NMFC Class 175 covers freight with a density between 5 and 6 pounds per cubic foot. At this density tier, freight occupies more than three times the trailer space per pound compared to Class 50 — a trade ratio that drives substantially higher LTL rates. Class 175 is the territory of soft goods, upholstered furniture, and textiles: categories where the product is intentionally designed to be lightweight and comfortable, traits that work against efficient freight economics. Clothing is one of the most common Class 175 commodities. A box of apparel — whether folded garments, packaged outerwear, or bulk knitwear — fills a large carton with product that weighs relatively little. Even compressed baling only partially offsets the inherent low density of textile goods. For apparel brands and retailers, freight class is an unavoidable cost of doing business with LTL carriers. Upholstered furniture — sofas, sectionals, stuffed chairs — presents both density and stowability challenges. These pieces are large, soft, irregularly shaped, and difficult to protect from adjacent freight. Carriers treat upholstered furniture as high-risk for concealed damage claims, and many impose specific packaging requirements or decline certain pieces entirely. Mattresses present a similar challenge. A framed mattress in its carton is essentially a large, low-density rectangle that cannot be stacked, positioned at an angle, or loaded flush against hard freight. The space it occupies in a trailer far exceeds what its weight would justify at Class 50 or 100 rates.
Upholstered furniture and mattresses are highly susceptible to moisture, soiling, and compression damage. Plastic wrapping or poly-bag outer protection is standard; carriers may require it. Clothing bales should be secured to prevent bag failures. Sofas and large furniture pieces require mechanical handling — confirm lift-gate availability if delivery is to a residential or non-dock address.
Stowability: Upholstered sofas and mattresses are among the most challenging LTL freight to stow efficiently. Their irregular shapes, soft exteriors, and size make co-loading difficult. Carriers often must leave buffer space to prevent damage from adjacent rigid freight. Clothing and sleeping bags in bales are more flexible but can compress unevenly. Load planning for Class 175 frequently involves dedicated floor positions.
Upholstered goods are susceptible to soiling, moisture, and compression that may not be visible externally but is discovered at delivery — dispute resolution can be challenging. High-end upholstered furniture carries significant replacement value. Clothing shipments may face pilferage risk if packaging reveals contents. Consider declared value coverage for premium upholstered furniture and branded apparel.
Class 175 applies to freight with a density between 5 and 6 pounds per cubic foot. Freight above 6 lbs/cu ft qualifies for Class 150; below 5 lbs/cu ft, freight moves to Class 200.
Clothing is lightweight relative to its packaged volume. A standard carton of folded garments has a large footprint and height but contributes minimal weight, yielding a density of 5–6 lbs/cu ft or less. The inability to significantly compress most apparel without damaging it limits options for improving density.
Sofas should be fully wrapped in heavy-duty plastic or moving blankets, with corner protectors on exposed frame edges. The piece should be secured to a pallet base with strapping to prevent tipping. Many carriers require a minimum ¼-inch cardboard outer wrap in addition to plastic protection. Confirm carrier requirements before tender.
Most LTL carriers accept mattresses, but policies vary on packaging requirements and maximum dimensions. Mattresses should be in their original manufacturer carton or a purpose-built mattress box. Carriers generally will not accept loose or unboxed mattresses. White-glove and dedicated furniture carriers offer better protection for high-value mattresses.