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Most non-perishable food ships at Class 50–92.5 — the lowest class range in LTL. Reasons: high density (canned goods, beverages weigh a lot per cubic foot), standardized packaging (pallets of identical cartons), low handling complexity.
But food has unique pitfalls: FDA registration, temperature requirements, food-grade carrier selection. This guide covers both.
| Item | Typical Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned food (vegetables, fruit, soup) | Class 50–55 | Water + metal can = highest density. |
| Bottled beverages (water, juice, soda) | Class 55–65 | Same density logic. |
| Beer, wine, liquor (palletized) | Class 55–70 | Glass bottles add fragility consideration. |
| Coffee, ground or beans (boxed) | Class 70–85 | Dry, dense. |
| Coffee cans (cylindrical, metal) | Class 65–85 | Common search term — metal cans on pallet. |
| Tea (boxed, bagged) | Class 70–92.5 | Lower density than coffee. |
| Cheese, NOI (refrigerated) | Class 55–85 | Requires reefer (refrigerated) carrier. |
| Dairy (milk, butter, cream, refrigerated) | Class 55–65 | Reefer required. |
| Frozen food (ice cream, frozen meals) | Class 55–70 | Reefer + temperature recorder. |
| Fresh fruit / vegetables (palletized) | Class 60–85 | Reefer required; class varies by commodity. |
| Meat, NOI (refrigerated) | Class 60–85 | Reefer + USDA documentation if interstate. |
| Jerky, dried meat (boxed) | Class 70–85 | Common search — non-refrigerated. |
| Snack foods (chips, crackers) | Class 100–150 | Low density (air in packaging). |
| Pet food, dry (boxed) | Class 55–70 | Dense kibble. |
| Spices, dried herbs (boxed) | Class 70–92.5 | Lightweight. |
| Flour, sugar, salt (bagged) | Class 50–55 | Very dense. |
| Cooking oil (drums or cases) | Class 55–70 | Heavy liquid. |
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Sanitary Transportation Rule (2017) requires carriers hauling human/animal food to register with FDA and follow specific sanitation protocols. Not all LTL carriers comply. ShipOnlines pre-filters for FSMA-compliant carriers when commodity is flagged as food.
| Item | Reefer Required? | Temp Range |
|---|---|---|
| Canned goods, beverages, coffee, jerky | ❌ Dry van OK | — |
| Cheese, dairy, fresh meat | ✅ Reefer required | 33–40°F |
| Frozen food, ice cream | ✅ Reefer required | 0°F or below |
| Fresh produce | ✅ Reefer required | 34–55°F (varies) |
For reefer shipments, the BOL should specify temperature monitoring (USB temp loggers in 1–3 boxes per pallet). Required for insurance claims if temperature excursion damages product.
Loose bags = "loose freight" = Class 200+. Always palletize and shrink-wrap.
1 layer of bottled water = Class 70. Full pallet (1500+lbs) = Class 50. Don't ship half pallets if you can consolidate.
"Cheese" auto-routes to reefer-capable carriers in most TMS. If you accidentally ship on dry van, expect spoilage claim + carrier refusal.
Air-puffed chips/popcorn have density 1-3 PCF — Class 150+. Don't default to Class 70.
Prepare:
ShipOnlines auto-filters for FSMA-compliant + reefer-capable carriers when food is flagged.
Get an LTL freight quote for food & beverage →
After finding the NMFC code / freight class, prepare your origin ZIP, destination ZIP, commodity, weight, dimensions, pallet count, address type (commercial/residential), photos, and accessorial needs such as liftgate, appointment, inside delivery, or limited access. ShipOnlines can help compare LTL, PTL, FTL, drayage, and transloading options.
Not sure which NMFC or freight class to use?
Prepare your origin & destination ZIP codes, commodity, dimensions, weight and pallet count — ShipOnlines can help compare LTL, PTL and FTL options and get you US truck rates.
Get LTL Quote → NMFC Lookup · LTL Quote ChecklistNMFC codes and freight classes shown here are a reference estimate — the carrier makes the final classification based on the actual commodity, density, packaging, and NMFC rules. For an accurate LTL quote, prepare your origin/destination ZIP, commodity, weight & dimensions, and pallet count.
Get LTL Quote → NMFC & Class Lookup Address Checker