Freight Class for Appliances
Appliances are bulky but reasonably heavy, so under the 2025 density-based scale most large appliances class in the class 92.5 to 150 range. The exact number depends on the appliance’s density in its carton. Here’s the typical range, the math, and the exact class one click away.
The short answer
Typical packaged appliances runs about 6–11 PCF, which maps to roughly class 92.5–125 on the 2025 NMFTA scale. Worked example — a boxed refrigerator, 36×34×70 in at 320 lb:
36×34×70 ÷ 1,728 = 49.58 ft³ → 320 ÷ 49.58 = 6.45 PCF → Class 125
Why appliances classes the way it does
Major appliances — refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges — take up a lot of cube, but the motors, compressors, and steel give them real weight. On the 2025 NMFTA scale, which rates on density (pounds per cubic foot), that combination usually lands them in the middle of the scale rather than the expensive light-and-bulky end.
Denser, heavier units like a packed range or a front-load washer can reach class 92.5–100. Big, hollow pieces like a French-door refrigerator carry more air and drift toward class 150. Small countertop appliances, boxed with lots of protective packaging, can class higher still — so calculate from the boxed dimensions and weight.
How to calculate it for your shipment
Multiply your packed length, width, and height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight by that volume for density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Map the PCF to the class on the NMFTA scale. The Freight Density Calculator does it in one step; the Target Class Calculator runs it backward to find the weight that would hit a class you’re aiming for. Prefer a lookup? The density-to-freight-class chart lists every class and its PCF band.
Get the class right the first time
Because the 2025 scale rates on density, sloppy dimensions are what get appliances reclassed and back-billed. Measure to the farthest points on the packed piece, weigh it on a certified scale, and calculate the density before pickup — don’t eyeball the class. For the full picture of how density-based classification works, start with the freight class guide, and see why freight gets reclassed if a carrier disputes your number. Freight class is set by the NMFTA; look up your specific NMFC item with the NMFTA.
Frequently asked
What is the freight class for appliances?
Most large appliances fall between class 92.5 and class 125 under the 2025 density-based scale. A boxed refrigerator at about 6.5 PCF classes at 125, while a denser front-load washer can reach class 100. Small countertop appliances with heavy packaging can class higher. Calculate the exact class from the boxed weight and dimensions.
Why does a refrigerator class higher than a washer?
Because it is less dense. A refrigerator is mostly insulated, air-filled cabinet, so it takes up more cube per pound than a compact, motor-heavy washer. Under the density-based scale, more cube per pound means a higher class and a higher rate.
Should appliances be crated or blanket-wrapped for LTL?
Appliances are fragile and top-heavy, so protection matters, but note that added packaging increases the cube. Class is set by the packaged density, so a heavily crated unit may class slightly higher. Measure the finished, protected piece before calculating.
How do I calculate freight class for an appliance?
Multiply the boxed length, width, and height in inches and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet. Divide the weight in pounds by that volume to get density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), then map the PCF to a class on the NMFTA scale. The Freight Density Calculator does it in one step.