NMFC Class 77.5 is one of two fractional freight classes in the lower half of the NMFC scale (alongside Class 92.5), covering freight with a density between 13.5 and 15 pounds per cubic foot. The fractional class exists because the commodity mix at this density range warranted a finer distinction between Class 70 and Class 85 in the NMFC system. The most recognizable Class 77.5 commodities are automobile tires and bathroom fixtures — toilets and pedestal sinks boxed for LTL transit. Both categories share a quirk beyond their density: they present stowability challenges. Tires are round, and bathroom fixtures often have irregular shapes that create void space around them in a trailer, making them less efficient to co-load with square freight. For carriers, Class 77.5 freight is priced to account for this mild stowability difficulty. The rate is slightly above Class 70 but still well below the mid-range classes. For shippers, ensuring that tires are properly stacked and wrapped — and that bathroom fixtures have adequate corner and edge protection — is both a damage-prevention and a classification-retention strategy. Shippers of Class 77.5 goods should be aware that certain tires have specific NMFC item numbers with fixed class assignments that may override the density calculation. Consulting the NMFTA's ClassIT tool or the printed NMFC tariff for the applicable item number is the definitive approach.
Tires and heavy bathroom fixtures require careful loading to prevent shifting; tires are often stacked horizontally and may need strapping. Porcelain fixtures are fragile and need corner protection.
Stowability: Tires and round fixtures present stowability challenges because their shapes leave voids against adjacent freight. Carriers may apply dimensional weight or stowability surcharges for shipments that are difficult to cube around.
Porcelain and ceramic bathroom fixtures break easily under impact and are expensive to replace; carriers scrutinize packaging quality at pickup. Tires are low theft-risk but can be soiled or damaged by adjacent freight if not wrapped.
The NMFTA introduced fractional classes like 77.5 and 92.5 to create finer pricing distinctions for commodity groups that did not fit neatly into the standard whole-number class breaks. The fractional class reflects the unique stowability characteristics of tires and certain fixtures at this density.
Not always. Tire classification depends on the specific NMFC item number and the density of the shipment. Some tire types have fixed class assignments in the NMFC tariff. Shippers should look up the applicable tire item in ClassIT to confirm the correct class before booking.
Toilets, pedestal sinks, and similar bathroom fixtures commonly fall in Class 77.5 based on their density, but the actual class depends on the shipment measurement. Heavy cast-iron fixtures may calculate at Class 65 or 70; lighter composite models may fall above Class 77.5.
Foam corner protectors, double-wall or triple-wall carton construction, and full pallet shrink wrap are the standard protective measures. Some carriers require crating for high-value porcelain fixtures and may reject inadequately packaged shipments at pickup.