What freight class are batteries?

Palletized lead-acid batteries typically rate class 60 (30 - 35 pcf); lithium batteries carry hazmat rules that matter more than the class. The exact class depends on the measured density of your packaged shipment.

How do I find the exact class for my batteries shipment?

Measure the packaged dimensions and weight, compute pounds per cubic foot, and read the current 13-band NMFC density scale - or use the free calculator on this site. Confirm the NMFC item number with your carrier for the BOL.

Did the 2025 NMFC changes affect batteries?

Docket 2025-1 (July 2025) moved roughly 2,000 commodity listings to density-based classification and rebuilt the density scale to 13 bands, so most freight - including this category - now classes primarily by measured density.

Freight Class for Batteries: Typical Classes & How to Verify

Why batteries rate where they do

Lead-acid batteries are dense and stack tight: a banded pallet usually exceeds 30 pcf and rates class 60 or better. Lithium-ion freight is often similar density in the carton, but the classification question is secondary to the dangerous-goods one.

Worked example. A banded pallet of lead-acid batteries: 48 × 40 × 30 in, 1100 lb. That is 33.3 cu ft and 1100 lb → 33.00 pcf → class 60. Run your own numbers →

Relevant class pages: class 60 · class 65.

What moves the number

Wet lead-acid and lithium batteries are regulated hazmat in LTL: UN numbers, terminal restrictions and carrier-specific rules apply, and some carriers will not take damaged or recalled lithium at all. Get the hazmat paperwork right first; the class follows the density as usual.

Measure, don't assume. Since NMFC Docket 2025-1 (July 2025) most commodities class by measured density on a 13-band scale. The ranges above are typical, not guaranteed — your packaging decides your density. Calculate your actual class →

Freight class for batteries

Why batteries rate where they do

What moves the number