NMFC Class 85 — Electronics
Small appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters typically ship at freight class 85–100.
Typical class: 85 · Density: 10–15 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
Small appliances — microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, blenders, air fryers — represent one of the most consistent high-volume consumer goods categories in freight. Major retailers run weekly replenishment loads from distribution centers, and the direct-to-consumer e-commerce surge has pushed significant LTL volume into this space as online retailers ship full pallets to regional fulfillment centers. Seasonal demand spikes heavily around November and December, when small appliance shipments can triple from baseline.
Freight class for small appliances depends on how efficiently they are packaged and palletized. A single microwave in a retail box is low-density and might hit Class 100 or higher on its own. But a full pallet of 24 microwaves stacked four layers high achieves 10–14 lbs/cuft, landing at Class 85–92.5. Smart shippers use layer pads and tight stretch-wrap to maintain pallet integrity and argue for the denser class calculation.
Fragility varies widely across the category. Coffee makers with glass carafes and blenders with glass jars need interior padding to prevent the glass from cracking during transit vibration. Motor-driven appliances like blenders and food processors have components that can shift internally if the unit is inverted — always ship these right-side up. Moisture protection matters for any appliance with electronic controls.
Loading consideration: small appliance pallets are typically 48x40 and run 800–1,800 lbs depending on the product. They fit standard trailer configurations well and do not require special equipment. The main practical concern is product mix on LTL loads — small appliances should not be loaded adjacent to chemicals, paint, or anything with odor that can transfer through cardboard. Rate context: this is commodity freight, but the predictable volume and standard equipment make it reliable lane work for carriers.
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