Freight Class
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) breaks down LTL freight (less than truckload) into one of eighteen classes. These freight classes are determined by four characteristics:
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Freight Density is calculated by using the height, width, length and weight of each shipment. Classification of freight can be less than one or up to 50+. Generally, if a load has a lower density, it will be in an upper freight class and vice versa.
Take aluminum, for example. Aluminum would be classified as 92.5 if figures are like the sample below. The higher the class, the lower the rates are, and vice-versa, for each 100 lbs. shipped.
Length x width x height = Cubic Inches
Cubic Inches divided by 1728 = Cubic Feet
Freight weight divided by Cubic Feet = Freight Density
Sample Figures:
Length=125” x Width=40” x Height=60” = 300,000 Cubic Inches
300,000 divided by 1728 = 173.61 Cubic Feet
Weight (ex. 2000 Pounds) divided by 173.61 = 11.52 Freight Density (Calculations will be in pounds per cubic foot.)
Estimated Freight Class based on Density:
*these figures are only estimates based on calculated densities
| 50 = class 55 | 30 = class 60 | 22.5 = class 65 | 15 = class 70 | 13.5 = class 77.5 |
| 12 = class 92.5 | 9 = class 100 | 8 = class 110 | 7 = class 125 | 6 = class 150 |
| 5 = class 200 | 3 = class 250 | 2 = class 300 | 1 = class 400 | >1 = class 500 |
The other factors that determine freight class:
- Stowability – the ability to stack the shipment. If the packaging has an abnormal shape, it will take up more space than usually required.
- Handling – are the items easily mobile, pallets versus mattresses.
- Liability – shipping of fine arts, electronics, or boxes of clothes.
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