NMFC Class 70 — Raw Materials
Plastic resin pellets and granules typically ship at freight class 70–85 in bulk bags or totes.
Typical class: 70 · Density: 15–30 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 70 — packaging, handling, and freight class details
Plastic resin pellets and granules are the feedstock for virtually all plastic manufacturing — from food packaging and bottles to automotive components and medical devices. LyondellBasell, Dow, ExxonMobil Chemical, and SABIC are among the major producers in the US, with resin plants concentrated along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana. Resin moves from production facilities to compounders, injection molders, extrusion operations, and blow molding plants in a near-continuous supply chain that supports all of manufacturing.
Freight class for plastic resin in bags, super sacks, or gaylord boxes is Class 70–85. The density of plastic resin pellets varies by polymer type — polyethylene pellets are about 58 lbs/cuft loose bulk density, but packaged in 1,000-lb super sacks with air spaces, the effective freight density is typically 15–22 lbs/cuft, Class 70–85. Resin in rail hopper cars or pneumatic tankers achieves better density economics, but for truck LTL/TL freight in bags, the Class 70–85 range applies.
Moisture exclusion is important for many resins. Nylon (polyamide), polycarbonate, and PET resins are hygroscopic — they absorb atmospheric moisture and must be dried before molding. Resin that absorbs moisture during transport requires additional drying time at the processor, creating production delays. Super sacks of hygroscopic resins should have the liner properly sealed and be protected from humidity during transit.
Static electricity is a handling consideration with resin pellets. Resin pellets in plastic bags and super sacks can accumulate static charges that attract dust and contamination. In some environments, static buildup creates discharge risks. Anti-static packaging is standard for certain resin grades. For bulk super sacks, grounding straps during loading operations are a best practice at facilities that handle flammable solvents nearby. Rate context: plastic resin freight is industrial commodity work at Class 70–85. Volume accounts with plastics manufacturers offer consistent lanes, and the petrochemical corridor in the Gulf region generates significant resin freight volume.
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