What is my Freight Class?

Freight Rate Central

Freight class definitions can be confusing, especially for those who are not experienced in freight shipping. There is an array of different ones to choose from, and picking the wrong one can cost you both precious time and money.

So why do we use freight classes? They are designed to help set a common and standardized freight price for shipments. This is handy when you have to work with a number of freight companies, different carriers, warehouses, and brokers, and ensures you know you’re getting a fair price.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) defines the classes, and is made available through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).

The NMFTA defines the classes based on four transportation characteristics, and they are as follows:

Density: Which is the weight per cubit foot;

Stowability: Which is the length and width based on carrier mode rules;

Handling: An evaluation of the care that will be involved in transport, and;

Liability: Which includes the freight price per pound, susceptibility to theft, liability to damage, breakability, and perishability.

Using these four characteristics, the NMFTA has defined 18 different freight classes, ranging from a low class of 50 to a high class of 500. Typically, the lower the class, the lower the charge is for shipment.

Following are all the freight classes and descriptions:

Name

Cost

Examples

Weight Range Per Cubic Foot

Class 50 – Clean Freight

Lowest Cost

Very durable, fits on standard shrink-wrapped 4×4 pallet

Over 50 lbs.

Class 55

Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring

35-50 lbs.

Class 60

Car accessories and parts

30-35 lbs.

Class 65

Car accessories and parts, bottles beverages, books in boxes

22.5-30 lbs.

Class 70

Car accessories and parts, food items, automobile engines

15-22.5 lbs

Class 77.5

Tires, bathroom fixtures

13.5-15 lbs.

Class 85

Crated machinery, cast iron stoves

12-13.5 lbs.

Class 92.5

Computers, monitors, refrigerators

10.5-12 lbs.

Class 100

Boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases, caskets

9-10.5 lbs.

Class 110

Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw

8-9 lbs.

Class 125

Small household appliances

7-8 lbs.

Class 150

Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases

6-7 lbs.

Class 175

Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture

5-6 lbs.

Class 200

Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum table, packaged mattresses

4-5 lbs.

Class 250

Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring, plasma TV

3-4 lbs.

Class 300

Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats

2-3 lbs.

Class 400

Deer antlers

1-2 lbs.

Class 500 – Low Density or High Value

Highest Cost

Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls

Less than 1 lbs.

If you’re questioning what freight class your shipment may be, reference the chart above for some quick help. If you’re still not sure, Freight Rate Central is always willing to assist and answer any questions.

Though Freight Rate Central has offices in Florida and Idaho, we service all across the United States. We aim to provide the most efficient and economical shipping for all of our clients, and work with thousands of freight carriers to ensure you get only the best freight rates no matter your shipping needs. We take care of the details both big and small, so you can rest easy with your shipments in our hands. Contact us today at 1-800-870-6294 to learn more about our freight services, or visit us online to request a free quote.

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