📦 NMFC 161855 Freight Class Guide for Printed Matter & Paper Products
Plus: How to Get Accurate LTL Freight Quotes with Our Team
Shipping printed materials under the NMFC can be confusing—especially when freight class is determined by density. If you ship books, maps, directories, blueprints, or other printed matter, this guide explains NMFC Item 161855, the applicable freight classes, and how we can quote your LTL shipments accurately and quickly, including shipments commonly referred to as Freight class Paper.
📘 What Is NMFC 161855?
NMFC 161855 applies to Printed Matter, paper, or paperboard, not otherwise indexed (NOI), when packaged properly in boxes, packages, or crates.
🚚 Under this NMFC item:
- Freight class is not fixed
- Classification is density-based under Item 170
- Accurate dimensions and weight are critical to avoid reclassification
This is why many shippers working with Freight class Paper rely on professional LTL quoting support to avoid billing surprises.
🧾 Products Covered Under NMFC 161855
The following items qualify under NMFC 161855 when shipped as described:
📚 Printed Matter & Paper Products (NMFC 161855)
📦 Annual Reports, in boxes
📦 Blueprints (mechanical drawings, maps, or charts on sensitized paper), in boxes
📦 Books, NOI, in boxes
📦 Books, trading stamp collection, without stamps, in boxes
📦 Bingo Cards or Sheets, with or without other materials, in boxes
📦 Score Cards, Pads, Sheets, or Tablets, paper or paperboard, in boxes
📦 Charts, automatic recording device, NOI, in boxes
📦 Envelope Stock, printed paper sheets to be cut into envelopes, in packages
📦 Maps or Charts, NOI, with or without cabinets or map cases, in boxes or crates
📦 Road Maps, paper, sheets or folded, advertising or non-advertising, not government issued, prepaid, in boxes
📦 Printed Pages or Signatures, not cut to page size (see Item 161856), in packages
📦 Printed Matter, NOI, other than pictures or posters (see Item 161857), in packages
📦 Sheet Music, in boxes
📦 Picture Stamps, NOI, uncut perforated sheets, gummed, in moistureproof packages
📦 Tablet Tops, Composition Covers, or Notebook Covers, in sheets or cut to size, in boxes
📦 Telephone Directories or Telephone Directory Pages (Signatures), folded edges cut or not cut, in packages
All of these products fall under NMFC 161855 and are often grouped by shippers as Freight class Paper shipments.
📊 NMFC 161855 Freight Class by Density
Shipments under NMFC 161855 are subject to Item 170, meaning the freight class is determined by density (lbs per cubic foot). This density-based structure is what drives pricing for most Freight class Paper LTL shipments.
| Density (lbs/cu ft) | Sub | Freight Class |
| Less than 1 | Sub 1 | Class 400 |
| 1 – less than 2 | Sub 2 | Class 300 |
| 2 – less than 4 | Sub 3 | Class 250 |
| 4 – less than 6 | Sub 4 | Class 175 |
| 6 – less than 8 | Sub 5 | Class 125 |
| 8 – less than 10 | Sub 6 | Class 100 |
| 10 – less than 12 | Sub 7 | Class 92.5 |
| 12 – less than 15 | Sub 8 | Class 85 |
| 15 – less than 22.5 | Sub 9 | Class 70 |
| 22.5 – less than 30 | Sub 10 | Class 65 |
| 30 – less than 35 | Sub 11 | Class 60 |
| 35 – less than 50 | Sub 12 | Class 55 |
| 50 or greater | Sub 13 | Class 50 |
⚠️ Why Accurate Freight Class Matters
❌ Incorrect freight class can lead to:
- Carrier re-weighs and re-classifications
- Unexpected LTL accessorial charges
- Delays in delivery
- Invoice disputes
✅ Correct NMFC and freight class:
- Reduces shipping costs
- Prevents rebilling
- Improves transit reliability
This is especially important when shipping Freight class Paper, where small density errors can shift the class significantly.
🧮 Not Sure What Freight Class to Use? We Can Quote It for You
If you’re shipping under NMFC 161855 and aren’t sure which freight class applies, we can quote your LTL shipment for you—including full verification for Freight class Paper commodities.
🚛 We Help With:
✔ LTL freight quotes
✔ NMFC & freight class verification
✔ Density calculations
✔ Carrier selection
✔ Avoiding costly re-classifications
Simply provide:
- Total weight
- Number of cartons or pallets
- Dimensions
- Pickup & delivery ZIP codes
📞 Our team will handle the rest and provide an accurate LTL rate.
📦 Packaging Tips for NMFC 161855 Shipments
📌 Use sturdy boxes or crates
📌 Stack cartons evenly on pallets
📌 Secure loose printed material
📌 Use moisture-resistant packaging when required
Proper packaging supports correct NMFC identification and helps maintain the intended freight class.
🚀 Final Thoughts: NMFC 161855 Made Simple
NMFC 161855 covers a wide range of printed matter and paper products, but freight class always comes down to density. Whether you’re shipping books, maps, directories, blueprints, or printed pages, understanding how NMFC and freight class work together is essential.
👉 Contact us today to quote your LTL shipment, verify your NMFC classification, and ensure your Freight class Paper shipments are rated correctly—every time.
