Freight Class

How Freight Class Impacts Shipping Costs

Freight class plays a critical role in determining shipping costs, particularly for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments, where carriers calculate rates based on the class of each item on the truck. The freight class assigned to a shipment reflects how easily it can be handled, stored, and transported, with items in lower classes costing less than those in higher classes. This classification system helps carriers optimize space and resources, ultimately impacting the pricing structure.

Each freight class falls from Class 50 to Class 500, with lower classes assigned to dense, durable items (such as raw materials) and higher classes assigned to lighter, more delicate, or bulky goods. For instance, dense items like metal hardware might fall into Class 50, which is more economical. In contrast, fragile or bulky items like furniture may be assigned to higher classes, increasing the cost. Correctly classifying freight ensures accurate shipping costs; misclassification can lead to reclassification fees, unexpected charges, and delays in delivery.

Using the proper freight class helps avoid these additional charges and ensures a more efficient shipping process. At FreightCenter, our Freight Class Calculator and expert guidance make it easy to find the suitable class for your shipment, allowing you to secure the most accurate rates and avoid costly adjustments. By accurately determining and understanding your freight class, you gain better control over your shipping expenses and ensure a smoother experience from pickup to delivery.

Density, Stowability, Handling, and Liability Explained

Freight class is determined by density, stowability, handling, and liability—four key factors that help categorize shipments and determine accurate shipping costs. Each factor reflects your freight’s unique characteristics, impacting its classification and shipping price. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Density

Density refers to the weight of the freight relative to its cubic volume (measured as pounds per cubic foot). To calculate density, divide the total weight of your shipment by its volume (length x width x height). High-density items are usually easier to transport and pack more efficiently, placing them in lower freight classes with lower rates. Lower-density items occupy more space per pound, resulting in higher freight classes and costs.

Stowability

Stowability considers how easily your freight can be arranged or stored with other shipments. Items with irregular shapes, hazardous classifications, or restrictions that prevent stacking often have higher freight classes due to the additional space or special handling they need. Freight that is stackable, regular in shape, and safe to transport alongside other items falls into lower classes.

Handling

Handling refers to the care and equipment needed to transport the freight safely. Items that require special handling due to fragility, size, or shape may be assigned a higher class as they involve additional time, attention, or equipment. Freight that is straightforward to handle, without special instructions, is usually classified lower, reducing shipping costs.

Liability

Liability measures the risk of transporting certain goods, factoring in their potential for damage, theft, or spoilage. High-value, perishable, or delicate items generally have higher freight classes to account for their increased liability. Durable or lower-risk goods, on the other hand, are assigned lower classes and cost less to ship.

By understanding how density, stowability, handling, and liability affect your freight class, you can accurately classify your shipment and avoid reclassification fees or delays. FreightCenter’s Freight Class Calculator and expert support make it easy to determine the right class for your shipment, helping you secure the best rates and a seamless shipping experience.

How to Calculate Freight Class

Calculating freight class accurately is essential to ensure your shipping rates are precise and to avoid unexpected fees or delays. Freight class is determined by four key factors—density, stowability, handling, and liability—with density often being the most significant—Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate your freight class and determine the most cost-effective shipping solution.

Step 1: Calculate Density

To find your shipment density, measure the length, width, and height in inches. Multiply these dimensions to get the cubic volume in inches, then divide by 1,728 to convert the volume to cubic feet. Next, divide the weight of your shipment (in pounds) by its cubic feet. The result is your density, or weight per cubic foot, which is critical in determining freight class—generally, higher density results in a lower freight class and more cost-effective shipping.

Step 2: Evaluate Stowability

Stowability refers to how well your freight fits with other shipments. Irregularly shaped, hazardous, or oversized items may limit how easily they can be stacked or stored, leading to a higher freight class. Freight that’s available and easily fits within standard shipping containers is typically assigned a lower class.

Step 3: Assess Handling Requirements

Handling accounts for any special requirements your shipment may have. Fragile, delicate, or bulky items that need careful handling or specific equipment often fall into a higher freight class. For example, goods that require forklifts or special equipment will usually be more costly to ship.

Step 4: Determine Liability

Liability includes the risk of damage, theft, or spoilage of shipped items. High-value or perishable goods generally carry higher freight classes, requiring added protection and care. Lower-liability items, such as durable raw materials, tend to have lower classes and are less costly to ship.

Using a Freight Class Calculator

If you’re curious about the classification, the FreightCenter Freight Class Calculator simplifies the process by calculating freight class based on your inputted weight, dimensions, and other factors. This tool provides an accurate class, helping you avoid reclassification fees and ensuring that your shipping costs align with your budget.

With FreigFreightCenter’s resources and support, calculating freight class becomes a straightforward part of your shipping process, giving you the peace of mind that your shipment is accurately priced and prepared for efficient transport.

Common Mistakes in Freight Classification

One common mistake in freight classification is **underestimating the size and weight of your shipment**. When you don’t measure your items accurately, you might classify them in a lower freight class than they belong to. This can lead to unexpected costs later, as the shipping company might reclassify your shipment to a higher class after they measure it themselves. To avoid this, using a reliable scale and measuring tools is essential to get the correct dimensions and weight before determining freight class.

Another mistake people often make is **not considering the unique handling needs of their shipment**. Some items, such as fragile goods or hazardous materials, require extra care during loading and unloading. If you overlook these special requirements, you might classify your shipment too low, resulting in additional fees or even damage to your goods. Consider how your items must be handled during transit and factor this into your chosen freight class.

Finally, many shippers make the mistake of **ignoring the density of their items**. Density is a key factor in determining freight class, and it is calculated by dividing the weight by the volume of the volume. Your shipment is bulky but light; it will likely belong to a higher freight class, meaning shipping will cost more. Not considering density can lead to misclassification and unexpected charges. Calculate the density accurately and choose the correct freight class based on that information to avoid this mistake.