How do I find the exact class for my paper 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 paper?

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.

Commodity guide · paper

Freight class for paper

Palletized copy paper and stock typically rate class 55 (35 - 50 pcf); tissue and converted paper products rate class 100 - 150 territory by density.

Why paper rates where it does

Solid paper is dense: cartons of copy paper or printing stock stack past 35 pcf and rate class 55. The category diverges fast once air enters - tissue, towel and cup stock measure 4 - 8 pcf and rate class 125 - 175 by density.

Worked example. A pallet of cartoned copy paper: 48 × 40 × 45 in, 2100 lb. That is 50.0 cu ft and 2100 lb → 42.00 pcf → class 55. Run your own numbers →

Relevant class pages: class 55 · class 100 · class 125.

What moves the number

The word 'paper' on a BOL means nothing to the rate; the pallet's pcf means everything. Weigh one full pallet, measure it loaded, and quote off that.

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 →