What class 85 means
Class 85 is step 8 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 12 lb/ft³, is class 92.5. Denser freight, from 15 lb/ft³, is class 70. The freight class chart shows all 13 bands.
Pallet weights for class 85
The weight a standard 48 × 40 in pallet must have, at each height with the pallet included, to measure as class 85.
| Height (with pallet) | Cube | Weight for class 85 |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 26.7 ft³ | 320 to under 400 lb |
| 36 in | 40 ft³ | 480 to under 600 lb |
| 48 in | 53.3 ft³ | 640 to under 800 lb |
| 60 in | 66.7 ft³ | 800 to under 1,000 lb |
| 72 in | 80 ft³ | 960 to under 1,200 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 85 to class 70
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 720 lb pallet in the calculator is 48 in tall; restacked to 43 in or less at the same weight, it reaches class 70. The calculator's suggestions show the same for your own freight.
Class 85 and the 2025 scale change
This band did not change with Docket 2025-1: the scale is the same as before for freight under 30 lb/ft³. What changed for many shippers is that more commodities now follow the density scale instead of a fixed class. 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 85 freight?
On the NMFC density scale, freight whose density is 12 to less than 15 lb/ft³. It is step 8 of 13, counting from the most expensive class (400) to the cheapest (50). Commodities whose NMFC item follows the density scale take class 85 when they measure in this band; items with a fixed class keep their own.
What density is freight class 85?
12 to less than 15 lb/ft³, which is 192 to less than 240 kg/m³. Density is the weight in pounds divided by the cubic feet of the handling unit, pallet included.
How much does a class 85 pallet weigh?
A 48 × 40 in pallet stacked 48 in high, pallet included, is class 85 at 640 to under 800 lb. Taller or shorter pallets shift the range; the table above lists each height.
Is class 70 cheaper than class 85?
Yes. A lower class number means a lower rate per hundred pounds, and class 70 is the next step down from class 85. Freight reaches it at 15 lb/ft³ or more.