What is Freight Class?
Freight class is an industry-wide numeric classification system used to categorize commodities transported through LTL shipping.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) defines the freight classes and makes them available through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).
There are 18 different freight classes, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500, and every single item that ships LTL falls into one of these categories.
Why is Freight Class Important?
When shipping LTL, all commodities are not created equal. Different products will have different freight classes, and your shipment’s freight class will have a significant impact on your rate.
Freight class describes a commodity’s overall “transportability.” The four primary metrics used to calculate transportability are:
- Density
- Ease of handling
- Stowability
- Liability
Distance, volume, and other market factors may also inform how your freight is classified.
Density
Density refers to the weight per cubic foot of each piece, or the space an item occupies in relation to its weight.
Commodities with a higher density fall into a lower freight class and are easier to ship because they are more compact.
High-density commodities are, therefore, cheaper to ship than bulky, low-density items.
Handling
Handling relates to any unique handling or care requirements needed during transport.
Fragile or hazardous items may require special accommodations, which means they will fall into a higher freight class and cost more money to ship.
Size, weight, and shape can also impact the ease of handling, thus increasing the cost of shipping.
Stowability
Stowability accounts for how a commodity can be loaded and transported with other commodities.
If freight is hazardous, perishable, flammable, oddly shaped, or too heavy, it can be difficult to ship alongside other items.
If an item is difficult to stow with other items, it will have a higher freight class and be more expensive to ship.
Liability
Liability covers the likelihood of freight theft, damage, or damage to nearby loads.
If a commodity is perishable, has hazardous properties, or is combustible, for example, it will have a higher liability and will cost more to ship.
When combined, these four factors determine a commodity’s NMFC code.
Why are NMFC Codes Important?
NMFC codes are important because they help LTL carriers understand how difficult or easy it will be to ship a particular commodity.
Freight class primarily takes density into account. NMFC codes, on the other hand, get much more specific and account for a variety of factors that impact the efficiency of the shipping process.
NMFC codes consider the following factors:
- Weight, Length, and Height
- Commodity Type
- Density of the Freight
- Ease of Handling
- Value and Liability
- Packaging
How to Determine an NMFC Code and Freight Class for Your LTL Shipment?
To find a specific NMFC code, you can use an NMFC classification tool, such as
ClassIT, and go through the following steps.
- Search for the commodity within the tool. (Be specific and input the plural form of the item if no results are found.)
- Select the commodity/NMFC that best fits the freight you are shipping.
- If the commodity is density based:
- Calculate the density of your commodity with a freight calculator (you will need to know your commodity’s exact length, width, height, and weight).
- Select the correct class based on the density of your commodity.
- If the commodity is not density based, only one class will be listed for the NMFC number.
Note: Inaccurate calculations can significantly impact your shipping costs.
For assistance in determining your NMFC number and freight class, please email support@shipopti.com.