NMFC 161855 - Printed Matter | Class Varies by Density

Article ID

161855

NMFC 161855 density-rated printed matter

Freight Group

PRINTED MATTER GROUP

Printed Matter Group for paper goods

Class Range

N/A 0 classification

Class varies by PCF; Item 170 applies

Hazardous

Non-hazardous paper products; standard handling

Classification Details

NMFC	Description	Class
161855.00	Printed Matter, paper or paperboard, viz.: Annual Reports, in boxes; Blueprints (reproductions of mechanical drawings, maps or charts, made on sensitized paper), in boxes; Books, NOI, in boxes; Books, trading stamp collection, without stamps, in boxes; Cards or Sheets, bingo, with or without other materials, in boxes; Cards, Pads, Sheets or Tablets, score, paper or paperboard, in boxes; Charts, automatic recording device, NOI, in boxes; Envelope Stock, printed paper (printed paper sheets to be cut and processed into envelopes), in packages; Maps or Charts, NOI, with or without cabinets or map cases, in boxes or crates; Maps, road, paper, in sheets or folded, advertising or other than advertising, other than government issued, not in pads or books, prepaid, in boxes; Pages or Signatures, printed, in sheets, not cut to page size, see Note, item 161856, in packages; Printed Matter, NOI, other than pictures or posters, see Note, item 161857, in packages; Sheet Music, in boxes; Stamps, picture, NOI, in uncut perforated sheets, gummed, in moistureproof packages; Tablet Tops or Composition or Note Book Covers, in sheets, or cut to size, in boxes; Telephone Directories; or Telephone Directory Pages (Signatures), folded edges cut or not cut, in packages; Subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: Show more

Note 161856: NOTE-Also applies on printed book pages or signatures doubled upon themselves one or more times with edges uncut.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

Determine density before booking: measure outer length, width, height including pallet, then compute PCF = weight ÷ (L×W×H ÷ 1728). Item 170 density breaks will set the class.
Match packaging to item type: blueprints and sheet music in rigid cartons; gummed picture stamps in moistureproof inner wrap; maps with cabinets or cases crated to prevent racking.
Unitize heavy books/directories in double‑wall cartons and on strong pallets; add corner boards and stretch wrap to prevent edge crush and carton burst during stack loads.
Describe precisely on the BOL: e.g., “Printed Matter, NOI, NMFC 161855, PCF X.XX, boxes” or “Printed pages/signatures, not cut to size, packages.” This avoids reclass or inspection delays.

Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.

Density-driven pricing rewards tighter packs: higher PCF can earn a lower class and better LTL rates for books, directories, and envelope stock.
Right packaging cuts claims: moisture barriers for gummed stamps and rigid boxes for blueprints reduce OS&D and preserve margins.
Clear NOI descriptions prevent rebills: specifying pages/signatures vs finished books aligns with tariff notes and minimizes carrier disputes.
Efficient palletization of high-count titles (e.g., telephone directories or bingo cards) speeds cross-dock handling and reduces accessorials.

Weight (lbs)

Dimensions (inches)