NMFC Class 110 covers freight with a density between 8 and 9 pounds per cubic foot — commodities that occupy meaningful trailer volume relative to their weight but are still moderately dense. This class sits just above the Class 100 midpoint, reflecting goods that are starting to lean bulky without crossing into the distinctly high-cube territory of Classes 125 and above. The class is anchored by cabinets, framed goods, lighter assembled furniture, and packaged car bodies. These commodities share a structural characteristic: they are either hollow, frame-based, or assembled with internal void space that reduces effective density. A kitchen cabinet, for example, is mostly air — its walls, shelves, and doors create a large exterior volume relative to the actual wood and hardware mass inside. For carriers, Class 110 freight begins to present a visible cube challenge. Pallets of cabinets or framed pictures consume a disproportionate share of trailer linear feet compared to the weight they contribute. This imbalance is the core reason rates increase as density drops: carriers have fewer opportunities to co-load weight-dense freight alongside bulky pieces. For shippers, Class 110 sits close enough to Class 100 that packaging choices matter. Flat-packing furniture, shipping cabinet components unassembled, or using denser packaging materials can shift density calculations above the 9 lbs/cu ft threshold, reducing to Class 100 rates. Even modest packaging improvements can generate meaningful savings at scale.
Framed artwork and mirrors require careful edge protection and upright orientation during loading and unloading. Cabinets should be palletized with corner guards to prevent denting. Packaged car bodies are large and require mechanical handling; confirm dock clearance before booking.
Stowability: Class 110 shipments — particularly cabinets and framed goods — tend to be boxy and stack reasonably well when palletized uniformly. Irregularly shaped car body components can be difficult to brace and may leave void space around them. Framed items should not be stacked without rigid separators.
Framed art and mirrors carry elevated liability relative to other Class 110 goods; glass breakage risk is real and replacement values can be substantial. Cabinets and wooden furniture are subject to finish scratches and moisture damage. Shippers of artwork should consider declared value coverage and specialty packaging.
Class 110 applies to freight measuring between 8 and 9 pounds per cubic foot. Freight above 9 lbs/cu ft qualifies for Class 100; freight below 8 lbs/cu ft moves to Class 125.
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets — whether boxed flat-pack components or fully assembled — contain significant internal air space. The box dimensions are large relative to the weight of the wood, hardware, and packaging materials inside, which puts the calculated density in the 8–9 lbs/cu ft range.
Framed artwork should be wrapped in bubble wrap or foam, placed in a rigid corrugated carton with corner protectors, and marked "Fragile — Do Not Stack." For high-value pieces, wooden crating offers superior protection. Carriers may not accept liability for glass breakage unless specialty packaging requirements are met.
Potentially, yes. If your freight currently calculates near 9 lbs/cu ft, reducing packaging bulk or using more compact cartons can push density above the 9 lbs/cu ft threshold into Class 100. A density calculation before and after packaging changes will confirm whether reclassification is achievable.