Freight Class 500
Class 500 is the highest NMFC class. It used to cover all freight under 1 lb/ft³; since the July 2025 NMFC change it applies only through commodity listings, and density-rated freight under 1 lb/ft³ rates class 400.
What is class 500 freight?
Class 500 is the highest of the 18 NMFC classes and the most expensive way to ship LTL. Until July 19, 2025, any freight under 1 pound per cubic foot rated 500. The new density scale stops at class 400, so light freight like loose foam now rates 400 instead. Class 500 remains for items whose NMFC listing names it, often goods that carry high liability for their weight.
What happened to class 500 in 2025
Class 500 is still the ceiling of the NMFC system, but it is no longer the top of the density scale. Until July 19, 2025, any shipment under 1 lb/ft³ — uncompressed foam, loose feathers and down, ping-pong balls — rated class 500 by density. NMFC Docket 2025-1 replaced that table with a 13-tier scale that ends at class 400 for everything under 1 lb/ft³. Density-rated freight that used to rate 500 now rates 400.
Class 500 now comes only from specific commodity listings. That is the old second road to 500: goods whose value, fragility or liability is far out of proportion to their weight, rated at the ceiling whatever they measure. If your item's NMFC listing names class 500, it still ships at 500. If it is density-rated, the most it can rate is 400.
Class 500 worked examples
Two very light loads that were class 500 and are 400 now, and the same foam vacuum-packed to class 300.
Uncompressed foam inserts — now class 400
Die-cut foam packaging stacked 80" high on a 48" × 40" pallet, 80 lb.
48 × 40 × 80 = 153,600 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 88.9 ft³. Density = 80 lb ÷ 88.9 ft³.
0.9 lb/ft³ → class 400, the top of today's density scale (the old table said 500).
Loose down in bags — class 400 by density
Bagged loose down filling a 40" × 40" × 48" gaylord, 40 lb.
40 × 40 × 48 = 76,800 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 44.4 ft³. Density = 40 lb ÷ 44.4 ft³.
0.9 lb/ft³ → class 400 by density, unless the item's NMFC listing names 500.
The same foam, vacuum-compressed — class 300
The identical 80 lb of foam vacuum-bagged and restacked to 40" on the same pallet.
48 × 40 × 40 = 76,800 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 44.4 ft³. Density = 80 lb ÷ 44.4 ft³ = 1.8 lb/ft³.
1.8 lb/ft³ → class 300. Compress a little more, past 2 lb/ft³, and it reaches class 250.
If you're quoting class 400 or 500, change something
Compression is the escape hatch for the density road. Down and fiber ship in compressed bales because loose material would cost too much to move; vacuum-bagged foam recovers its loft on arrival while shipping at several times its loose density. Crossing 1 lb/ft³ reaches class 300, and crossing 2 lb/ft³ reaches class 250, which now runs up to 4 lb/ft³.
When freight is listed at 500 for value, class stops being the decision and the mode becomes it. High-value, ultra-light shipments often make more sense insured in parcel networks or as dedicated moves, where pricing follows declared value and service rather than trailer cube. Run the density math below first, then check the listing with your carrier.
Goods linked with class 500
Goods often named as class 500 examples. Each one's class now comes from its NMFC listing or its measured density:
- Ping pong balls
- Bags of gold dust
- Foam packaging
- Feathers and down
Is your load class 400 or better?
Enter the size and weight as shipped. Under 1 lb/ft³ is class 400, the top of the density scale. Reach 1 lb/ft³ and it is class 300; reach 2 and it is class 250.
Density-based estimate. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class — check our freight class by commodity pages.
Estimated Freight Class
Density
0.51
lb/ft³
Volume
53.33
ft³
Weight
27
lb
0–1 lb/ft³ → Class 400
NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025)
Pre-July-2025 table: class 500. Use it only if your carrier contract still prices on the old table.
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 is the highest freight class?
Class 500 is the highest NMFC class. Since July 19, 2025, though, only a commodity listing can assign it. On the density scale, the highest class is 400, for freight under 1 lb/ft³.
Does freight class 500 still exist?
Yes, and it is still the highest class. It now comes only from NMFC listings, for goods that carry high liability or need special care for their weight. By density, the top is class 400.
Is class 500 based on density or value?
Since July 19, 2025, it comes from commodity listings, which can reflect value, fragility or liability per pound. Density alone can no longer put freight in class 500 — the density scale tops out at class 400.
How do I avoid class 400 or 500?
For density-rated freight: compress or vacuum-bag soft goods, bale loose material, nest hollow shapes. Crossing 1 lb/ft³ reaches class 300. If your item is listed at class 500 for value, compare insured parcel or dedicated transport instead of LTL.