Freight class 85
A saved class from an older chart can disagree at 13.5 lb/ft³.
12 to under 15 lb/ft³
The lower boundary of 12 lb/ft³ is included. Exactly 15 lb/ft³ enters class 70.
2025 density scale. Item confirmation required.
Where this class 85 example sits
Toward class 92.5: 13.5 − 12 = 1.5 lb/ft³ above the cutoff. The lower edge remains included. Toward class 70: 15 − 13.5 = 1.5 lb/ft³ to the next boundary.
A 600 lb load at 13.5 lb/ft³
A 48 × 40 × 40 in finished handling unit at 600 lb has a volume of about 44.444 ft³ and a density of 13.5 lb/ft³. The current 13-tier estimate is class 85.
The separately identified legacy 18-class guideline shown on our chart puts 13.5 in class 77.5 under its displayed interval convention. That comparison explains why a saved chart or prior calculation might disagree. It does not establish that a specific shipment’s contracted class changed.
| Scenario | Quantity × L × W × H; weight per unit | Total volume | Density | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished height of 40 in | 1 × 48 × 40 × 40 in at 600 lb each | 44.444 ft³ | 13.5 lb/ft³ | 85 |
| Height of 45 in | 1 × 48 × 40 × 45 in at 600 lb each | 50 ft³ | 12 lb/ft³ | 85 |
| Height of 46 in | 1 × 48 × 40 × 46 in at 600 lb each | 51.111 ft³ | 11.739 lb/ft³ | 92.5 |
Hypothetical measurements. Calculator Methodology.
Compare the measured scenarios
Unrounded density; rounded display labels.
Check the chart version and the measurement
At 600 lb and the same footprint, a 45 in height produces exactly 12 lb/ft³. It is still class 85. One additional inch makes density about 11.739 lb/ft³ and moves the estimate to class 92.5.
When comparing paperwork, first identify which scale was used, then compare the actual packaged dimensions and gross weight. A different chart and a different measurement are separate reasons for a different result.
The current class 70 target is 36 inches high
The 600 lb unit reaches 15 lb/ft³ at this height. That physical comparison is independent of the legacy class 77.5 label discussed above.
| Boundary density | Target volume | Total height | Class at boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 lb/ft³ | 40 ft³ | 36 in | 70 |
Arithmetic target; confirm safe packaging.
Questions before you ship
Is class 77.5 part of this 13-tier density scale?
No. It appears in the separate legacy 18-class guideline used for comparison. On the current scale shown here, the full interval from 12 to under 15 lb/ft³ is class 85. Item-specific provisions still need confirmation.
Related density bands
Sources
Reviewed 2026-10-25: NMFTA scale; effective July 19, 2025; packaging margin (2026).
Legacy charts: Direct Drive Logistics and FML Freight; comparison conventions.
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