Freight class 85

Freight class 85 covers density-rated freight from 12 to under 15 lb/ft³ on the NMFC density scale in effect since July 19, 2025. A 48 × 40 in pallet loaded to 48 in high rates class 85 at 640 to 799 lb, pallet included.

Checked November 14, 2026 against NMFTA, FedEx Freight and Averitt Express.

Class 85 and its neighbours

13-sub density scale

Below 12 lb/ft³ the freight rates class 92.5; at 15 lb/ft³ or more, class 70.
Class	From	Under	Sub	Source
Units	lb/ft³	lb/ft³		Source numbers
Class 92.5	10	12	7	¹²⁶⁷⁸
Class 85	12	15	8	¹²⁶⁷⁸
Class 70	15	22.5	9	¹²⁶⁷⁸

Cite this table: Class 85 and its neighbours, Pallet Dimensions, checked November 14, 2026, https://palletdimensions.com/freight-class/class-85/#bandDownload CSV

Weight that rates class 85

48 × 40 in pallet, pallet included

Worked from the band above: cube times the band’s lower and upper density. A heavier pallet of the same size rates the next denser class.
Pallet	Cube	Weight	Source
Units	ft³	lb	Source numbers
48 × 40 × 36 in	40.00	480 to 599	¹²⁶⁷⁸
48 × 40 × 48 in	53.33	640 to 799	¹²⁶⁷⁸
48 × 40 × 60 in	66.67	800 to 999	¹²⁶⁷⁸
48 × 40 × 72 in	80.00	960 to 1,199	¹²⁶⁷⁸

Cite this table: Weight that rates class 85, Pallet Dimensions, checked November 14, 2026, https://palletdimensions.com/freight-class/class-85/#weights

Check a shipment

Multiply the greatest length, width and height in inches, pallet included, and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet.⁵ Divide the weight by that. A result from 12 up to but not including 15 is class 85. Try a 720 lb pallet in the calculator.

Density only sets the class for items that are rated by density. Items with handling, stowability or liability concerns can carry a class of their own.⁴ Check the NMFC item for your commodity.

What changes the answer

Band edges: A density of exactly 12 lb/ft³ is class 85; exactly 15 lb/ft³ is class 70.
Measuring: Use the greatest dimensions, including the pallet and any overhang. A shorter or narrower figure raises the density on paper and can be corrected by the carrier.
The NMFC item: The class in your commodity’s item applies, whether or not it follows the density scale.

Questions about class 85

What density is freight class 85?

12 to under 15 lb/ft³, on the NMFC density scale in effect since July 19, 2025.

How heavy is a class 85 pallet?

A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet rates class 85 at 640 to 799 lb, pallet included. Taller or shorter pallets shift that range; see the table above.

What class is lighter than class 85?

Class 92.5, at 10 to under 12 lb/ft³.

Sources

Disposition Bulletin 1371, Docket 2025-1, NMFTA. Primary source. Read November 14, 2026. Dated March 14, 2025; prints the 13-sub density scale inside each amended item, effective July 19, 2025.
Decoding density: the freight factor you can’t afford to overlook, NMFTA. Primary source. Read November 14, 2026.
NMFC changes FAQ: density and class breaks for the new 13-sub structure, NMFTA Help Center. Primary source. Read November 14, 2026.
NMFC classification FAQs, NMFTA Help Center. Primary source. Read November 14, 2026.
How is the density of a handling unit calculated?, NMFTA Help Center. Primary source. Read November 14, 2026.
NMFC changes (flyer, May 2025), FedEx Freight. Read November 14, 2026.
NMFC changes, Averitt Express. Read November 14, 2026.
Rules tariff item 1014, Pitt Ohio. Read November 14, 2026.