The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has established a standardized classification system for different freight classes. This facilitates standardized freight pricing for shipments. Essentially, it means that shippers can feel confident knowing they are receiving a fair, unbiased quote for their less than truckload (LTR) shipments. There are a total of 18 freight classes, all of which are defined by the general characteristics of the freight. If you’re unsure which freight class your cargo will fall into, talk to the delivery company for guidance.
Transportation Characteristics
The NMFTA uses four transportation characteristics to determine which items fall into any given freight class. They are:
- Stowability: How well the freight can be transported with other commodities.
- Liability: High-risk or high-liability items are those that are more likely to be damaged, stolen, or to damage nearby freight during shipping.
- Ease of handling: Is the item fragile? Does it require special handling procedures?
- Density: Measured in pounds per cubic foot, density relates to how much space an item needs.
Freight Class Examples
There are 18 freight classes. The lowest number is class 55 and the highest is class 500. On the low end of the scale, freight is dense, sturdy, and easily handled. Freight that is more vulnerable to damage or theft will be ranked on the higher end of the spectrum. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the density of the freight is, the higher its freight class will be. Here’s a quick peek at some of the freight classes:
- Class 50: This is “clean” freight that fits easily on standard pallets.
- Class 60: Freight that ranges from 30 to 35 pounds per cubic foot. Examples include car parts.
- Class 92.5: Freight that ranges from 10.5 to 12 pounds per cubic foot. An example is computers.
- Class 175: Freight that ranges from five to six pounds per cubic foot. An example is clothing.
- Class 500: Freight that is less than one pound per cubic foot, such as gold dust or ping pong balls.
You can get the answers to all of your questions about LTR shipping and freight delivery when you work with the knowledgeable team at Xcel Delivery Services. Based in Phoenix and serving all of Arizona, we provide a full range of delivery services with our flexible fleet of vehicles and professionally trained drivers. Call us today for a quote at (602) 368-1300.
