FOCUS WEST LOGISTICS
YOUR ONE STOP LOGISTIC SHOP
We’ll get back to you within 30 minutes
Freight class is the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system used by shipping carriers to categorize and price different types of LTL freight.
Knowing your freight class is essential to determining shipping costs, and it can also affect how your freight is handled during transport in LTL (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload) shipping.
The level of care needed to handle an item during shipping is a factor in determining its actual freight class. Items that are fragile, require special attention, or have hazardous properties will fall under a higher LTL shipping classes and cost more to ship. This also includes perishable cargo.
The ease of transporting the freight with other commodities is referred to as stow-ability. LTL Shipments that are perishable, flammable, or contain hazardous materials are regulated and may not be shipped with certain materials, resulting in a higher freight class that is most costly to ship.
For determining freight class, you need to know the weight and dimensions of your shipment, as well as its density. Density (pounds per cubic foot) is calculated by dividing the weight of the shipment by its volume.
Once you have these measurements, you can determine your shipment’s freight class name.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you calculate your freight classification accurately:
Measure the length, width, and height of your shipment, including any packaging like pallets. Round up to the nearest inch.
If you have multiple pieces or pallets, repeat this step for each one.
Multiply the height, width, and length measurements you just took. This gives you the total cubic inches of the shipment. Then divide this number by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet. If you have several different pieces, multiply the length, width, and height of each individual piece.
Determine the weight of the shipment in pounds. If you have multiple pieces, add the weight of each piece together to get the total weight. Then divide the total weight by the total cubic feet of the shipment to get the pounds per cubic foot, or density.
Use the LTL (less-than-truckload) freight class chart below to determine the correct freight class based on the density and other factors like stow-ability, handling, and liability. Knowing the correct freight class will help you get an accurate shipping quote and avoid any surprises later on.
By following these steps, you can determine your LTL freight classes accurately and avoid overpaying by getting your freight class wrong.
If you’re unsure about any of these steps or need further assistance, feel free to contact a professional in the freight industry such as Focus West Logistics. Most LTL carrier and LTL shipping companies will be happy to help you calculate classes for your freight types.
The NMFC Classification book contains a freight density (measured in pounds per cubic foot) and class chart that lists the different freight classes and the range of densities that correspond to each class.
Using this chart can help you determine your freight class if you prefer to do it manually rather than using a calculator.
You can also consult the chart below to get a general idea of how different types of products are classified.
| Freight Class NMFC Code |
Type of Freight Examples |
Weight per ft3 Pounds per cubic foot |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Durable freight that fits on a standard 4' × 4' pallet | 50+ lbs. |
| 55 | Bricks, cement, hardwood flooring, construction materials | 35–50 lbs. |
| 60 | Car accessories, car parts | 30–35 lbs. |
| 65 | Car accessories and parts, boxed books, bottled drinks | 22.5–30 lbs. |
| 70 | Car accessories and parts, auto engines, food items | 15–22.5 lbs. |
| 77.5 | Tires, bathroom fixtures | 13.5–15 lbs. |
| 85 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves | 12–13.5 lbs. |
| 92.5 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | 10.5–12 lbs. |
| 100 | Car covers, canvas, boat covers, wine cases, caskets | 9–10.5 lbs. |
| 110 | Cabinets, framed art, table saws | 8–9 lbs. |
| 125 | Small home appliances | 7–8 lbs. |
| 150 | Auto sheet metal, bookcases | 6–7 lbs. |
| 175 | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture | 5–6 lbs. |
| 200 | Sheet metal parts, aluminum tables, packaged mattresses, aircraft parts | 4–5 lbs. |
| 250 | Mattresses and box springs, plasma TVs, bamboo furniture | 3–4 lbs. |
| 300 | Model boats, assembled chairs, tables, wood cabinets | 2–3 lbs. |
| 400 | Deer antlers | 1–2 lbs. |
| 500 | Gold dust, ping pong balls | <1 lb. |
A pallet freight class can vary depending on its dimensions and weight, as well as the type of product it is carrying. In general, most pallets fall into the 50-70 freight class range.
For determining freight class, you need to know the weight and dimensions of your shipment, as well as its density. Density (pounds per cubic foot) is calculated by dividing the weight of the shipment by its volume. Once you have these measurements, you can determine your shipment’s freight class name.
You can get your freight class by calculating your shipment’s density and consulting the NMFC Classification book or using a freight class calculator.
The class of your freight shipment depends on its density, stow-ability, handling, and liability. You can determine your freight class by using a freight class calculator and inputing your shipments dimensions, weight, and density, and consulting the National Motor Freight Classification book.
The class of your freight shipment is used to determine the price you pay for shipping. It takes into account factors such as freight density, stow-ability, handling, and liability. Knowing your freight class is essential to ensuring that you are paying the correct price for your LTL shipment.
NMFC code is the same as freight class. If someone is asking you for your NMFC code, it is the same as a freight class. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is a standardized system used by carriers to assign a freight class to specific products. Using the correct freight classification for your shipment is essential to ensure that your freight is classified correctly and priced accordingly.
If you’re looking to save on your freight quote and want to ensure that your freight is classified accurately, then contacting Focus West Logistics is your best option.
With our expertise in the freight industry and our access to the latest technology and resources, we can help you determine your freight class and optimize your packaging to lower your costs. By working with us, you’ll have access to a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing you with the best shipping solutions possible.
Contact us today to get started and take advantage of our expertise in calculating your freight class and saving on your freight quote.
TESTIMONIALS
He gets back to us immediately
We started using John @ Focus West Logistics for LTL freight and he has proven over and over again that he wants to earn our business. When we ask for a quote he gets back to us immediately with an option and will always follow up if he is able to find a better deal, when it comes time for the freight to be picked up he follows up and ensures everything is done and taken care of. I would recommend John and his team at Focus West Logistics
TESTIMONIALS
Trusted Globally
Since our company switched to Focus West we have found booking/quotes and the whole shipping process to be that much easier. So happy to have spent the past year with them and hoping for many more to come. The staff are very professional and are great to deal with. Always going above and beyond for our shipping needs.
TESTIMONIALS
It makes my job so much easier.
Great job! Thank you for handling our materials delivery in such an efficient and timely manner and helping to make sure that all border crossings went smoothly. With Focus, we are always confident in our shipments arriving on time and in perfect condition. It makes my job so much easier.
TESTIMONIALS
Willing To Go The Extra Mile
Focus West Logistics is such a pleasure to work with. The staff is fun, friendly and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we are receiving the care and RATES we deserve.
OUR PERFORMANCE
The Proof Is In Our Performance
COMPANY
Focus West Logistics is a Freight Forwarder providing competitive rates on Canadian Freight Shipping, International Shipping and many other freight logistics services.