NMFC Class 100 — Medical Equipment
Medical supplies and devices ship at freight class 85–110 depending on packaging and density.
Typical class: 100 · Density: 8–12 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 100 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Medical supplies and devices — examination gloves, syringes, catheters, surgical instruments, diagnostic devices, implantable devices, and similar products — move through a tightly controlled supply chain that connects manufacturers to distributors like Medline, Cardinal Health, and Owens & Minor, then to hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. The supply chain learned hard lessons about fragility during the pandemic and many major health systems have invested in domestic distribution infrastructure since then.
Freight class for medical supplies is Class 85–110, reflecting moderate density — medical supplies are packaged with significant protective materials, reducing effective density. A case of examination gloves weighs 30 lbs in 3 cubic feet (10 lbs/cuft, Class 85). A pallet of surgical instrument kits might be 8 lbs/cuft (Class 100–110). The wide range reflects how different products pack out differently.
Chain of custody documentation is a defining requirement that distinguishes medical supply freight from general consumer goods. Many medical devices are lot-number and expiration-date tracked for regulatory compliance. Carriers transporting medical supplies should maintain clean, signed BOLs with piece count verification at each transfer point. Temperature records matter — many medical supplies including biologics, certain implants, and laboratory diagnostics require refrigerated transport and continuous temperature monitoring.
Sterility and contamination are non-negotiable concerns. Medical supplies must never be transported in trailers that previously hauled chemicals, pesticides, or any other substance that could contaminate packaging. Trailers should be inspected and cleaned before loading medical supplies. Many health system distribution centers require carriers to certify trailer sanitation. Rate context: medical supply freight pays above-average rates due to documentation, handling standards, and compliance requirements. Large hospital system distribution contracts are highly desirable, long-term accounts.
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