Freight Class:

Codes, Charts & Calculator

Updated on: 9/28/2024

Learn everything you need to know about a freight broker.

What is Freight Class?

Freight class, or NMFC freight code, is a standardized system used by Less Than Truckload (LTL) carriers to categorize freight based on its weight, volume, and other characteristics, determining shipping costs and requirements.



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Introduction

Understanding and accurately determining your freight class is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it directly affects your shipping costs. Misclassifying your freight can result in overcharges or unexpected fees, which can eat your profit margins. Secondly, proper classification helps in managing and mitigating claims. Incorrectly classified freight is more likely to be damaged or lost, leading to costly claims and potential customer dissatisfaction. Finally, avoiding carrier reclassification ensures that your shipping process runs smoothly, without delays caused by disputes over freight class.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about freight class:

  • Basics of Freight Class: Understand what freight class is and how it is used by LTL carriers.
  • Role in LTL Shipping: Learn how freight class impacts shipping costs and claims.
  • Determining Factors: Gain insights into the key factors that determine freight class, including density, stowability, handling, and liability.
  • Comprehensive Guide to Freight Classes: Explore the 18 different types of freight class and understand why density-based freight class is often the preferred method.
  • Calculating Your Freight Class: Learn how to calculate your freight class using both the NMFC method and the density-based method, with detailed examples to illustrate the process.
    • NMFC Method: This method is suitable for products where factors like liability, handling, and stowability significantly influence classification.
    • Density-Based Method: This method is ideal for dense, uniform items that are easy to handle, focusing solely on the item's density.
  • Common Pitfalls: Identify common mistakes in calculating freight class and understand how to avoid them.
  • Benefits of a Freight Broker: Discover how leveraging a freight broker can assist with accurate freight classification and improve your shipping process.


Freight Class: a Detailed Explanation

Freight class, also known as the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code, is a crucial component in the shipping and logistics industry. Developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), this standardized system categorizes freight into 18 different classes, ranging from 50 to 500. Each class is defined by specific characteristics of the freight, such as weight, density, stowability, handling, and liability. The primary purpose of the NMFC code is to provide a uniform basis for pricing freight, ensuring that shippers and carriers have a common understanding of shipping requirements and costs.

The NMFC code is used primarily in Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping, where multiple shippers' goods are consolidated into a single truckload. By classifying freight, carriers can more accurately assess the space and resources required to transport different types of goods. For example, heavy, dense items that are easy to handle and stow typically fall into lower classes (e.g., class 50), resulting in lower shipping costs. Conversely, light, bulky, or fragile items that require special handling may fall into higher classes (e.g., class 500), leading to higher shipping costs.


Role of Freight Class in LTL Shipping

Freight class plays a critical role in LTL shipping, influencing various aspects of the shipping process. Understanding and accurately determining the freight class is essential for several reasons:

Shipping Costs

Freight class directly impacts shipping costs. Carriers use the freight class to determine how much space the shipment will occupy and the resources required to transport it. For example, a dense, compact item like a pallet of bricks might fall into a lower freight class (e.g., class 55), resulting in lower shipping costs. Conversely, a shipment of large, lightweight items like pillows could be classified higher (e.g., class 400), leading to higher shipping expenses.

Accurately classifying your freight helps avoid overpaying for shipping. Misclassifying freight can result in unexpected fees and charges. For instance, if a shipment is incorrectly classified as a lower class than it should be, the carrier may reclassify it upon inspection, leading to additional costs.

Dealing with Claims

Proper freight classification is crucial in managing and mitigating claims. Misclassified freight can be subject to improper handling or stowage, increasing the risk of damage or loss. For example, fragile items like glassware or electronics require accurate classification to ensure they are handled with care. If such items are classified too low, they might not receive the necessary precautions, resulting in damage and subsequent claims.

Handling claims can be time-consuming and costly, impacting your business’s bottom line and customer satisfaction. Accurate classification helps minimize the risk of damage, ensuring that shipments arrive safely and on time.

Avoiding Carrier Modifications

Incorrect freight classification can lead to carriers reclassifying the freight and modifying charges. Carriers may conduct inspections and audits, and if they find discrepancies, they will reclassify the freight according to the correct class. This can result in unexpected charges and delays in shipment delivery.

For example, a business shipping a bulk order of lightweight plastic parts might classify the shipment as class 100. However, if the carrier determines that the shipment should be class 200 due to its volume and handling requirements, the shipper will face additional charges and potential delivery delays.

Efficiency and Cost Savings

Perfecting the freight classification process saves money, resources, and time. Accurate classification ensures that shipments are handled and transported efficiently, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays. It also helps in negotiating better shipping rates with carriers, as accurate classification builds trust and reliability.

For instance, an e-commerce company shipping a variety of products can streamline its logistics operations by ensuring that each product is correctly classified. This reduces the chances of reclassification, minimizes shipping costs, and ensures timely delivery to customers.


The Two Most Common Types of Freight Class: NMFC and Density

Freight classification is a crucial aspect of LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping, impacting costs, handling, and overall logistics efficiency. The two most common methods used to determine freight class are the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system and density-based classification.

NMFC Classification: The NMFC system, established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), categorizes freight into 18 distinct classes ranging from 50 to 500. This classification considers factors such as stowability, handling, and liability in addition to density. Each type of freight is assigned a specific NMFC code, which provides a standardized way to identify and categorize various goods.

Density-Based Classification: Density-based classification focuses primarily on the weight and volume of the shipment. This method calculates the density of the freight in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft³) and assigns a corresponding freight class based on the result. Density-based classification is often preferred for its straightforward approach and is particularly useful when there are no significant handling or stowage issues.

Understanding the differences between these two methods and knowing when to apply each can help shippers optimize their logistics processes, ensure accurate freight classification, and avoid unnecessary costs. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each type of classification, providing detailed guidance on how to accurately determine the appropriate freight class for your shipments.


How Freight Class (NMFC) is Determined

The NMFC freight class is determined based on a combination of factors:

  1. Density: This is the primary factor in freight classification. Density is calculated as the weight of the shipment divided by its volume in cubic feet. Higher density items usually have a lower freight class because they take up less space per pound of weight.
  2. Stowability: This refers to how easily the freight can be stowed in the truck. Items that are oddly shaped, hazardous, or require special handling may be harder to stow and thus assigned a higher freight class.
  3. Handling: This factor considers the ease or difficulty of loading and unloading the freight. Items that require special equipment or careful handling can increase the freight class.
  4. Liability: This includes the risk of damage or theft. High-value, fragile, or hazardous items that are more likely to be damaged or stolen will have a higher freight class.

Correctly determining the freight class is essential for several reasons. Accurate classification ensures that shipping costs are appropriately calculated, preventing unexpected charges and disputes with carriers. It also helps in managing claims by reducing the risk of damage or loss due to improper handling or stowage. Furthermore, avoiding reclassification by carriers ensures a smooth shipping process without delays or additional costs.

In summary, the NMFC code and freight class system provide a standardized method for categorizing and pricing freight in LTL shipping. By understanding and correctly applying freight class, shippers can optimize their logistics operations, reduce costs, and ensure efficient and reliable transportation of their goods.


Understanding the Factors that Determine NMFC Freight Class

Freight class is determined by four main factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. Each factor significantly influences how freight is classified and, how much it will cost to ship. Let’s explore these factors with unique examples relevant to small businesses, e-commerce companies, and retailers.

Density

Density is the weight of the shipment divided by its volume in cubic feet. Higher density typically results in a lower freight class and lower shipping costs.

Example: An e-commerce company selling hand weights faces high-density shipments. A box of hand weights weighing 150 pounds but only occupying 2 cubic feet of space has a high density. This would place it in a lower freight class, reducing shipping costs due to the efficient use of space.

Stowability

Stowability refers to how easily the freight can be arranged in the truck. Items that are difficult to stow due to their shape, size, or hazardous nature may be assigned a higher freight class.

Example: A small business that crafts custom furniture often ships irregularly shaped items like uniquely designed chairs. These items don’t stack neatly and may require special placement within the truck, increasing their freight class and shipping costs.

Handling

Handling involves the ease or difficulty of loading and unloading the freight. Items requiring special handling due to their size, fragility, or the need for special equipment will generally have a higher freight class.

Example: A retailer shipping large flat-screen TVs faces handling challenges. These fragile items require careful handling and special equipment to avoid damage, resulting in a higher freight class and increased shipping costs due to the additional care needed.

Liability

Liability refers to the risk of damage, theft, or other loss during transit. High-value, fragile, or hazardous items have higher liability and are assigned a higher freight class to account for the increased risk.

Example: An e-commerce company shipping high-end electronics, such as laptops, deals with high liability. The valuable and fragile nature of these items makes them prone to damage or theft, necessitating higher insurance and protective measures, leading to a higher freight class.


Density-Based Freight Class: A Simplified Method

Density-based freight class is a method used to categorize freight based on its weight per cubic foot, making it a straightforward and efficient approach for items without significant liability, handling, or stowage concerns. Unlike the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, which considers factors such as liability, stowability, and handling along with density, the density-based method focuses solely on the item's density. This makes it a preferred method for certain products where these other factors are not as critical.

For instance, shipping bulk paper rolls, which are dense, uniform, and easy to handle, can be efficiently classified using density alone. Other examples include shipments of metals, bricks, and certain chemicals, where the high density and straightforward handling requirements make density-based classification the most practical choice.

This classification system is established by the Commodity Classifications Standards Board, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the industry.

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This density-based approach simplifies the shipping process for many types of freight by focusing on the weight-to-volume ratio, which can be easily measured and standardized. By reducing the complexity associated with the NMFC system, it provides a more streamlined method for classifying and shipping dense, easy-to-handle items.


How to Calculate Your Freight Class

Calculating your freight class correctly is crucial for ensuring accurate shipping costs and avoiding potential delays or penalties. While many online calculators promise to simplify this process, they often don't adhere strictly to either the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) or density-based methods, leading to inaccurate results. Therefore, it's essential to understand which method is appropriate for your product and to follow the proper calculation steps.

Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Method

First, determine if your product should be classified using the NMFC method or the density-based method:

  • NMFC Method: Suitable for products where liability, handling, and stowability factors significantly influence the classification. Examples include fragile items, hazardous materials, or goods with special handling requirements.
  • Density-Based Method: Best for products without significant liability, handling, or stowage concerns. Ideal for dense, uniform items that are easy to handle, such as bulk paper rolls or metals.

Example Freight Class Calculation Using NMFC Method

Let's say you're shipping glassware, which requires careful handling due to its fragility.

  1. Identify the NMFC Code: Use the NMFC directory to find the appropriate code for glassware. For instance, glassware might have an NMFC code of 56410.
  2. Determine the Freight Class: Based on the NMFC code and the item's characteristics (e.g., fragility, stowability), glassware could fall into a freight class of 125.
  3. Measure and Weigh: Ensure you have accurate measurements of the dimensions and weight of the shipment.
  4. Calculate the Density: Although NMFC takes multiple factors into account, density still plays a role. Calculate the density to verify if it aligns with the class determined.

Example Freight Class Calculation Using Density-Based Method

Suppose you're shipping bulk paper rolls.

  1. Measure the Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of the shipment to determine the volume in cubic feet. For example, a shipment measuring 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet has a volume of 64 cubic feet.
  2. Weigh the Shipment: Determine the total weight of the shipment. For example, if the shipment weighs 2,000 pounds.
  3. Calculate the Density: Density = Weight (lbs) / Volume (cubic feet). In this case, 2,000 lbs / 64 cubic feet = 31.25 lbs/cubic foot.
  4. Determine the Freight Class: Using the density table, 31.25 lbs/cubic foot falls into freight class 60.


Common Mistakes Calculating Freight Class

Incorrectly calculating your freight class can lead to a variety of problems, impacting both cost and efficiency. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

  1. Using Online Calculators: While online calculators can be convenient, they often lack the precision required for accurate classification. These tools might not adhere strictly to NMFC or density-based methods, leading to misclassification. Always cross-check with reliable resources or consult with a professional.
  2. Inaccurate Measurements: Incorrectly measuring the dimensions or weight of your shipment can result in the wrong freight class. Even small errors in measurements can lead to significant discrepancies in classification and cost.
  3. Overlooking Handling and Stowability Factors: When using the NMFC method, it's crucial to consider handling, stowability, and liability factors. Ignoring these aspects can lead to an incorrect freight class and potential issues with carriers.
  4. Incorrect Density Calculations: For density-based classification, it's essential to accurately calculate the weight-to-volume ratio. Miscalculations here can place your shipment in the wrong class, resulting in unexpected charges.
  5. Failing to Update Information: Freight classification standards can change. Not staying updated on the latest NMFC codes and density guidelines can lead to outdated or incorrect classifications.
  6. Misclassifying Mixed Shipments: Shipments containing multiple types of products need careful classification. Each item may fall under a different class, and improper classification can cause delays and additional fees.

Example: the Perils of Misclassification

Consider a small business shipping a mixed load of textiles and fragile ceramics. They used an online calculator for classification, which did not account for the fragility and special handling needs of the ceramics. As a result, their shipment was classified solely based on weight and dimensions, overlooking the handling requirements. This misclassification led to several issues:

  1. Additional Handling Charges: The carrier imposed extra fees for the special handling required for the ceramics, which were not anticipated in the original shipping cost estimate.
  2. Shipment Delays: The misclassification caused confusion and delays at various points in the shipping process, as the carrier needed to reclassify the goods and adjust handling procedures.
  3. Potential Damage: The improper classification and resulting inadequate handling instructions increased the risk of damage to the fragile ceramics during transit.

This example highlights the importance of considering all relevant factors when classifying freight. While online calculators can be a helpful starting point, they often fall short in accounting for the nuances of different products. By paying close attention to the specifics of each shipment and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can avoid these common pitfalls and ensure smooth, cost-effective shipping.


Get Help Calculating Your Freight Class

If you find this process confusing or are unsure about your calculations, contacting a freight broker like Guided Freight can be invaluable. Here are five ways our experts can assist you in ensuring accurate freight classification and smooth shipping operations:

  1. Expert Knowledge and Experience: Freight brokers have in-depth knowledge of both NMFC and density-based classification systems. They stay updated on industry changes and can provide guidance based on years of experience. For example, if you're shipping a new type of product and are unsure about its classification, a freight broker can quickly identify the correct class, preventing costly errors.
  2. Accurate Classification: Misclassifying your freight can result in additional charges, delays, and even legal issues. Guided Freight's experts can meticulously analyze your shipment's characteristics to ensure it falls into the correct freight class. For instance, a manufacturer shipping a new line of glassware can rely on our expertise to classify the items correctly, avoiding reclassification fees and delays.
  3. Access to Resources: Freight brokers have access to comprehensive resources and databases that might not be readily available to individual shippers. This includes up-to-date NMFC directories and density charts, which can simplify the classification process. For example, if a business is shipping a mixed load of various products, a broker can quickly reference the correct classifications for each item.
  4. Negotiating Better Rates: Because brokers work with a wide network of carriers, they can negotiate better shipping rates based on accurate classifications. This not only ensures compliance but can also result in significant cost savings. For example, a small business shipping large quantities of metal parts can benefit from a broker's ability to secure lower rates by accurately classifying the freight.
  5. Problem Resolution: In case of disputes or issues with carriers regarding freight classification, brokers can act on your behalf to resolve these problems efficiently. This ensures that your shipments remain on schedule and within budget. For example, if a shipment of furniture is incorrectly reclassified by a carrier, resulting in higher fees, Guided Freight can intervene to correct the classification and secure a refund for the overcharges.


Conclusion

Accurate freight classification is essential for cost-effective and efficient LTL shipping. By understanding the differences between NMFC and density-based methods and knowing how to calculate your freight class correctly, you can avoid unexpected charges, shipment delays, and potential damage to your goods. Remember, common pitfalls such as using online calculators or misclassifying mixed shipments can lead to significant issues.

If you find the process of determining freight class confusing or are unsure about your calculations, don't hesitate to contact Guided Freight. Our experienced team can provide expert guidance, accurate classification, access to valuable resources, negotiation of better rates, and effective problem resolution. Let us help you navigate the complexities of freight classification and ensure smooth, cost-effective shipping for your next LTL shipment. Reach out to Guided Freight today for all your freight classification needs.