What Is Freight Class and How It Is Determined?
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If you were a shipper, you would have heard about freight classes, and it might have sounded complex. You might have pondered to know about freight class, how it is determined, and how it impacts shipping costs. If these questions are bothering you, then you have landed on the right page.?
What is Freight Class??
Freight class is a standard classification system used by Less than a Truck Load (LTL) carrier to categorize shipments based on their characteristics. There are 18 classes ranging from 50 to 500 in the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) system established by the NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association).?
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How to Determine Freight Class??
Unique code like a UPC or PLC code assigned for your LTL shipment based on the characteristics of the commodity like lightweight, dense, minimal risk while transporting, etc.
To find the exact NMFC code of your shipment, you can use the NMFC book also known as the ClassIT tool by NMFTA. The NMFC book is a comprehensive document that lists over 18,000 commodities and their corresponding NMFC codes.?
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The NMFC system determines the freight class based on multiple factors.?
1.?Density:?How much weight does the freight have for its size??
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The weight of the shipment per cubic foot is considered the most. Higher-density items are usually assigned lower freight classes.?
2. Liability:?How valuable is the freight??
Does the shipment have highly valuable items that are at risk of theft or damage? High-value items can lead to higher classes.?
3. Stowability:?How difficult is the freight to handle??
The factors considered are shape, size, stackable, fragility, and hazardous. Easy-to-stow cargo maximizes the use of space on the truck and minimizes the risk of damage. For example, perishable or hazardous items may have higher classes due to their unique storage requirements.?
4. Handling:?How easy is it to store the freight in a trailer??
If the shipment is difficult to handle, and requires special care or handling such as fragile, hazardous, or oversized boxes might receive higher classes.?
Understanding the nuances of freight class, you can significantly impact your shipping costs. Utilizing tools like the NMFC book or ClassIT ensures accurate classification for effective transportation management.
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Expert in Automated Dimensioning Technology and Integrated Solutions for Seamless Performance | Warehouse Automation | Helping companies 2-3X order Fulfillment | Logistics Excellence and Streamlined Operations
10 个月Couldn't agree more. The right freight class not only saves money but also ensures your goods are handled appropriately. It's a win-win for both shippers and carriers.
Helping Teams Streamline Remote Workforce Solutions | Empowering Global Employment & Compliance Strategies
10 个月Why did the shipping container break up with the pallet? It needed space to 'weight' for a better class relationship! ??
I help companies save money on shipping expenses | Small Parcel Optimization Expert | Don't change your carrier, just pay them less.
10 个月Great reminder! Understanding freight classes can be the difference between efficient shipping and unexpected expenses. It's all about the details.
Helping clients reduce shipping costs | Automated dimensioning specialist | Don't change your carrier, just pay them less.
10 个月A vital tip for all in logistics. Accurate freight class determination can significantly streamline the shipping process.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
10 个月Thanks for highlighting this! Understanding freight classes is key to navigating the complexities of shipping and avoiding surprises.