WHAT IS FREIGHT CLASS?
Don’t let freight costs surprise you. Learn what freight class means and take control of your shipping costs.
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WHAT IS FREIGHT CLASS?
Freight class is a system used to group different types of freight for Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping. It ensures pricing is fair and consistent based on the shipment’s characteristics. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) defines LTL freight class as a way to assess how easily an item can be shipped. Using the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) system, items are categorized into 18 classes, ranging from 50 to 500.
LEARN HOW TO CALCULATE FREIGHT CLASS
LTL carriers determine costs based on the weight of your items and the space they occupy. To standardize this, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) chart. This system assigns freight classes, making it easier to compare different products being shipped.
Four main factors determine a product’s freight class: density, stowability, handling, and liability.
To calculate your LTL freight class:
1. Measure the length, width, and height of your pallet and weigh it.
2. Multiply the length × width × height to find the total cubic inches.
3. Convert this to cubic feet by dividing by 1,728.
4. Divide the weight of your shipment by the total cubic feet to calculate the density.
Your density determines your freight class, simplifying the process for fair pricing.
Save Time with uShip: uShip automatically calculates your LTL freight class for you. That means you can save time and money when you choose us to ship your freight.
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Freight class is a system used to determine how much your cargo weighs and how it’s priced for Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping. It ensures fair, standardized pricing, helping businesses and carriers maintain consistency while simplifying rate calculations and logistics planning.
LTL carriers base shipping charges on the weight and size of your items. To streamline this process, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) developed the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) chart. This system categorizes items into freight classes, making it easier to compare shipping costs across different products.
REASONS FOR FREIGHT CLASS
Freight classification simplifies the shipping process for everyone involved. It standardizes how shipments are categorized and priced, ensuring consistency across the entire logistics chain. Since shipping involves more than just moving items from point A to point B, freight class accounts for key factors like weight, size, and handling needs.
Ease of Handling:
Every shipment is unique. For example, a pallet of bricks weighs much more than a pallet of pillows. Some shipments require special handling to prevent damage or reduce the risk of theft. Freight classes help organize these differences so each shipment is packed, handled, and transported appropriately.
Shared Standard Operating Procedures:
Shipments often pass through multiple hands—truck drivers, warehouse staff, and freight forwarders. Freight classes create a common language, ensuring everyone involved knows what to expect and how to charge for their part.
Accurate Quotes:
Misclassifying your freight can lead to costly reclassification fees later. Consulting an expert to confirm your freight class can save you time, money, and unwanted surprises.
WHAT DETERMINES FREIGHT CLASS?
Freight class isn’t just a random number—it plays a key role in determining your shipping costs and logistics plan. Freight class is based on several factors, each crucial for accurately pricing and categorizing your shipment according to the LTL freight class chart:
- Density: This refers to how heavy an item is compared to its size. Generally, the denser the item, the lower its freight class—and lower classes often mean reduced shipping costs. Carriers prefer heavy items that don’t take up much space, which is why density matters so much.
- Stowability: Stowability measures how well a shipment can be loaded with other freight. Hazardous materials, for example, can’t travel with non-hazardous items, and odd-shaped goods may be harder to arrange. Freight class helps carriers optimize truck space for safe and efficient transportation.
- Handling: Handling looks at how easy or difficult it is to move your shipment during loading and unloading. Factors like size, fragility, and packaging all influence this. Items requiring special care might have higher freight classes.
- Liability: Liability considers the risk of a shipment being lost, damaged, stolen, or causing harm to other goods. Perishable or high-value items typically have higher liability, which can affect their freight class.
Each of these factors directly impacts your shipping costs and ensures your freight is categorized properly for smooth transportation.
HOW TO CALCULATE FREIGHT CLASS: STEP BY STEP
Calculating freight class is easier than you might think. Whether it’s for furniture or heavy equipment, these straightforward steps will guide you through the process:
1. Measure Your Shipment: Record the height, width, and depth of your package in inches. For example, if your shipment is 24 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 48 inches deep, you’re off to a great start!
2. Calculate Cubic Inches: Multiply the height × width × depth to get the total cubic inches. In this case:24 × 36 × 48 = 41,472 cubic inches.If you have multiple pieces, calculate each separately and add them together.
3. Convert to Cubic Feet: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). For this example:41,472 ÷ 1,728 = 24 cubic feet.
4. Determine Total Weight: Weigh your shipment. Let’s say it comes in at 600 pounds.
5. Calculate Density: Divide the weight by the total cubic feet to find the density:600 ÷ 24 = 25 pounds per cubic foot.
And there you have it! Your shipment’s density will help you determine its freight class using the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) chart.
Skip the Calculations with uShip: Want a simpler way? uShip takes care of freight class calculations for you, saving you time and effort. Ready to get started? Check out our guide on measuring freight for more tips.
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Compare Rates| Class | Commodity Example | PCF Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Bulk Nuts & Bolts, Pallet of Bricks | 50+ Pounds |
| 55 | Hardwood Flooring, Paint Cans | 35-50 Pounds |
| 60 | Car Accessories, Ceramic Tiles | 30-35 Pounds |
| 65 | Boxes of Books, Bottled Drinks | 22.5-30 Pounds |
| 70 | Forklift Battery, Car Parts | 15-22.5 Pounds |
| 77.5 | Tires, Bathroom Fixtures | 13.5-15 Pounds |
| 85 | Used Auto Engine, Crated Machinery | 12-13.5 Pounds |
| 92.5 | Computers, Monitors | 10.5-12 Pounds |
| 100 | Wooden Furniture, Boat/Car Covers | 9-10.5 Pounds |
| 110 | Cosmetics, Framed Artwork | 8-9 Pounds |
| 125 | Toasters, Blenders | 7-8 Pounds |
| 150 | Auto Sheet Metal, Surgical Instruments | 6-7 Pounds |
| 175 | Clothing, Fishing Nets | 5-6 Pounds |
| 200 | Aircraft Parts, Sporting Helmets | 4-5 Pounds |
| 250 | Mattress and Box Spring, Stuffed Furniture | 3-4 Pounds |
| 300 | Cell Phones, Animal Taxidermy | 2-3 Pounds |
| 400 | Kayaks, Bags of Potato Chips | 1-2 Pounds |
| 500 | Ping-pong Balls, Insulation | <1 Pound |
HOW TO AVOID CALCULATING FREIGHT CLASS
Skip the hassle of freight class calculations with uShip! Just tell us what you’re shipping, and we’ll take care of the rest. No more worrying about dimensions or density—our network of trusted carriers ensures you can ship confidently without the stress of figuring out freight class.
With uShip, you’ll also benefit from tools that simplify your shipping experience:
- Invoice Review: We’ll review your invoices to catch any errors. If you notice unexpected charges, let us know—we’ll help you work with your carrier to resolve them.
- Custom Rate Uploads: Have your own LTL carrier rates? Add them to your uShip portal to easily compare and manage all your quotes in one place.
- Tailored Pricing: Every shipper is unique. That’s why we offer personalized rates based on your shipping needs.
- Referral Rewards: Love uShip? Share it with friends! When they sign up, you’ll earn shipping credits as our way of saying thanks.
- Shipping Protection: Many LTL carriers don’t offer robust liability coverage. Add a uShip Protection Plan for extra peace of mind during transit.
With uShip, you can skip freight class headaches, save time, and focus on what matters most—getting your goods where they need to go, reliably and affordably.
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Forget the guesswork—uShip calculates your freight class and connects you with trusted carriers for hassle-free shipping.
Start ShippingFrequently Asked Questions
What is LTL freight class?
LTL freight class is a system that determines shipping costs. With classifications ranging from 50 to 500, it helps carriers price shipments based on cargo type and specific characteristics. With uShip, you don’t need to worry about manually figuring this out—we calculate it for you!
How does freight class work?
Freight class assigns a number to products based on factors like weight, size, and fragility. This system ensures carriers can calculate fair and accurate shipping costs for your LTL shipment. uShip handles this for you, so you can focus on shipping instead of calculations.
How is LTL freight calculated?
LTL freight is calculated using your shipment’s size and weight. First, measure the height, width, and depth to determine the cubic feet. Then, divide the weight by the cubic feet to calculate density. Your freight class is based on this density. Or, skip the hassle—uShip calculates your freight class for you automatically!
What factors determine LTL freight class?
Key factors include:
- Density: Weight relative to size.
- Stowability: How easily your freight fits with other shipments.
- Handling: How much care is required during transport.
- Liability: Risk of theft, damage, or spoilage.
uShip simplifies this process by factoring these elements into your freight class calculation, ensuring accurate pricing without the guesswork.
Is it necessary to follow the LTL freight classification chart?
Yes. Adhering to the LTL freight classification chart ensures accurate pricing and avoids additional fees. Incorrect classification can lead to surprise charges or logistical challenges. With uShip, we handle classification for you, so you don’t need to stress over getting it right.
What happens if I don’t follow LTL freight class rules?
Incorrect classification can result in reclassification fees, delayed shipments, or financial liabilities. For example, mislabeling a furniture freight class as 60 instead of 100 can lead to costly adjustments. With uShip, you can rest easy knowing we’ve calculated your freight class correctly, helping you avoid unnecessary fees and delays.
LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING GUIDE
Explore our LTL freight guide to simplifying Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping. Packed with tips, tricks, and best practices, it’s designed to help you streamline your shipping process and save time and money.
COST TO SHIP
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