Freight Class

Nearly all freight carriers base their freight rates on four things: locations, dimensions, weight, and the freight classification. The freight classification is a system setup by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to simplify how freight is rated and shipped. The classes range from 50 to 500 and freight is classified based on:

• Density: In U.S. measurements density is pounds per cubic foot (i.e. lbs/cu. ft. or lbs/ft³, etc.) of an item or simply an item’s weight compared to how much space it takes up. To find the density of an item you multiply its length, width, and height in inches then divide by 1728 (a cubic foot, 12x12x12 inches) to find the cubic feet (cu. ft. or ft³). From there you simply divide the weight with the cubic feet of the package. For example lets take a standard pallet with a total height of 4 feet weighing 500 pounds: Take 48 x 40 x 48 / 1728 = 53.33 cu. ft. then take 500 pounds / 53.33 = 9.38 lbs/ft³. For a quick and easy density calculator Click Here!
• Stowability: How easy an item can be packed onto a trailer with other freight. A square crate that can be stacked or have items stacked on top of it easy easy to stow whereas an irregular shaped box that can’t be stacked is more difficult.
• Handling: An item’s packaging requirements or how well it can be packaged. The NMFTA lists packaging requirements for all items. Most items can be packaged in nearly any common manner but some require specific packaging. For instance: An ATV or 4-wheeler, even though they are quite rugged, cannot just be put on a pallet and shipped, they must be fully crated as per NMFTA guidelines.
• Liability: The value of the item versus how fragile it is. Low value freight tends to have a low class however if it is quite fragile it can be classed higher. High value freight will usually have a high class but more durable freight can have a low class as they are much less likely to be damaged in transit. In some cases there is freight that is classed based solely on its value.

The NMFC simplifies pricing freight for the carriers however it can sometimes be one of the more difficult aspects of shipping freight, especially for individuals and small businesses, as the only way to know the class is to either subscribe or own a copy of the NMFC. Fortunately nearly all of the carriers and most freight companies are able to provide the freight class for your shipment when you get a quote.

If you’re looking for the class be sure that you’re getting the actual class and not an “FAK” class (freight all kinds), which is a common discount tool freight companies get from the carriers. For example, a company might have an FAK85 which could allow all freight from class 85 up to class 250 (or wherever their contract sets it to) to be priced at class 85. This can sometimes be confusing and make one think that their freight is class 85 when it in fact could be much higher. If you use an FAK class to get a quote from other companies you can potentially get an incorrect quote and when the freight is shipped it would be re-classed and price corrected to the actual class causing the price to go up.