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NMFC 20490 - Padded Paper/Film Mailers | Class 50-400

Article ID
20490
NMFC 20490 for padded mailers and bags
Freight Group
UNGROUPED ARTICLES
Ungrouped article, density-based mailer packaging
Class Range
50-400 13 classifications
Class range spans 50 up to 400
Hazardous
No
Non-hazardous, no hazmat documentation required

Classification Details

NMFC Description Class
20490.00 Show more
20490.01 Less than 1 400
20490.02 1 but less than 2 300
20490.03 2 but less than 4 250
20490.04 4 but less than 6 175
20490.05 6 but less than 8 125
20490.06 8 but less than 10 100
20490.07 10 but less than 12 92.5
20490.08 12 but less than 15 85
20490.09 15 but less than 22.5 70
20490.10 22.5 but less than 30 65
20490.11 30 but less than 35 60
20490.12 35 but less than 50 55
20490.13 50 or greater 50

How to Determine Your Class

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

  1. Identify the exact product mix (padded mailers, bags, envelopes, pouches) and confirm material—paper or plastic film—then note that shipments must be in boxes to qualify under NMFC 20490.
  2. Calculate carton density before booking. Example: a 22 lb box measuring 20 x 16 x 14 in is 2.59 cu ft; 22 ÷ 2.59 ≈ 8.5 PCF. Use your carrier’s density table to map to a class within 50–400.
  3. Package to Item 170 standards: keep cartons rigid, prevent crushing of air cells or honeycomb blisters, and use edge protectors or banding so boxes hold shape through transit.
  4. For multi-carton orders, build uniform pallets. Keep overhang at zero, interlock light boxes carefully, and stretch-wrap with a top sheet to avoid punctures from neighboring freight.

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

Business Value

  • Optimize density for better freight class: right-size master cartons and pack counts to move shipments into lower-cost brackets within the 50–400 class range.
  • Cut reclass and rebill risk by listing NMFC 20490, the boxed packaging type, and the measured density on the BOL for clear, defensible documentation.
  • Accelerate quoting and procurement with standardized carton specs (avg weight and cube per box) so rate shopping is fast and consistent across carriers.
  • Reduce damage and returns: protecting air-filled cells and blisters prevents product deformation, keeps cartons square, and lowers claim exposure.