigging experience should not attempt to move large machine tools. At destination, the delivery facility must have forklift or crane capacity matching the machine weight. Rate context: industrial machinery moves at premium rates due to specialized equipment and liability. Owner-operators who invest in step-deck equipment and rigging skills can build profitable niches in this market.
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