Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 97950.00 | Show more | |
| 97950.01 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 97950.02 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 97950.03 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 97950.04 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 97950.05 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 97950.06 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 97950.07 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 97950.08 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 97950.09 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 97950.10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 97950.11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 97950.12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 97950.13 | 50 or greater | 50 |
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Sort by product type: pack soft goods (blankets, halters, collars) in double‑wall cartons, and place iron hardware (buckles, rings, stirrups) in separate boxes with inner packages and dividers to prevent abrasion.
- Protect saddles and saddle trees: pad horns and forks, wrap with foam, and crate premium pieces when needed; a 38 lb saddle in a 3.0 ft³ crate yields 12.7 pcf for a better class.
- For harness sets, coil leather loosely, use breathable bags against moisture, then box or crate so the package is rigid and stackable; avoid overstuffed bags that lower density.
- Record actual weight and exterior dimensions to calculate density (lb/ft³), then choose the correct Class 50–400 under NMFC 97950 (Item 170). Example: 120 lb in 10 ft³ = 12 pcf.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Optimize density to drop freight class—nest stirrups, compress blankets, and right‑size cartons to move from higher classes toward midrange, materially cutting LTL spend.
- Segregating metal hardware from leather reduces scuffs and punctures, lowering claims and protecting resale value on collars, harness, and saddles.
- Uniform cartons or crates improve stackability and hub handling, accelerating transit and reducing the risk of reclass fees tied to inconsistent packaging.
- Non‑hazardous classification simplifies carrier selection and avoids hazmat surcharges, keeping quotes predictable and speeding tendering.