NMFC Class 60 — Raw Materials
Paper pulp and newsprint are moderately dense materials that typically ship at freight class 60–65.
Typical class: 60 · Density: 25–45 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
Paper pulp and newsprint are industrial raw materials that underpin the paper and packaging industries. Pulp mills in the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and Canada produce kraft pulp, sulfite pulp, and mechanical pulp that moves to paper mills for conversion into printing paper, packaging board, tissue, and specialty products. Newsprint specifically — the paper used in newspaper printing — has seen dramatic demand declines as print newspaper circulation has fallen, but the underlying pulp and paper supply chain remains substantial due to packaging and specialty paper demand growth.
Freight class for paper pulp and newsprint is Class 60–65. Newsprint rolls are dense and heavy — a standard newsprint roll might be 40 inches in diameter, 35 inches wide, and weigh 1,200–1,800 lbs, occupying roughly 25–30 cubic feet and yielding 45–65 lbs/cuft. Pulp bales (air-dried or flash-dried) weigh 500–1,000 lbs and achieve similar or higher density. Both products qualify solidly for Class 60–65.
Equipment for newsprint rolls is specialized. Rolls must be transported upright (on their end), not on their side, to maintain their circular cross-section and prevent out-of-round deformation. Roll trailers with pole systems designed to hold paper rolls upright are the industry standard for long-haul newsprint moves. Flatbed is used for shorter moves with proper blocking, but unconstrained rolls on a flatbed without proper support will deform or tip. Pulp bales are more straightforward and can move by standard flatbed with appropriate strapping.
Moisture is the critical concern for both products. Paper pulp absorbs moisture and gains weight while losing quality — wet pulp may be accepted by the mill at a significant discount. Newsprint rolls that become wet at the outer layer can have core moisture penetration that ruins entire rolls. Loads must be covered in transit, and trailers must be inspected for roof integrity before loading. Rate context: paper industry freight at Class 60–65 pays steady rates. Mill-direct accounts are excellent long-term relationships for carriers with appropriate equipment.
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