What are LTL Freight Classes?
Each LTL freight shipment is assigned a designated freight class number which indicates characteristics of the shipment as well as its cost to ship.
LTL freight classes are determined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) which created National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) numbers. Every item shipped has its own NMFC number based on its freight class.
There are 18 classes numbered from 50 to 500. A lower class equates to a lower shipping cost while higher LTL freight classes cost more to transport.
Why LTL Freight Classes are Important
LTL shipping, or Less Than Truckload, is for freight that typically consists of one or more pallets or items shipped via trailer along with freight from other shippers. When carriers determine the cost of the LTL freight, they use what is called a “freight class” to determine the price for the shipment.
Freight class makes it easier for carriers to determine shipping costs, keep them consistent across all customers, and help shippers have a better idea of what it will cost them to have their freight shipped.
For carriers, using LTL freight classes helps them ensure profitability of an entire load when transporting multiple pieces of freight from multiple shippers on one trailer.
How are the LTL Freight Classes Determined?
Along with the general description of the freight, the value of the freight, and the freight’s packaging characteristics, there are four main criteria for determining LTL freight classes.
Let’s dive into the four main criteria.
Freight Density
Density is the weight of the freight in relation to its size. Density is important because it informs on the amount of space the freight will take up in the trailer in relation to its weight. Density is determined by dividing the weight in pounds by volume in cubic feet.
Steps to measure the density of your freight (one pallet or one unpalletized item at a time):
- Weigh the whole package in pounds (lbs)
- Measure the length, width, and height in inches
- Multiply these three dimensions to get the volume in cubic inches and then divide by 1,728 to determine the volume in cubic feet
- Divide the weight by the volume to get the density
So why is density the measurement and not simply weight? The rapid growth in freight due to items being shipped directly from retailer to consumer has made it increasingly important for carriers to know how much space freight will take up in a trailer so that they can balance their costs with a fair price.
Imagine a trailer load of inflated beach balls and then imagine a trailer load of bowling balls – they take up the same amount of space but beach balls are much lighter than bowling balls. By using density as the guide, carriers are able to provide a fair price, for both parties, to ship the items.
Freight Liability
LTL freight classes also consider liability. Liability takes into account high value products that need extra security, protection from possible damage, guarding against them damaging adjacent freight, and the potential for perishability. More liability equates to a higher freight class.
Freight Ease of Handling
Ease of Handling looks at special loading instructions or precautions that need to be considered at time of pickup, between freight terminals, or at the final destination. Items that result in higher LTL freight classes include:
- Items that are extra heavy
- Items that have a non-standard shape and size
- Hazardous materials that are difficult to store and transport
- Fragile items
Freight Stowability
LTL freight classes include stowability, or how the freight will fit into the trailer with other freight. Can the freight be easily stacked or turned on its side to maximize space or does it need to be shipped separately due to its shape and size?
Example LTL Freight Classes
Some example freight classes are:
Class Item Weight Per Ft(cubed)
50 Bulk ingredients 50 lbs.+
55 Hardwood flooring 35 – 50 lbs.
60 Non-alcoholic beverages 30 – 35 lbs.
65 Books 22.5 – 30 lbs.
70 Food, boxed paper 15 – 22.5 lbs.
77.5 Tires 13.5 – 15 lbs.
85 Pharmaceuticals 12 – 13.5 lbs.
92.5 Computer monitors 10.5 – 12 lbs.
100 Car covers 9 – 10.5 lbs.
110 Electric tools 8 – 9 lbs.
125 Small appliances 7 – 8 lbs.
150 Sheet metal 6 – 7 lbs.
175 Clothing 5 – 6 lbs.
200 Mattresses 4 – 5 lbs.
250 Box springs 3 – 4 lbs.
300 Wood furniture 2 – 3 lbs.
400 Coffee filters 1 – 2 lbs.
500 Ping pong balls Less than 1 lb.
Determining Your Own LTL Freight Classes
The shipper is responsible for stating the correct freight class on the BOL, or Bill of Lading. It is important to state the correct LTL freight class so that your quote from the carrier will be accurate. If incorrect, reclassifications can end up being costly for the shipper. In fact, misclassification is one of the top 6 costly LTL freight mistakes that shippers make.
Note that some items will always be designated within a certain freight class regardless of the standardized freight classification factors. Other items will have one standard classification if it is boxed or crated, and another if it is unboxed. Your carrier will be able to assist you determine the correct class if you are unsure.
Let On Track Freight Be Your LTL Carrier of Choice for New York Area Shipments
Since 1991, On Track Freight Systems has provided fast and streamlined trucking services along with our intermodal and LTL brokerage services through our own fleet as well as through our robust network of premium partners. Our decades-long track record of handling freight, including specialized freight, has provided us unique capabilities that other carriers don’t have.
We make it easy to work with us through our online tool to request rate quotes, schedule pickups, and track shipments real-time.
We offer same day pickups and next day delivery service within the New York/New Jersey metro area. Contact On Track today to get a free LTL shipping quote.
