What freight class are mattresses?

Traditional mattresses typically rate class 250 (2 - 4 pcf); compressed bed-in-a-box units are denser and can rate class 125 - 175. The exact class depends on the measured density of your packaged shipment.

How do I find the exact class for my mattresses shipment?

Measure the packaged dimensions and weight, compute pounds per cubic foot, and read the current 13-band NMFC density scale - or use the free calculator on this site. Confirm the NMFC item number with your carrier for the BOL.

Did the 2025 NMFC changes affect mattresses?

Docket 2025-1 (July 2025) moved roughly 2,000 commodity listings to density-based classification and rebuilt the density scale to 13 bands, so most freight - including this category - now classes primarily by measured density.

Freight Class for Mattresses: Typical Classes & How to Verify

Why mattresses rate where they do

A conventional innerspring or foam mattress shipped flat is one of the lightest-for-its-size things in a trailer: 2 - 4 pcf, class 250. Roll-packed bed-in-a-box mattresses triple the density and commonly rate class 125 - 175.

Worked example. A queen mattress shipped flat: 80 × 60 × 12 in, 95 lb. That is 33.3 cu ft and 95 lb → 2.85 pcf → class 250. Run your own numbers →

Relevant class pages: class 250 · class 175 · class 125.

What moves the number

If you ship volume, roll-packing is the single biggest cost lever available. For flat units, protect corners and note that mattresses are a classic reweigh/re-measure target because drivers can rarely scale them at pickup.

Measure, don't assume. Since NMFC Docket 2025-1 (July 2025) most commodities class by measured density on a 13-band scale. The ranges above are typical, not guaranteed — your packaging decides your density. Calculate your actual class →

Freight class for mattresses

Why mattresses rate where they do

What moves the number