The freight transportation sector is pivotal to the US economy, engaging over 44 million professionals and servicing millions of households and businesses. The U.S. Department of Transportation projects a significant growth in freight tonnage, anticipating an increase of 45% by 2040.
This would mean an addition of approximately 9 billion tons to the already bustling 54 million tons of daily freight movement across the nation. In light of these figures, many companies are exploring less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping as a cost-efficient alternative without compromising on service quality.
A key challenge, however, is understanding the intricacies of freight class. This guide covers the what-is of LTL shipping, the significance of freight class, and strategies for accurately determining your shipment’s freight class or accurately determining freight class to avoid unnecessary costs and delays. Determining the freight class is very important for shipments with a US origin or destination and is not normally applicable for Canadian domestic shipments.
Key Points of Article
- Understanding Freight Class: Learn how freight class impacts shipping rates and the four key factors (density, stowability, handling, and liability) that determine it.
- Calculating Freight Density: A step-by-step guide to measuring and calculating your shipment’s density to ensure accurate freight classification.
- Simplifying LTL Shipping with Shared Truckload Services: Mactrans shared truckload services can offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional LTL shipping by eliminating the need for freight class determination.
What Exactly Is LTL Shipping?
LTL shipping allows for the transportation of smaller freight loads by sharing trailer space with other shipments, offering a more economical option compared to full truckload (TL) services. This method is facilitated through a hub-and-spoke network, distinguishing it from the direct route system utilized in TL shipping. The complexity of LTL shipping, including more frequent handling, underscores the importance of accurately determining freight class to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
To enhance your LTL shipping strategy, Mactrans Logistics offers tailored solutions that optimize your freight operations. Our expert team can assist you in navigating the complexities of LTL shipping, ensuring cost-efficiency and timely deliveries. Learn more about our LTL services.
Understanding Freight Class
Freight class plays a vital role in standardizing shipping charges across the board. Defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), each type of commodity or product is assigned a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code corresponding to a specific freight class number for LTL shipments. These classifications range from 50 to 500, based on various commodity types, influencing the tariffs and, consequently, the shipping rates.
Accurately determining your shipment’s freight class is essential to avoid unexpected costs and delays. This process involves understanding the four key factors that impact freight class:
- Density: Often the primary factor, density is calculated as pounds per cubic foot. Generally, items with higher density attract lower freight classes and, by extension, lower shipping costs. To calculate freight density, measure the length, width, and height of your shipment, including pallets or packaging. Multiply these dimensions to find the cubic inches, then convert to cubic feet. Weigh the shipment in pounds and divide this by the cubic feet to determine the density. This figure will help you ascertain the correct freight class.
- Stowability: This considers how easily an item can be stored and transported. Factors affecting stowability include dimensions, hazardous materials, and compatibility with other freight. Items that are difficult to stow will have a higher freight class.
- Handling: This relates to the ease with which freight can be moved during loading and unloading processes. Items requiring special handling due to size, fragility, or shape may be assigned a higher freight class.
- Liability: The likelihood of freight being damaged or causing damage to other shipments influences its class. Higher risk items result in higher freight classifications.
Applying these factors correctly can significantly reduce shipping costs and improve overall logistics efficiency. But, partnering with a knowledgeable logistics provider like Mactrans can simplify this process and enhance your shipping strategy. For personalized advice and support, contact Mactrans Logistics.
Calculating Freight Density
To calculate your shipment’s density, start by measuring the length, width, and height, including pallets or packaging. Multiply these dimensions to find the cubic inches, then convert to cubic feet. Weigh the shipment in pounds and divide this by the cubic feet to determine the density. This figure will help you ascertain the correct freight class.
- Measure Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of your shipment, including pallets or packaging.
- Calculate Cubic Inches: Multiply these dimensions to find the total cubic inches.
- Convert to Cubic Feet: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
- Determine Weight: Weigh your shipment in pounds.
- Calculate Density: Divide the weight by the cubic feet to determine the density in pounds per cubic foot.
Accurately calculating your freight density ensures that your shipment is classified correctly, avoiding unnecessary costs and delays.
Preparing for LTL Shipping
Preparation is key to a smooth LTL shipping process. Ensure all documentation, particularly the bill of lading, is accurate and comprehensive. This document should detail the recipient’s information, shipment date, packaging description, dimensions, freight class, and estimated value.
Steps for Preparing Your Shipment:
- Accurate Documentation: Ensure the bill of lading is accurate and comprehensive. Include recipient information, shipment date, packaging description, dimensions, freight class, and estimated value.
- Proper Loading: Load your shipment onto pallets or crates. Place lighter items on top of heavier items.
- Appropriate Labeling: Use appropriate labels for special handling requirements and ensure all units are labeled to prevent potential losses.
- Readiness for Pickup: Have everything ready for pickup to avoid delays and additional fees.
By following these steps, you can prevent bottlenecks, save money, and ensure that your freight reaches its destination on time and free of damage. Mactrans Logistics offers expert advice and support to help you prepare your shipments effectively. Learn more about our services.
Simplifying LTL Shipping with Shared Truckload Services
For businesses looking for alternatives to traditional LTL shipping, shared truckload services offer a solution that disregards freight class, basing costs on the space used and the specific lane’s rate per mile. This option can provide the advantages of TL shipping at a fraction of the cost. Shared truckload services eliminate the need for freight class determination, simplifying the shipping process and potentially reducing costs.
Fully understanding and accurately determining freight class is essential for cost-effective LTL shipping. By considering the four key factors of density, stowability, handling, and liability, businesses can navigate the complexities of freight classification and optimize their shipping strategies.
Mactrans Logistics is dedicated to helping businesses streamline their LTL shipping processes, ensuring accurate freight classification and cost-efficient shipping solutions. For personalized advice and tailored logistics services, please contact Mactrans Logistics. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in optimizing your shipping strategy and reducing costs effectively.
