Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 115985.00 | Housings, Cases or Shells, NOI, computer or business machine, or Sections thereof, see Note, item 115987, in boxes, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: | |
| 115985.01 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 115985.02 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 115985.03 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 115985.04 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 115985.05 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 115985.06 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 115985.07 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 115985.08 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 115985.09 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 115985.10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 115985.11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 115985.12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 115985.13 | 50 or greater | 50 |
Notes
Note 115987: NOTE-Applies on housings, cases or shells, or sections thereof, with or without equipment of power supply or cooling fan, for computers, computer monitors, data storage devices, automatic teller machines (ATMs), adding machines, calculators, cash registers, facsimile (fax) machines or other business machines.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Confirm the item scope: bare housings, cases, shells, or sections for computers and business machines only. If shipping sections, review the note under item 115987 before you book.
- Use boxes as required for this NMFC. Double- or triple-wall cartons with molded foam, end caps, or foam-in-place protect painted, anodized, or plastic surfaces from scuffs.
- Calculate density to select class: weigh each carton, measure cubic feet, then lbs ÷ cu ft = PCF. Higher density typically yields a lower class within 50–400 under Item 170.
- Improve pack-out: nest shells, add partitions to eliminate void space, and box all pieces before palletizing. Label cartons with NMFC 115985 and net weight to prevent reclass.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Density-driven pricing lets you lower costs by maximizing cube utilization inside each box, often moving the shipment to a lower class.
- Accurate NMFC use (boxed, NOI, Item 170) reduces carrier inspections, reclass fees, and chargebacks—especially common with lightweight plastic housings.
- Damage reduction from proper boxing and surface protection means fewer returns for OEMs, refurbishers, and ITAD providers handling high-finish enclosures.
- Consistent classification for mixed housing SKUs streamlines contract rating, auditing, and TMS automation across LTL carriers.