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What is a Freight Class?

How to Determine Freight Classes

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    What is a freight class?

    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.

    Determining freight classes is based on four factors:

    Density

    The amount of space an item takes up in relation to its weight is known as density. Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot. Items with higher freight density and more compact size will fall under a lower LTL freight class, resulting in lower costs compared to bulky items.

    Ease of Handling

    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.

    Liability

    The value and likelihood of freight theft or damage are factors that affect shipping cost and an item’s freight identification. Items with higher value or more susceptible to theft or damage tend to fall into a higher freight shipping class due to their higher liability and, therefore, cost more than other shipments.

    Stow-ability

    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.

    How to Determine Freight Classes

    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:

    1Measure Dimensions

    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.

    2Calculate Volume

    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.

    3Calculate Density

    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.

    4Determine Freight Class

    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.

    Freight Classification Chart

    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.

    LTL Freight Classifications

    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.

    How to Use Freight Class to Lower Your Shipping Costs

    Knowing your freight class can help you lower your costs in several ways. One way is by choosing the right carrier for your shipment. Some LTL carriers may have lower rates for certain than other freight and classes, and knowing your class can help you choose the carrier that offers the best rates for your needs. Another way to lower your shipping rates is by optimizing your packaging to reduce the density of your shipment. This can lower your freight class and, therefore, save money.

    People Also Ask Us

    1. What freight class is a pallet?

      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.

    2. How do I get freight class?

      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.

    3. What class is my freight shipment?

      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.

    4. What does class mean when shipping freight?

      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.

    5. What is a NMFC Code?

      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.

    Need help to determine freight class?

    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.