When shipping freight, one of the most important factors that determines your cost is freight class. Many shippers are surprised to learn that two shipments with the same weight and distance can have very different prices, simply because they fall under different freight classes.
Understanding how freight class works can help you avoid unexpected charges and reduce your overall shipping costs.
Freight class is part of the NMFC, National Motor Freight Classification, system used in LTL, Less Than Truckload, shipping. It categorizes freight based on how easy or difficult it is to transport.
There are 18 freight classes, ranging from Class 50, lowest cost, to Class 500, highest cost.
Lower classes mean lower shipping rates
Higher classes mean higher shipping rates
Freight class is calculated based on four main factors:
Density refers to how much space your shipment takes up relative to its weight.
High density, heavy and compact, equals lower class
Low density, light and bulky, equals higher class
Example:
A pallet of bricks will have a lower class than a pallet of pillows, even if both weigh the same.
Stowability measures how easily freight fits in a trailer.
Items that are:
Oversized
Irregularly shaped
Hazardous
Stack restricted
are harder to load and usually fall into higher classes.
Handling looks at how difficult it is to move your shipment.
Freight that requires:
Special equipment
Extra labor
Careful placement
will typically have a higher class.
Liability considers the risk of damage, theft, or spoilage.
High risk items such as:
Fragile goods
Electronics
Perishables
High value products
often carry higher freight classes.
Your freight class directly impacts your shipping price in several ways:
Carriers charge more for freight that:
Takes up more space
Requires special handling
Has higher risk
For example:
A Class 70 shipment will cost significantly less than a Class 250 shipment, even if the weight and distance are identical.
If your freight is misclassified, carriers may reclassify it after inspection and issue a reweigh or reclass charge.
This can result in:
Higher invoices
Billing disputes
Payment delays
Accurate classification helps avoid these problems.
| Product Type | Typical Class |
|---|---|
| Machinery | 60 to 85 |
| Auto Parts | 70 to 100 |
| Furniture | 125 to 175 |
| Clothing | 100 to 150 |
| Plastic Products | 200 to 300 |
| Electronics | 100 to 250 |
Note: Actual class may vary based on packaging and density.
Here are practical ways to reduce your shipping costs:
Use compact, stackable pallets and minimize empty space.
Tightly pack freight and avoid oversized boxes.
Standard sized pallets help improve stowability.
Provide exact weight and dimensions to prevent reclassification.
A logistics partner like BMI Shipping can help classify freight correctly and find the most cost effective options.
Correct freight classification helps you:
Control shipping costs
Avoid billing surprises
Improve delivery reliability
Build stronger carrier relationships
Streamline your logistics operations
For growing businesses, these savings can add up quickly.
At BMI Shipping, we help shippers:
Determine the correct freight class
Secure competitive LTL and FTL rates
Prevent costly reclassifications
Optimize packaging and routing
Our team works closely with you to ensure every shipment is priced accurately and delivered efficiently.
If you are unsure about your freight class or want help lowering your shipping costs, our experts are ready to assist.
Freight class plays a major role in determining your shipping rates. By understanding how it works and classifying shipments correctly, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and improve your supply chain efficiency.
For expert guidance and reliable freight solutions, contact BMI Shipping today.
