Freight class is a standardized categorization system developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to classify freight based on various characteristics.
Freight is divided into 18 different classes, ranging from Class 50 (the least expensive and easiest to ship) to Class 500 (the most expensive and challenging to ship).
Each class has a different rate per pound, which helps carriers estimate shipping costs more accurately and shippers optimize costs by understanding where their products fall on the scale.
The Four Key Factors Determining Freight Class
Freight class is determined by four main factors, often abbreviated as DIMS—Density, Stowability, Handling, and Liability. Here’s a closer look at each factor:
Density: How Dense Is Your Freight?
Density refers to the compactness of an item or how much space it occupies relative to its weight. To calculate density, you divide the weight of the shipment by its volume in cubic feet. In general, denser items fall into lower classes (and thus lower shipping rates), while bulkier, lighter items fall into higher, more costly classes.
For example, a shipment of metal rods that weighs 500 pounds but only occupies a small space will likely have a lower freight class than a shipment of large, lightweight pillows, even if they weigh the same. Understanding density can help you package goods in a way that reduces empty space and, potentially, shipping costs.
Stowability: How Easy Is It to Stow?
Stowability is about how easily freight can be loaded onto the shipping vehicle alongside other items. Irregularly shaped items, those with sharp edges, or items that require specific orientations often have higher freight classes because they require special handling or take up more space than their weight might suggest. Additionally, goods classified as hazardous have restrictions that make them more complex to stow, which raises their freight class.
For instance, a large, irregularly shaped sculpture might require extra space and specific positioning in the truck, leading to a higher freight class and increased costs.
Handling: How Easy or Difficult Is It to Handle?
Freight that requires extra care during loading and unloading, or which has an increased risk of damage, tends to have a higher freight class. Goods that are fragile, delicate, or require specific handling equipment can also drive up the shipping cost. Carriers consider this factor because it impacts the amount of labor and care required to move and secure the shipment.
For example, electronics are typically in a higher freight class than building materials because they are fragile and require careful handling to prevent damage.
Liability: What’s the Risk of Loss or Damage?
Liability assesses the value of the goods, the potential for theft, and the risk of damage. High-value items or those prone to damage or theft fall into higher freight classes. Items like expensive electronics or artwork have a higher freight class than non-perishable, durable items like bricks or gravel. This risk assessment helps carriers cover potential losses should anything go wrong during transit.
By considering liability, shippers and carriers ensure that high-value or high-risk items receive the attention and protection they need, which is reflected in the shipping cost.
Freight Classes and Their Rates
Here’s a brief overview of some freight classes along with typical products and their weight ranges per cubic foot:
- Class 50: This is the lowest class, typically reserved for dense freight. Examples include:
- Flour: Heavy and compact, weighing over 50 lbs per cubic foot.
- Iron and Steel Products: Items like steel rods or bars which are dense and take up little space.
- Class 55: Slightly higher than Class 50, this class is for goods that are still dense but lighter. Examples include:
- Bricks: Weight range of 35 – 50 lbs.
- Bags of Cement: Often used in construction, also falling in this category due to their density.
- Class 60: This class includes a variety of automotive parts. Examples are:
- Car Parts: Such as engines or transmissions, typically weighing 30 – 35 lbs.
- Heavy Machinery Components: Items like hydraulic pumps which are robust but still manageable.
- Class 65: This includes items that are lightweight but not extremely bulky. Examples include:
- Bottled Beverages: Typically weigh around 22.5 – 30 lbs per cubic foot.
- Cardboard Boxes: When filled with lightweight materials, they may fall into this category.
- Class 70: This class represents heavier but still manageable goods. Examples include:
- Newspapers: Weighing between 15 – 22.5 lbs.
- Coils of Wire: Used in construction or manufacturing, falling into this weight range.
- Class 77.5: This class includes items that may require some special handling. Examples are:
- Tires: Usually weighing between 13.5 – 15 lbs each.
- Heavy Textiles: Such as blankets or thick upholstery fabric.
- Class 100: Here, the items are becoming more varied in type and handling requirements. Examples include:
- Vacuum Cleaners: Typically weighing around 9 – 10.5 lbs.
- Small Appliances: Such as microwaves, which also fit this class due to their weight.
- Class 175: This class covers items that are lighter but might need special handling. Examples include:
- Clothing: Weighting between 5 – 6 lbs per cubic foot.
- Shoes: Often packaged in bulk, they also fit this class.
- Class 250: Items in this class are often fragile or high-value. Examples are:
- Plasma TVs: Weighing around 3 – 4 lbs but requiring careful handling.
- Artwork: Paintings or sculptures may fit here based on their value and fragility.
- Class 500: This is the highest class and includes the lightest and highest-value items. Examples include:
- Low-Density Products: Such as bags of gold dust, which weigh less than 1 lb.
- Electronic Components: Items that are very low in density but high in value can also fall into this category.
Each class impacts the shipping cost differently, with lower classes generally costing less per pound compared to higher classes. For instance, shipping Class 500 items can be significantly more expensive due to their high value and low weight
For more check out National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).
Why Freight Class Matters for Shipping Costs
Freight class has a direct impact on shipping costs, and understanding it can lead to smarter, more cost-effective shipping decisions. Carriers use freight class to estimate costs, allocate space on shipping vehicles, and determine handling requirements. By accurately identifying the freight class, shippers can avoid unexpected charges, reduce the chance of reclassification fees, and manage costs more efficiently.
For example, if a business shipping lightweight furniture realizes that tightly packing items can reduce their class by making them denser, they may lower shipping costs. Conversely, misclassifying freight can lead to costly reclassification fees if a carrier needs to re-evaluate the shipment.
How to Determine Your Freight Class
Determining freight class accurately can be challenging, especially for new shippers. Here are a few steps to help:
- Calculate Density: Weigh your shipment and measure its dimensions. Use these figures to determine density, as this will often be the primary factor.
- Consider Stowability: Analyze whether the item is irregularly shaped or challenging to store with other items.
- Assess Handling Needs: Reflect on whether your shipment requires extra care or special equipment to handle.
- Evaluate Liability: Estimate the item’s value, risk of damage, and theft likelihood.
Most freight carriers have tools or calculators that can guide you through this process. Consulting with the carrier or a logistics professional is also helpful if you’re unsure about the classification.
Avoiding Reclassification Fees and Ensuring Accurate Freight Class
Incorrectly classifying freight can lead to reclassification fees, which can be both unexpected and costly. Carriers may reclassify your freight if they feel it’s been mislabeled, especially if your density, handling requirements, or stowability don’t match the chosen class. Working with logistics experts, using accurate measurements, and understanding your shipment’s unique characteristics can prevent these fees.
Additionally, using a Freight Class Calculator provided by carriers or third-party logistics companies can simplify the classification process. These tools usually require dimensions, weight, and item type to help you arrive at an accurate freight class.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can freight class affect delivery speed?
Freight class doesn’t typically impact delivery speed. However, higher classes that require special handling may slow down processing times at loading and unloading stages. - What happens if my freight is misclassified?
If a carrier discovers a misclassification, they may apply a reclassification fee and adjust the shipping rate. Accurate classification is essential to avoid these extra costs. - Is freight class the only factor influencing shipping cost?
No. Freight class is one of many factors that carriers consider, alongside distance, weight, and delivery timeframes. - Do all carriers use the same freight classes?
Freight classes are standardized by the NMFTA, so most carriers follow the same system. However, some may have slight variations in how they price each class.
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