What class 55 means
Class 55 is step 12 of 13, counting from the most expensive class (400) to the cheapest (50). LTL carriers price freight per hundred pounds, and the class sets the rate: the lower the number, the less each pound costs. Density decides the class for every commodity whose NMFC item follows the density scale, which Dockets 2025-1 and 2026-1 extended to many more items.
Lighter freight for its size, under 35 lb/ft³, is class 60. Denser freight, from 50 lb/ft³, is class 50. The freight class chart shows all 13 bands.
Pallet weights for class 55
The weight a standard 48 × 40 in pallet must have, at each height with the pallet included, to measure as class 55.
| Height (with pallet) | Cube | Weight for class 55 |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 26.7 ft³ | 933.4 to under 1,333.3 lb |
| 36 in | 40 ft³ | 1,400 to under 2,000 lb |
| 48 in | 53.3 ft³ | 1,866.7 to under 2,666.6 lb |
| 60 in | 66.7 ft³ | 2,333.4 to under 3,333.3 lb |
| 72 in | 80 ft³ | 2,800 to under 4,000 lb |
Weights include the pallet. A weight shown is always inside the class; at the upper limit the next cheaper class begins.
Getting from class 55 to class 50
Class is worked out per handling unit from its outside dimensions, so the same goods packed shorter and tighter can ship a class lower. The 2,270 lb pallet in the calculator is 48 in tall; restacked to 40 in or less at the same weight, it reaches class 50. The calculator's suggestions show the same for your own freight.
Class 55 and the 2025 scale change
Class 55 is new: Docket 2025-1 added it on July 19, 2025, for freight that used to be class 60. Freight in this band now ships one class lower. The background is in NMFC density changes 2025–2026.
Measuring it right
Measure each handling unit at its longest and widest points, overhang included, and weigh it with the pallet. Some carriers bill tall freight as if it were taller: XPO treats an article 75 in or taller as 96 in high, which lowers its density and can raise its class. If a carrier measures a different density at the dock, it can reclass the shipment; see reclass and reweigh fees.
Questions
What is class 55 freight?
On the NMFC density scale, freight whose density is 35 to less than 50 lb/ft³. It is step 12 of 13, counting from the most expensive class (400) to the cheapest (50). Commodities whose NMFC item follows the density scale take class 55 when they measure in this band; items with a fixed class keep their own.
What density is freight class 55?
35 to less than 50 lb/ft³, which is 561 to less than 801 kg/m³. Density is the weight in pounds divided by the cubic feet of the handling unit, pallet included.
How much does a class 55 pallet weigh?
A 48 × 40 in pallet stacked 48 in high, pallet included, is class 55 at 1,866.7 to under 2,666.6 lb. Taller or shorter pallets shift the range; the table above lists each height.
Is class 50 cheaper than class 55?
Yes. A lower class number means a lower rate per hundred pounds, and class 50 is the next step down from class 55. Freight reaches it at 50 lb/ft³ or more.