When shipping goods through LTL (Less-than-Truckload) freight, understanding freight class is essential. Freight class determines the cost, handling requirements, and transportation efficiency of your shipment. Misclassifying freight can lead to surprise charges, delays, or refused pickups. In this guide, we explain what freight class is, how it affects logistics, and how to calculate shipping class accurately.
What Is Freight Class?
Freight class is a standardized system used by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to classify cargo for LTL shipping in the United States. It helps carriers determine how difficult a shipment is to transport. There are 18 different freight classes ranging from 50 to 500.
A lower class (like 50) usually refers to dense, durable, and easy-to-handle goods. Higher classes (like 400 or 500) are assigned to lightweight, bulky, or fragile items that require more space or special handling.
Correctly identifying freight class is key for working efficiently with freight forwarding services and avoiding reclassification charges.
Why Freight Class Matters
Freight class directly impacts your shipping rate. Carriers use this classification to determine pricing, equipment needed, and how freight should be loaded on the truck. Incorrect classification can lead to:
- Delays in delivery
- Reclassification fees
- Inspection delays
- Billing adjustments
Working with professional trucking companies helps ensure accurate freight handling, but the shipper is responsible for determining the correct freight class.
Four Factors That Determine Freight Class
1. Density: Density is the most common factor in determining freight class. It is calculated by dividing the weight of your shipment by its volume in cubic feet.
2. Stowability: This refers to how easily the freight can be stored and transported with other items. Freight with irregular shapes or hazardous materials may have higher classes.
3. Handling: Items that require special handling due to fragility or risk will be assigned higher freight classes.
4. Liability: Freight that is more likely to be damaged or stolen, or has a higher value, is considered higher risk and thus assigned a higher class.
How To Calculate Freight Class
1. Measure the Shipment
Measure the length, width, and height of the shipment (in inches), including the pallet. Multiply these to get the total cubic inches, then divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
2. Weigh the Shipment
Use an accurate scale to weigh the entire shipment, including packaging and pallet.
3. Calculate Density
Divide the weight (in pounds) by the volume (in cubic feet). For example, if a shipment weighs 500 lbs and occupies 20 cubic feet, the density is 25 lbs/ft³.
4. Determine Class from Density Table
Use the NMFC freight class density chart to identify the appropriate class:
- 50: ≥ 50 lbs/ft³
- 55: 35–49.9 lbs/ft³
- 60: 30–34.9 lbs/ft³
- 65: 22.5–29.9 lbs/ft³
- 500: < 1 lb/ft³
If your freight doesn’t meet the density thresholds or has special handling requirements, the class may be higher.
Common Examples of Freight Classes
- Freight Class 50: Bricks, tile, steel rods (very dense and durable)
- Freight Class 125: Machinery or packaged goods
- Freight Class 250: Lightweight furniture or assembled products
- Freight Class 400–500: Fragile or very bulky items, like foam products
If using specialized transport like flatbed services, freight class still applies, but additional factors like height and load type are also considered.
Tools To Simplify Freight Classification
Many shippers use online freight class calculators offered by third-party logistics providers. You can also request classification help from your carrier or freight forwarder.
Logistics experts offering freight forwarding services will often validate your class and help optimize packaging to reduce shipping costs and risks.
Avoiding Freight Classification Mistakes
Misclassifying freight can increase your costs and delay your shipments. Follow these best practices:
- Always measure and weigh shipments accurately
- Review your product’s NMFC code
- Use proper packaging to protect and stabilize your goods
- Confirm class with your logistics provider
Partnering with experienced trucking companies ensures smoother operations and better compliance with carrier requirements.
Conclusion
Freight class plays a critical role in determining LTL shipping costs, handling methods, and transit planning. Accurately calculating your shipping class based on density, stowability, handling, and liability helps ensure a smooth shipping process.
Rely on trusted providers like Warrior Logistics for accurate freight forwarding services, reliable trucking companies, and specialized flatbed services to move your freight safely and cost-effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is freight class in shipping?
Freight class is a standardized rating based on density, handling, and liability to determine LTL shipping costs.
2. How do I calculate freight class?
Measure and weigh your shipment, calculate density, and refer to the NMFC density table for classification.
3. Why is freight class important?
It affects your shipping rate and ensures proper handling and transport of your goods.
4. Can I reduce freight class to save costs?
Yes, optimizing packaging to increase density can lower your freight class and reduce shipping rates.
5. Who determines freight class?
The shipper is responsible for providing the freight class, but it can be verified by your carrier or freight forwarder.