Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping is used by businesses moving goods too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill an entire trailer. LTL transportation requires a standardized framework to ensure fair and efficient pricing for both carriers and shippers. This framework is the freight classification system, a universal standard designed to protect the integrity of the quoting process. It allows all parties to consistently determine the effort and space required to transport different commodities.
Understanding Freight Classification
The standardized system used in the United States to categorize Less-Than-Truckload freight is the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. This system is the definitive guide for comparing commodities based on their transportability characteristics. The classes range from 50, the least expensive to ship, to 500, the highest expense.
Commodities are grouped into one of 18 distinct classes, where lower numbers indicate denser and easier-to-handle items, and higher numbers represent lighter, bulkier, or more fragile goods. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) maintains and governs this standardization, regularly updating the classifications. Every commodity shipped via LTL is assigned a specific NMFC code corresponding to one of these 18 freight classes.
The Specifics of Freight Class 100
Freight Class 100 serves as the benchmark or baseline class within the National Motor Freight Classification system. It is frequently used as a reference point because it represents a middle ground in terms of transportability and cost. Goods in Class 100 typically exhibit moderate density, generally weighing between 9 and 10.5 pounds per cubic foot.
This class is assigned to items requiring moderate handling that do not present unusual stowability or liability concerns. Class 100 defines a shipment that is relatively straightforward to move and stack with other freight, being neither extremely dense nor exceptionally light or fragile.
How Freight Classes Are Determined
The NMFTA assigns a freight class by evaluating four distinct characteristics of a commodity, which together determine its overall transportability. These factors ensure the rate charged reflects the actual effort and risk involved in moving the freight.
Density
Density is the most influential factor, measuring the weight of a shipment in relation to the space it occupies, expressed as pounds per cubic foot (PCF). High-density shipments, such as steel beams, receive lower freight classes because they are heavy but take up minimal trailer space. Conversely, low-density items, like packaged mattresses, result in a higher class because they consume a large volume relative to their weight.
Stowability
Stowability refers to how easily a shipment can be loaded and arranged with other freight in the truck trailer. Items that are irregularly shaped, excessively long, or have specific restrictions, such as hazardous materials, are considered difficult to stow and are assigned a higher class. Standard palletized freight is considered easily stowable, contributing to a lower overall classification.
Handling
Handling assesses the difficulty and care required to load, unload, and move the freight between terminals. Fragile items, those requiring specialized equipment, or goods with delicate packaging demand a higher degree of attention and are placed in a higher freight class. Standard, durable, and easily managed cartons or pallets contribute to a lower handling classification.
Liability
Liability accounts for the value of the commodity and the probability of it being damaged, stolen, or causing damage to adjacent freight. High-value goods, perishable items, or commodities prone to explosion or breakage carry a higher risk for the carrier. This increased liability results in a higher freight class to offset potential financial exposure.
Practical Examples of Class 100 Items
A wide range of commodities fall into Freight Class 100, providing a reference for moderate density and transport requirements. Typical examples include cases of wine or liquor, which are moderately dense and packaged in standard cartons. Other common Class 100 items are small machinery or certain crated auto parts, provided they are not excessively heavy or fragile.
Boat and car covers, certain types of canvas, and furniture are also frequently classified as Class 100. These goods are generally packaged to be stackable and easy to handle, fitting the definition of moderate transportability.
The Impact of Freight Class on Shipping Costs
The assigned freight class has a direct and substantial impact on the final shipping rate for Less-Than-Truckload shipments. Carriers use the class, along with the shipment’s weight and distance traveled, to calculate the cost per hundred pounds (CWT). A higher freight class number translates to a higher rate per pound because the carrier is compensated for moving freight that is less dense, more difficult to handle, or more susceptible to damage.
Class 100 serves as the financial reference point. For example, a Class 50 shipment will have a significantly lower rate, while a Class 200 shipment will be substantially more expensive. This structure ensures that shippers of dense, easily transportable goods do not subsidize the cost of shipping lightweight, bulky, or fragile items.
Avoiding Mistakes and Dealing with Reclassification
Shippers must accurately determine the freight class to prevent costly and time-consuming issues related to misclassification. Guessing the class, or intentionally using a lower class, often triggers a carrier freight bill audit. Carriers routinely inspect shipments to verify the weight, dimensions, and commodity description listed on the bill of lading.
When a discrepancy is found, the carrier will reclassify the shipment, resulting in a new, higher shipping rate and the application of additional administrative fees. This reclassification can cause delays in transit and billing disputes. To mitigate this risk, shippers should use precise measuring tools to confirm the weight and dimensions, which is essential for calculating the correct density and applying the accurate NMFC item number.