NMFC Code Lookup

Accurate LTL quotes require correct freight classes.

Because the LTL carrier will load and unload your product multiple times from trailer to trailer, and various shippers’ freight will ride in the same trailer with yours, each pallet’s specifics — weight, dimensions, packaging, fragility, and whether it’s stackable — all matter to the freight carrier. These factors determine how efficient your shipment is to move, how much effort the freight carrier will take, and, therefore, how much your shipment will cost. This is not the case in full truckload shipping since your freight is not offloaded in transit, does not share trailer space with any other shipper’s product, and involves only one driver and piece of equipment, regardless of the area your product occupies. LTL carriers will often re-weigh freight, and you are charged based on the area your product takes up on a trailer. If you get the freight class wrong, you will pay more (or less) than anticipated. Understanding which freight class your commodity falls into is the key to getting an accurate quote.

NMFC classification is based on four main factors:

1. Density

• Density refers to the weight per cubic foot of each piece or the space an item occupies in terms of its weight.
• Commodities with a higher density fall into a lower freight class and are easier to ship because they are more compact.
• High-density commodities are, therefore, cheaper to ship than bulky, low-density items.

2. Handling

• Handling relates to any unique handling or care requirements needed during transport.
• Fragile or hazardous items may require special accommodations, which means they will fall into a higher freight class and cost more money to ship.
• Size, weight, and shape can also impact the ease of handling, thus increasing the shipping cost.

3. Stowability

• Stowability accounts for how a commodity can be loaded and transported with other commodities.
• If freight is hazardous, perishable, flammable, oddly shaped, or too heavy, it can be challenging to ship alongside other items.
• If an item is difficult to stow with others, it will have a higher freight class and be more expensive to ship.

4. Liability

• Liability covers the likelihood of freight theft, damage, or damage to nearby loads.
• If a commodity is perishable, has hazardous properties, or is combustible, for example, it will have a higher liability and cost more to ship.
• When combined, these four factors determine a commodity’s NMFC code.

How Freight Class Impacts Shipping Costs

High-density items (i.e., steel bars) will have a low freight class (e.g., 50), while low-density items (i.e., ping pong balls) will have a high freight class (e.g., 500).

The lower the freight class, the lower the cost per pound in shipping — 50 is the least expensive. The higher the freight class, the higher the rate — 500 is the most costly.

The 18 different freight classes, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500, are used to categorize and classify various types of commodities for freight transportation. These classes are determined based on several factors, including density, stowability, handling, and liability. Here’s an overview of each class and the types of commodities they represent:

Class 50: This class represents clean freight with a very high density

Class 55: Commodities in this class include dense things like bricks, cement, tires, or specific metal goods.

Class 60: It contains commodities like car accessories and parts, bottled beverages, boxed groceries, or other similar goods.

Class 65: This class encompasses items like car engines, bottled liquids, or heavy machinery parts.

Class 70: Commodities requiring refrigeration, such as certain food items or car parts, fall under this class.

Class 77.5: Items like tires, bathroom fixtures, or specific types of machinery are classified in this class.

Class 85: Crated machinery, cast iron stoves, refrigerators, or similar heavy goods belong to this class.

Class 92.5: Sensitive electronic equipment like computers, monitors, or other delicate items are included in this class.

Class 100: Commodities such as boat covers, car covers, canvas, or similar items fall under this class.

Class 110: Cabinets, framed artwork, light furniture, or similar goods are classified in this class.

Class 125: This class includes small household appliances, boxed books, clothing, or similar items.

Class 150: Furniture, chairs, tables, or other medium-weight goods are categorized in this class.

Class 175: Commodities like clothing, couches, stuffed furniture, or similar items belong to this class.

Class 200: Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum tables, or similar items fall under this class.

Class 250: Bamboo furniture, mattresses, assembled wood furniture, or other similar goods are included in this class.

Class 300: Cabinets, tables, chairs made of wood, or similar interests are classified in this class.

Class 400: This class includes items like deer antlers, cases of wine bottles, glass items, or similar fragile goods.

Class 500: Heavy commodities like marble slabs, stone countertops, heavy machinery, or similar items fall under this class.

It’s important to note that the examples provided are not exhaustive, and there may be variations or specific considerations for each commodity within each class. Classifying particular items can also depend on additional factors such as packaging, dimensions, or specific handling requirements. It is recommended to consult the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) guidelines or contact the appropriate carrier or logistics provider for precise classification information for your specific goods.

Why are NMFC Codes and Freight Class Important to have on your BOL

When shipping LTL or volume shipments, all freight commodities are treated equally. Different products will have other freight classes, and your shipment’s freight class will significantly impact your rate and limit liability if it gets lost or damaged during transit.

NMFC Codes Provide the Ability to Compare

NMFC codes, also known as National Motor Freight Classification codes, provide a standardized system that allows for comparing different types of freight based on their characteristics. Here’s a detailed explanation of how NMFC codes enable comparison:

Uniform Classification: NMFC codes establish a uniform classification system for various commodities transported by motor carriers. Each commodity is assigned a specific NMFC code based on its characteristics, such as density, handling requirements, liability, and stowability.

Freight Class Determination: The NMFC code assigned to a commodity determines its freight class. There are 18 freight classes from Class 50 to Class 500, each representing a specific range of characteristics. Higher freight classes usually indicate higher shipping costs due to weight, size, fragility, or difficulty handling.

Pricing Determination: Freight rates are often determined based on the freight class. Carriers and shippers use NMFC codes and associated freight classes to calculate pricing for transportation services. Higher freight classes generally correspond to higher rates, indicating more complex handling requirements or increased risks.

Rate Comparisons: Using NMFC codes, shippers and customers can compare the rates different carriers offer for the same commodity. When requesting quotes, providing the correct NMFC code ensures accurate pricing comparisons. It allows shippers to evaluate multiple options and choose the carrier that offers the most competitive rate for their specific freight class.

Liability and Insurance Considerations: NMFC codes also play a role in determining liability and insurance requirements. Each freight class has associated liability rules and limits defined by carriers and insurers. Understanding the freight class and its corresponding NMFC code helps shippers assess liability risks and determine appropriate insurance coverage for their shipments.

Industry Standards and Regulations: NMFC codes provide a standardized framework that aligns with industry standards and regulations. They ensure consistency in classifying and pricing various commodities, promoting fair competition and transparency within the freight transportation industry.

Efficient Logistics Operations: The use of NMFC codes simplifies logistics operations. A common language for describing commodities enables carriers, shippers, and logistics providers to communicate and coordinate effectively. It streamlines freight quoting, billing, documentation, and tracking, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Compliance and Dispute Resolution: NMFC codes help ensure compliance with carrier requirements and regulations. When disputes arise regarding the classification or pricing of freight, NMFC codes provide a standardized framework for resolving conflicts. Shippers can reference the NMFC codes to support their claims or engage in discussions with carriers to resolve disputes.

In summary, NMFC codes provide a standardized system that allows for the comparison of different types of freight. They enable accurate pricing comparisons, facilitate logistics operations, ensure compliance with industry standards, and streamline dispute resolution processes. Using NMFC codes, shippers can make informed decisions regarding carriers, pricing, and insurance coverage for their shipments.

NMFC VS. SCAC Codes

NMFC and SCAC codes are critical in the shipping industry but serve different purposes. NMFC codes, or National Motor Freight Classification codes, are used to classify different types of freight based on their characteristics like weight, size, and handling requirements. These codes help determine shipping costs and ensure goods are transported efficiently and safely. Using NMFC codes, shippers and carriers can communicate the type of freight being shipped and what it needs during transport.

On the other hand, SCAC codes, or Standard Carrier Alpha Codes, are used to identify transportation companies. Each SCAC code is a unique, two to four-letter code assigned to a specific carrier, like a trucking company or a shipping line. These codes help streamline the shipping process by making it easy to identify which company is responsible for transporting a particular shipment. While NMFC codes focus on classifying goods, SCAC codes identify the carriers. Both codes are essential for a smooth and organized shipping process, ensuring that freight gets to its destination efficiently and accurately.

NMFC Codes:

• They help carriers, shippers, and logistics providers accurately calculate shipping rates, determine liability rules, and ensure consistency in classifying and pricing different commodities.
• NMFC codes, or National Motor Freight Classification codes, classify and categorize various commodities for freight transportation purposes.
• NMFC codes are assigned by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) based on factors such as density, handling requirements, liability, and stowability of the commodities.
• Each commodity is assigned a specific NMFC code, which determines its freight class. There are 18 different freight classes ranging from Class 50 to Class 500.
• NMFC codes are primarily used for pricing determination, liability assessment, and standardizing the classification of goods for motor freight transportation.

SCAC Codes:

• SCAC codes, or Standard Carrier Alpha Codes, are unique four-letter codes that the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns to transportation companies or carriers.
• SCAC codes serve as a unique identifier for carriers in the transportation industry, providing a standardized way to identify and track carriers in various systems and documents.
• These codes are used in various transportation-related processes, including shipping documents, bills of lading, tracking systems, and electronic data interchange (EDI) transactions.
• SCAC codes help streamline communication and information exchange between carriers, shippers, and other parties involved in the transportation process.
• They are widely used in the logistics industry to identify and differentiate carriers, ensuring accurate documentation and efficient logistics operations.

NMFC codes classify and categorize commodities for freight transportation, while SCAC codes are unique identifiers assigned to carriers in the transportation industry. NMFC codes help determine freight class and pricing, while SCAC codes facilitate carrier identification and streamline communication in logistics operations.