Freight class is a fundamental component of effective shipping, especially for less-than-truckload (LTL) services. For businesses shipping goods regularly, understanding freight class is essential for accurate cost estimation and ensuring safe, efficient handling of shipments. Freight class determines how a shipment will be priced, stored, and managed, making it a foundational part of logistics planning.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Key factors influencing freight class: density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability.
- Practical steps to determine the correct freight class.
- How accurate freight classification impacts shipping costs and avoids costly reclassification fees.
For shippers with specific questions or those looking to simplify freight classification, Mactrans offers a team of dedicated logistics experts ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs, or get a Quote to see how Mactrans can enhance your shipping efficiency with expert freight class management.
What is Freight Class, and Why Does It Matter?
Freight class is a standardized system developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to classify goods for LTL and TL shipping. This system groups shipments into classes based on characteristics like density, stowability, handling, and liability, ensuring consistent pricing and handling across the industry.
Did You Know?
Accurate freight classification can save shippers on costs by preventing costly reclassification fees and unexpected delays.
Key Reasons Accurate Freight Class Matters
- Cost Determination: Freight class directly impacts shipping rates. Lower classes, such as dense items like steel rods (Class 50), are less costly, while bulkier items like furniture fall into higher classes, reflecting increased space and handling requirements.
- Shipping Efficiency and Handling: Freight class enables carriers to load shipments efficiently, protecting fragile goods, maximizing trailer space, and minimizing handling risks. For example, temperature-managed goods may need specific trailer sections, while stackable items maximize available space.
- Avoiding Reclassification Fees: Misclassifying goods can lead to costly reclassification fees, disrupt load planning, cause delivery delays, or increase damage risk. By accurately identifying freight class, shippers maintain control over logistics costs and avoid unnecessary fees.
- Liability and Risk Management: Freight class accounts for shipment risks, such as susceptibility to damage, perishability, or theft potential. Higher-risk items, like fragile electronics or high-value goods, are assigned higher classes, requiring extra handling and potentially enhanced security.
For businesses managing complex logistics, Mactrans’ team of experts supports clients in navigating freight classification, ensuring each shipment’s unique characteristics are accurately represented. From LTL shipping across North America to cross-border full truckload services, Mactrans offers dependable, tailored solutions for efficient and cost-effective logistics.
4 Key Factors that Determine Freight Class
Freight class is based on standardized factors reflecting an item’s transport, handling, and storage requirements. Accurately understanding these factors helps shippers avoid extra costs and ensures smooth logistics.
1. Density: How Weight Impacts Class
Definition: Density, or weight per cubic foot, is a primary determinant of freight class. Higher density generally leads to a lower class, making shipping more economical.
How to Calculate Density
- Measure length, width, and height in inches.
- Multiply for total cubic inches, divide by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet, then divide weight by cubic feet.
- Example: 200 lbs of car parts in 20 cubic feet = 10 lbs per cubic foot (approximately Class 100).
- Mactrans Tip: Properly calculating density is essential for cost-efficient shipping. Mactrans offers resources and support for accurate freight classification to help clients prevent reclassification fees and unexpected costs.
2. Stowability: Compatibility with Other Shipments
Definition: Stowability describes how easily items can be stored with others. Hazardous materials or irregular shapes may need higher classes.
- Example: Large equipment that requires specific trailer placement often falls in a higher class.
- Mactrans Solution: For complex shipments requiring specific arrangements, Mactrans’ flatbed and specialized services can handle non-standard cargo safely and efficiently.
3. Handling: Special Requirements for Safe Loading
Definition: Freight that needs special care or equipment for loading is assigned a higher class.
- Example: Crated machinery requiring careful handling may have a higher class.
- Mactrans Advantage: With options for temperature-managed and customized handling, Mactrans ensures that fragile and sensitive shipments receive the care they require, reducing risks and maintaining shipment integrity.
4. Liability: Managing Risks Like Theft and Damage
Definition: Liability considers risks, such as an item’s susceptibility to theft, damage, or spoilage.
- Example: Electronics and perishables are often placed in higher classes.
- Mactrans Expertise: Mactrans’ knowledge in cross-border and high-value shipping ensures that sensitive and high-liability shipments are managed with appropriate security and care.
How to Determine Freight Class: Step-by-Step Guide
Accurately determining freight class is essential to avoid costly reclassification fees, delays, and unexpected expenses. Follow these steps to calculate freight class and streamline your logistics operations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Determining Freight Class
Step 1: Measure Dimensions
Calculate Total Cubic Inches: Multiply length, width, and height, rounding up as necessary.
Example: A crated shipment measuring 48x40x36 inches totals 69,120 cubic inches.
Step 2: Calculate Density
Convert to Cubic Feet: 69,120 cubic inches ÷ 1,728 = 40 cubic feet.
Determine Density: 800 lbs ÷ 40 cubic feet = 20 lbs per cubic foot (approximately Class 85 or 100).
Step 3: Reference a Freight Class Chart
Example Classes:
- Class 50: Dense items like metal parts.
- Class 100: Moderate-density items like boxed electronics.
- Class 250: Low-density or fragile items like furniture.
Step 4: Consider Additional Factors
Include Handling Needs and Liability: Evaluate factors like handling requirements and liability risks that may impact class.
Example: Fragile items, such as glassware, may require a higher freight class despite moderate density.
For unique or high-value shipments, Mactrans offers professional freight class calculations to help you avoid reclassification fees and save time. Contact Mactrans for tailored solutions.
Common Freight Classes and Examples
Each freight class reflects the handling difficulty and cost associated with transporting various types of shipments.
Class 50
Description: Very dense, low-risk items
Examples: Metal parts, nuts, bolts
Cost Implication: Least expensive, ideal for bulk shipments
Class 55
Description: Dense items with moderate handling
Examples: Hardwood flooring, bricks
Cost Implication: Low-cost, bulk-friendly
Class 60
Description: Durable goods
Examples: Car parts, ceramics
Cost Implication: Cost-effective, moderate density
Class 65
Description: Moderate-density items
Examples: Car accessories, bottled beverages
Cost Implication: Economical for durable items
Class 70
Description: Stackable, moderate-density items
Examples: Paper products, canned goods
Cost Implication: Efficient for stacking
Class 77.5
Description: Slightly bulkier items
Examples: Tires, bathroom fixtures
Cost Implication: Mid-range cost, stable handling
Class 85
Description: Moderate density, specific requirements
Examples: Crated machinery, pharmaceuticals
Cost Implication: Balanced cost and handling
Class 92.5
Description: Moderate density, sensitive items
Examples: Computers, monitors, refrigerators
Cost Implication: Slightly higher cost due to sensitivity
Class 100
Description: Moderate density, handling requirements
Examples: Boxed electronics, wine cases
Cost Implication: Balances density with handling needs
Class 125
Description: Moderate density, fragile items
Examples: Small household appliances
Cost Implication: Increased cost for protective handling
Class 150
Description: Bulky items
Examples: Furniture, large auto parts
Cost Implication: Higher cost due to space needs
Class 250
Description: Low-density, highly fragile items
Examples: Glassware, artwork
Cost Implication: Significant cost for handling precautions
Class 500
Description: Lowest density or high-value items
Examples: Foam products, gold dust
Cost Implication: Highest cost due to space and protection needs
Mactrans’ specialized services ensure efficient handling of all freight classes, from low-cost bulk items to high-value, delicate shipments.
The Impact of Accurate Freight Classification on Shipping Costs
Proper freight classification is crucial for optimizing your shipping budget and avoiding unplanned expenses. Here’s how:
- Cost Control: Accurate freight classification determines shipping rates based on density and handling requirements, ensuring predictable logistics budgets. Industry insights suggest that correct classification can help save 5-15% on shipping costs for businesses with high shipping volumes by preventing costly adjustments.
- Avoiding Reclassification Fees: Misclassified freight often leads to reclassification by carriers, which can result in fees that may increase costs by 10-30% of the initial rate. Accurate classification helps prevent these unexpected fees and ensures smooth logistics.
For businesses managing complex logistics, Mactrans provides expert support for accurate freight classification, helping clients maintain control over shipping expenses and streamline their logistics operations.
Practical Tips for Ensuring Accurate Freight Classification
- Use Proper Packaging: Secure goods with crating, pallets, or shrink-wrap to minimize handling risks.
- Accurately Label and Document Shipments: Clear and detailed labeling reduces the chance of misclassification.
- Calculate Density and Use Freight Class Tools: Online calculators provide estimates, but expert verification ensures precision.
- Consult Experts for Specialized Shipments: For high-value or unique items, Mactrans offers tailored freight classification services.
- Regularly Review Recurring Shipments: Reassess freight class for regular shipments, especially if packaging or product specifications change.
For personalized guidance, Mactrans’ experts are ready to assist with every step of freight classification to streamline logistics and optimize costs.
Get Started with Mactrans Today
Freight classification is key to managing logistics costs, ensuring efficient handling, and protecting your business from unexpected fees. Accurate classification impacts every part of the shipping process, from budgeting to carrier relationships.
Mactrans’ logistics expertise makes freight classification simple, reliable, and cost-effective. With our knowledge of LTL, truckload, and specialized handling, our team provides tailored solutions that save time, reduce costs, and ensure smooth logistics for your business.
Contact us today to discuss your logistics needs, or request a Quote to see how Mactrans can enhance your shipping processes with expert freight class management.
