Freight Classification: Everything You Need To Know To Properly Class Your Freight
When shipments aren't assigned the right freight class, it can lead to costly fees, delays and even damage during transit. Taking steps to properly class your freight can reduce your overall shipping expenditure and help get a more accurate freight quote.
What is freight class?
Freight class, or national motor freight classification (NMFC), is a standardized way of classifying your less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipments based on freight density, stowability, liability and handling. Each of the 18 freight classes help carriers and shippers identify, compare and price shipments. In addition to freight class, there are additional NMFC codes that represent more specific subcategories within freight classifications for further identification. Our Freight Class vs. NMFC Guide explains this distinction in greater detail.
Why are freight classes important?
Freight shipping classes bring standardization to LTL shipping, making it easier for all parties involved to keep your shipments moving without damage, delay or difficulty. Properly classified freight can help you:
- Save time and effort
- Lower your shipping costs
- Improve care when shipping freight
How To Determine Your Freight Shipping Class
- Decide if your shipment is commodity- or density-based.
- Calculate the density of your shipment.
- Use online resources to identify the freight class.
In a hurry? Start with our freight density calculator.
To find the right freight class for your shipment, you'll first want to identify its NMFC code using the NMFTA website or by contacting your local Unishippers office. Our easy-to-use freight density calculator can guide you through the steps, including how to calculate the density of your freight, which plays a key role in determining the correct classification.
Download Unishippers' Guide To Freight Class
Knowing how to properly class your freight can help your business avoid unnecessary LTL shipping fees and supply chain setbacks. Ready to streamline your freight shipping and ensure your shipment reaches its destination safely and on time? Download Unishippers' comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know to properly class your freight.
Freight Classification FAQs
Your freight class directly influences shipping costs because it determines how carriers price and handle your shipment. A higher freight class often leads to higher costs due to increased handling requirements or risk, while a lower freight class can help reduce costs. Using a freight class calculator ensures you select the most cost-effective class for your shipment and avoid unnecessary charges.
To determine the correct freight class, you can use a freight class calculator and consult the NMFTA website for NMFC codes. These tools consider factors like density, stowability, liability and handling to classify your shipment accurately, helping to prevent unexpected fees or delays.
Advanced freight classification involves understanding factors like density (measured in pounds per cubic foot), cubic feet, and considerations for hazardous materials or special handling. Properly accounting for these elements ensures your shipment is classified correctly, which can affect your shipping rates and liability.
There are 18 freight classes (ranging from 50 to 500) that reflect the different characteristics of goods being shipped, such as density, stowability and liability. Knowing which class applies to your shipment, whether it’s car parts or food items, helps you understand potential costs and ensures your goods are handled properly.
Freight classification is used for LTL shipments, where multiple shippers' goods are consolidated. The classification affects how carriers determine pricing and handling. In full truckload (FTL) shipping or international shipments, factors other than freight class are used to determine cost.
Regulatory standards set by organizations like the Motor Freight Traffic Association provide guidelines for classifying freight. Adhering to these standards ensures your freight shipping complies with industry regulations, minimizes disputes with carriers, and avoids fines or delays.
Different freight classes are associated with different levels of liability. Higher classes generally indicate higher risk and cost due to factors like fragility. Accurately classifying your shipment reduces risks, ensures adequate insurance coverage, and aligns with carrier requirements, especially for hazardous materials or shipments needing special handling.
Accurate freight classification is vital for efficient logistics and supply chain management. It affects carrier selection, routing and cost management. Proper classification helps avoid delays, reduces shipping costs, and ensures compliance with all regulatory standards, enhancing the overall efficiency of your LTL freight operations.
Classifying hazardous materials and items requiring special handling must be done carefully according to specific regulations to ensure safety and compliance. This affects your shipping costs and liability coverage, and failing to correctly classify these items can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
Unishippers' Guide to Understanding LTL Freight Classification
Check out Unishippers’ simple 3-step guide to classifying your LTL freight.