NMFC Class 100 covers freight with a density between 9 and 10.5 pounds per cubic foot — a range where commodities begin to consume meaningful trailer space relative to their weight. Class 100 marks the midpoint of the NMFC scale and represents a diverse collection of goods that share the common characteristic of being bulky relative to their mass. Class 100 commodities include boat covers, vehicle covers, wine cases, wooden caskets, packaged child car seats, rolled canvas, and large patio or outdoor products. What unites these seemingly unrelated goods is their density: each occupies a moderate-to-large volume relative to its weight, resulting in density values between 9 and 10.5 lbs/cu ft. For carriers, Class 100 freight begins to represent the cube challenge that becomes more prominent in higher classes. A pallet of boat covers or rolled tarpaulins may fill several feet of trailer length while contributing modest weight — meaning the carrier has less opportunity to co-load dense freight beside it. This is reflected in the mid-tier rate. Wine cases are a notable Class 100 commodity due to their additional handling considerations. The combination of glass breakage risk, pilferage potential, and temperature sensitivity (for fine wines) elevates the liability profile above what pure density would suggest. Shippers of wine should confirm carrier acceptance policies and consider declared value coverage for high-value shipments. For shippers, Class 100 is often where product packaging choices become a meaningful cost lever. More compact packaging that lifts density above 10.5 lbs/cu ft moves freight to Class 92.5 and reduces per-hundredweight rates.
Rolled canvas and flexible covers may be difficult to secure without proper dunnage; they can shift or unroll during transit if not strapped. Caskets require careful, respectful handling and are often shipped with carrier notification of contents.
Stowability: Many Class 100 items — rolled canvas, boat covers, and tarpaulins — are bulky and irregularly shaped, making it difficult to place other freight flush against them. Wine cases, car seats, and caskets are more uniformly shaped and stow more predictably.
Wine cases carry notable theft and damage risk — glass breakage and pilferage are both real concerns. Wooden caskets have high replacement value and cultural sensitivity that elevates handling expectations. Car seats may have safety recall implications if damaged.
Class 100 applies to freight with a density between 9 and 10.5 pounds per cubic foot. Below 9 lbs/cu ft, freight moves to Class 110 or higher; above 10.5 lbs/cu ft, it qualifies for Class 92.5.
Standard 12-bottle wine cases — cardboard box with glass bottles and packing dividers — typically calculate in the 9–10.5 lbs/cu ft density range, placing them in Class 100. The glass and liquid content create moderate density, but the carton structure adds cube without proportional weight.
Yes. Wooden caskets are a recognized Class 100 commodity under specific NMFC items. They are boxed for protection during transit and measure in the Class 100 density range. Carriers typically have notification requirements for casket shipments and may require special handling endorsements.
The primary lever is density — more compact packaging that pushes the shipment above 10.5 lbs/cu ft shifts it to Class 92.5. For goods where density is fixed by product design, negotiating volume-based carrier discounts or using freight brokers with Class 100 lane pricing may be more effective.