Freight Class for Chemicals
Liquid chemicals in steel drums or IBC totes usually rate freight class 50 to 60, because liquids are heavy for their size. A pallet of four 55-gallon drums of a water-weight liquid measures about 40 lb/ft³, class 55. Many chemicals also have their own NMFC item, and a hazardous chemical brings DOT rules and a carrier hazmat charge, such as FedEx Freight's $61 per shipment.
Hazard class is not freight class
Chemical shipments carry two different "classes". The DOT hazard class, 1 to 9, describes the danger: Class 3 is flammable liquids and Class 8 is corrosives. The NMFC freight class, 50 to 500, sets the price. A Class 8 corrosive can ship at freight class 55, and the bill of lading shows both.
Many chemicals are also listed by name in the NMFC with their own item and class, which can override density. Ask your carrier for the item number of your product before you rely on a density result.
Worked examples
Drum and tote sizes and empty weights come from published product specs; the liquid weights use 8.34 lb per gallon times the specific gravity.
Four drums of a water-weight liquid — class 55
Four 55-gallon steel drums (22.5 in across, 33.5 in tall, 43 lb empty), each holding 458.7 lb of liquid, on a 48 × 48 pallet (37 lb): 38.5 inches high, 2,044 lb.
48 × 48 × 38.5 = 88,704 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 51.3 ft³. Density = 2,044 lb ÷ 51.3 ft³.
39.8 lb/ft³ → class 55.
The same drums of a light solvent — class 60
The same pallet, filled with a liquid of specific gravity 0.8: 367 lb of liquid per drum, 1,677 lb in all.
Same 51.3 ft³. Density = 1,677 lb ÷ 51.3 ft³.
32.7 lb/ft³ → class 60.
One full 275-gallon tote — class 55, near the line
A 47.25 × 39.25 × 45.5 in IBC (126 lb empty) holding 275 gallons of a water-weight liquid: 2,294 lb of liquid, 2,420 lb in all.
47.25 × 39.25 × 45.5 = 84,383 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 48.8 ft³. Density = 2,420 lb ÷ 48.8 ft³.
49.5 lb/ft³ → class 55. At specific gravity 1.05 the tote weighs 2,534 lb and measures 51.9 lb/ft³, class 50.
What carriers ask for with hazmat
XPO's rules tariff (Item 232) requires hazardous materials to move on a standard bill of lading with the full DOT description, an emergency contact and correct packaging and labels. Fines caused by the shipper's mistakes are charged back to the shipper. Any note on the bill of lading that limits access to the trailer is treated as an order for exclusive use, at exclusive-use rates; FedEx Freight's tariff has the same rule.
Carriers also charge for hazmat handling. FedEx Freight's tariff (Item 920) adds $61 per hazmat shipment. XPO also refuses some classes outright, including Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.5 explosives.
Working out the weight of a liquid
A US gallon of water weighs about 8.34 lb. Multiply the gallons by 8.34 and by the product's specific gravity, which is in section 9 of its safety data sheet, then add the container. A Greif 55-gallon tight-head steel drum weighs 43 lb empty; a new 275-gallon composite IBC tote weighs about 126 lb and measures 47.25 × 39.25 × 45.5 inches.
Specific gravity can move the class. The examples below show a pallet of drums going from class 55 to class 60 when the liquid is 20% lighter than water, and a tote crossing into class 50 when it is just 5% heavier.
Check a drum or tote shipment
Enter the pallet's length, width and height from the floor, and the full weight. If your product has its own NMFC item, that item's class applies instead.
Density-based estimate. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class — check our freight class by commodity pages.
Estimated Freight Class
Density
54.99
lb/ft³
Volume
53.33
ft³
Weight
2,933
lb
50+ lb/ft³ → Class 50
NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025)
Free PDF includes a watermark. Pro removes it & adds your brand.
Estimates only — verify freight class/NMFC and chargeable weight with your carrier.
Uses the 13-tier NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1). See the full freight class chart.
Frequently asked questions
What freight class are chemicals?
Liquid chemicals in drums and totes usually measure 30 to 52 lb/ft³, which is class 50 to 60 on the density scale. Many chemicals also have their own NMFC item with a set class, so confirm the item with your carrier.
Is a hazmat class the same as a freight class?
No. The DOT hazard class (1 to 9) describes the danger, such as Class 8 corrosives. The NMFC freight class (50 to 500) sets the price. A shipment has both, and both go on the bill of lading.
How much does a full 55-gallon drum weigh?
With a liquid as heavy as water, about 502 lb: 458.7 lb of liquid plus a 43 lb steel drum. Multiply the liquid part by your product's specific gravity for a closer figure.
How much does a full 275-gallon tote weigh?
About 2,420 lb with a water-weight liquid: 2,294 lb of liquid plus about 126 lb for a new composite tote.
Do carriers charge extra for hazmat freight?
Usually. FedEx Freight's rules tariff adds $61 per hazardous materials shipment. Check your carrier's tariff, and note that a bill of lading that limits access to the trailer can trigger exclusive-use charges.