Freight shipping classes are used to standardize freight pricing among the various freight carriers. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is a non-profit organization of freight carriers that defines freight codes via the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Used to classify shipments for less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, they assign classes by either fixed NMFC codes or by density specific criteria. These codes help to determine the shipping class, which ranges from 50 to 500. The higher the shipping class, the higher the cost.
Freight Classes take into consideration several factors. Factors include stowability, ease of handling, liability involved, and density. Essentially, freight carriers price freight on how much space it takes up and on how easy and safe it is to transport. Density-based classifications therefore are calculated in terms of pounds per cubic foot (PCF) of a given shipment. The PCF is determined by taking the weight of the shipment in pounds and dividing it by the cubic feet of the freight. The higher the density, the less space is required and the more likely that the freight can be transported with minimal risk of damage. In many cases, however, the NMFC have determined fixed codes for certain standard shipping items, and these codes determine the freight class and supersede the use of density-based classification.
It is important to choose the right freight class to record on your bill of lading. If you choose the incorrect classification, often a freight carrier will reclassify the shipment. This means that you may end up with a higher than expected freight bill.
The first step to determine the right freight class is to refer to the NMFC codes, which can give you fixed codes for many commodities that you may be shipping. You can call the NMFTA directly at (703) 838-1810 and request the proper freight classification for your shipment.
Another resource that you can call is your preferred freight carrier. They can help you to properly classify your shipment so that there are no surprises when you get the final bill.
Thirdly, the manufacturer of the raw material or product that you are shipping should be knowledgeable of the freight class, as they had to ship product to you.
Two great resources that don't require the use of a phone or email is an on-line freight class lookup and density calculator. There are several of these calculators on the internet, but you can first check out this freight class calculator from Flowster. If your freight is not among the NMFC-fixed codes, then check out the freightcenter.com density calculator.
The classification of your freight is important in determining how much your freight carrier will charge you to ship your product. As such, use as many resources as are available so that you are not faced with surprises and so that your freight is transported properly and safely. Lastly, if you classify your shipment incorrectly, you could face large fines due to violation of transportation laws.
