Freight Class Calculator

What Does Freight Class Mean?

Freight class is an important system that helps ensure consistent and accurate pricing when shipping goods with different carriers, warehouses, and brokers. Essentially, it’s a way of rating how easy or difficult it is to transport a Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipment from point A to point B. The trick is, the higher the freight class, the more costly it is to ship, and often, the more complex the logistics involved.

This classification system is managed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), which breaks down goods into 18 freight classes, ranging from 50 to 500. These classes are decided based on four main factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability.

Understanding Freight Class Factors

1. Density: The size and weight of an item contribute to its density. Carriers prefer goods that are dense—heavier but take up less space. This allows them to load more freight on their vehicles, making transportation more efficient. Items with a higher density fall into a lower freight class, and the cost to ship is usually lower. It might sound backwards at first, but it’s all about maximising space and profit for the carrier.

2. Stowability: This refers to how easily an item can be loaded with other freight. If a shipment has awkward dimensions or is hazardous, it may be difficult to stow with other goods. The more challenging the stowability, the higher the freight class.

3. Handling: Some items are trickier to handle due to their size, fragility, or how they’re packaged. These factors influence how much effort is required to move the freight safely, which in turn affects the freight class.

4. Liability: This considers the risk of the shipment being damaged, stolen, or causing harm to other goods. Items that are perishable or have a higher chance of theft may be placed in a higher freight class due to the added risk.

Why Is Freight Class Important?

Freight class plays a crucial role in how carriers load their trucks and determine pricing. By accurately assigning freight classes, carriers can decide which items are stackable, which need extra care, and how best to arrange everything to avoid damage.

For shippers, it’s essential to get the freight class right. Not only does it affect the cost of shipping, but it also prevents billing issues down the line. Misclassifying a shipment can result in unexpected charges or delays in correcting invoices. By understanding freight classifications, businesses can save time and money while ensuring smoother operations.

How to Calculate Freight Class

Before choosing a freight class for your shipment, you need precise details about the goods you’re shipping. Factors like weight, size (length, width, and height), and density come into play, as well as how easily the item can be handled and any potential liabilities such as theft or spoilage.

Freight Density: This is the ratio of an item’s weight to the space it occupies. A denser item (more weight in less space) usually belongs to a lower freight class, which means lower shipping costs. For instance, freight with a density of 50 pounds per cubic foot falls into Class 50, which is the lowest class. Items with densities as low as one pound per cubic foot could be classified as high as Class 500.

To calculate density, you’ll need to find the item’s volume in cubic feet by multiplying the length, width, and height (in inches) and dividing by 1,728. Then, divide the item’s weight (in pounds) by its volume. This gives you the density, which helps determine the freight class.

What is Density-Based Freight Class?

When it comes to determining freight class, density-based classes are used when the average density of a product or group of products falls within a certain range. These classifications assume that the product has no unusual handling, stowability, or liability concerns.

Density-based freight classes are particularly useful for items that don’t fit into a single category due to variations in size or weight. For example, furniture like wooden tables might vary significantly in size, from small coffee tables to large dining tables. By classifying them based on density, carriers can charge more accurately for the space they take up.

Freight Class vs Density Shipping

Freight class and density shipping go hand in hand, but they serve slightly different purposes. Freight class is used to group products with similar shipping characteristics, while density shipping focuses more on the precise space an item takes up.

For example, a shipment of clothing can vary greatly in weight and size, but because it’s based on density, the freight class will reflect how much space the shipment occupies rather than its overall weight. This flexibility helps carriers manage diverse shipments, from small orders to bulk deliveries, and ensures shippers are charged fairly based on the density of the items being transported.

What Are NMFC Codes?

National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) codes are assigned to every LTL shipment to indicate its freight class. These codes help carriers plan and price shipments correctly. Carriers rely on their expertise and databases to assign the right NMFC code to each shipment, ensuring efficient and accurate pricing.

Each NMFC code corresponds to a specific type of product, making it easier for carriers to identify the best way to handle and transport the goods. Understanding the NMFC code for your shipment helps you ensure that you’re using the correct freight class, avoiding any unnecessary costs or complications.