A standardized rating (50-500) assigned to LTL freight that determines pricing based on density, handling, and liability.
Freight class is a standardized classification system (classes 50-500) established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) that determines how LTL shipments are priced. Higher freight class = higher cost per hundred pounds. Class is determined by four factors: density (weight per cubic foot), stowability, handling difficulty, and liability (damage/theft risk).
Most commodity goods shipped in eCommerce fall in the Class 50-150 range: Class 50 (dense, easy to handle goods like steel, hardwood) to Class 150 (lighter, bulkier goods like sheet metal, office furniture). Class 300-500 applies to very lightweight or fragile items like ping pong balls or antiques.
Incorrect freight class is a major source of unexpected LTL charges. Many shippers use the wrong class for their products and either overpay (using too high a class) or receive a "reclassification" charge from the carrier (when the carrier reweighs and re-dimensions at their dock and assigns a higher class than you declared).
Look up the NMFC code for your specific commodity type in the NMFC directory (available via the NMFTA or most freight broker platforms). Then calculate your shipment's density (weight ÷ cubic feet) and cross-reference to the density-based class table. When in doubt, your freight broker or 3PL can help classify correctly.
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