Freight Class for Clothing
Clothing is light and compressible, so under the 2025 density-based scale boxed apparel usually lands between class 100 and class 175. How tightly the garments are packed sets the exact number. Here’s the typical range, the math, and the exact class one click away.
The short answer
Typical packaged clothing runs about 5–9 PCF, which maps to roughly class 100–175 on the 2025 NMFTA scale. Worked example — a carton of folded apparel, 24×18×16 in at 35 lb:
24×18×16 ÷ 1,728 = 4 ft³ → 35 ÷ 4 = 8.75 PCF → Class 100
Why clothing classes the way it does
Clothing weighs almost nothing per item but fills a carton fast, so it tends to be light for its cube. On the 2025 NMFTA scale, which rates on density (pounds per cubic foot), that puts boxed apparel in the middle-to-upper classes — not the cheapest, but far from the priciest.
Packing method drives the band. Tightly folded, densely packed cartons of jeans or knits press more weight into the same box and can reach class 100–125. Loosely packed or hanging garments carry more air and climb toward class 150–175. Bulky items like coats or footwear in original boxes take up more room per pound — so calculate from the packed carton rather than the garment count.
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 clothing 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 clothing?
Most boxed apparel falls between class 100 and class 175 under the 2025 density-based scale. A carton of folded apparel at about 8.75 PCF classes at 100, for example. Loosely packed or hanging garments carry more air and class higher. Calculate the exact class from the carton’s weight and dimensions.
Does folding vs. hanging clothing change the class?
Yes. Class is set by density, and tightly folded cartons pack more weight into the same cube than hanging garments, which leave air around each piece. Folded, densely packed apparel classes lower; hanging or loosely packed apparel classes higher.
How can I lower the freight class on apparel?
Pack it denser. Filling cartons fully, folding tightly, and avoiding oversized boxes all raise pounds per cubic foot, which lowers the class. Weigh and measure the packed cartons and calculate the density before booking the shipment.
How do I calculate freight class for clothing?
Multiply the carton 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.