NMFC Class 85 — Medical Equipment
Large medical equipment including MRI machines and X-ray units typically ships at freight class 85–100 and requires white-glove handling.
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
Large medical equipment — MRI machines, CT scanners, digital X-ray systems, linear accelerators, and surgical robots — represents some of the highest-value, most specialized freight in the entire transportation industry. These shipments are typically managed by the equipment manufacturers' logistics teams (GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips) or specialized medical logistics companies. A single MRI installation might involve multiple separate truckloads: the magnet assembly on one, gradient amplifiers on another, and console equipment on a third.
Freight class for large medical imaging equipment is Class 85–100, reflecting moderate density — an MRI magnet weighs 8,000–15,000 lbs and occupies 600–900 cubic feet depending on bore size, putting it at 15–22 lbs/cuft. However, freight class is largely academic for these shipments because they move under specialized contracts rather than tariff rates.
The handling requirements are extreme. MRI magnets contain superconducting coils bathed in liquid helium — any significant shock or tilt angle can cause a magnet quench, which vents helium gas rapidly and can damage the superconducting coil. Carriers moving MRI equipment must have air-ride suspension, must maintain defined tilt angle limits (often less than 5 degrees), and must travel at reduced speeds on rough roads. GPS tracking and tilt sensors are standard on these loads.
Temperature control is required for electronic components — most medical imaging equipment must stay above 40°F and below 95°F during transport. Humidity control matters for sensitive electronics. At delivery, access planning is critical: MRI magnets must be moved through hospital corridors that have been pre-checked for clearance and ferromagnetic materials. Rate context: specialized large medical equipment freight pays premium rates — often $5–$15 per mile or more — and requires carrier certification, specialized equipment, and extensive insurance coverage. This is a niche for serious operators only.
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