What is freight class?

Author: Max Antonov

Updated: 06/07/2023

Ideas or suggestions: max@fusefreight.com

When it comes to freight shipping, one concept stands out: freight class. At FuseFreight, we know that understanding this term can make a huge difference in your shipping costs and efficiency.

What is Freight Class?

Freight class refers to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, which categorizes commodities into 18 classes – from Class 50 to Class 500. These classes are used to standardize freight pricing across the logistics industry.

How is Freight Class Calculated?

The NMFC determines the freight class of a commodity based on four factors:

1. Density: The space an item occupies relative to its weight.
2. Stowability: The ease with which an item can be stowed in a truck with other freight.
3. Handling: How easy or difficult an item is to handle during transportation.
4. Liability: The potential for theft or damage, and the perishability of the item.

Freight Class Chart

Here’s a quick look at the freight class chart:

• Class 50 – Clean Freight: Weight 50+ lbs per cubic foot
• Class 55 – Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring
• Class 60 – Car accessories & car parts
• Class 65 – Carboy glass, bottled beverages
• Class 70 – Car engines, food items, automobile parts
• Class 77.5 – Tires, bathroom fixtures
• Class 85 – Crated machinery, cast iron stoves
• Class 92.5 – Computers, monitors, refrigerators
• Class 100 – Boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases
• Class 110 – Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw
• Class 125 – Small household appliances
• Class 150 – Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases
• Class 175 – Clothing, couches stuffed furniture
• Class 200 – Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts
• Class 250 – Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring, plasma TV
• Class 300 – Wooden cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats
• Class 400 – Deer antlers
• Class 500 – Low density or high value – ping pong balls, expensive & light furniture

Factors Determining Freight Class

The freight class is primarily determined by the item’s density, with lower density items typically falling into higher freight classes (and vice versa). However, other factors like stowability, ease of handling, and liability can also affect the freight class.

Understanding freight class can help you better anticipate your shipping costs and avoid any unwelcome surprises. Ready to get a grip on your freight shipping? Dive deeper into freight classes with FuseFreight!