What is Freight Class - And why do carriers care?
I used to hate when carriers would ask me what the "freight class" is when I'm just trying to get a shipping quote. To make it easy, in Canada, virtually all freight moves at class 70. Done.
When shipments move across the border into the U.S., that is when things get a little more foggy.
Freight class is an essential concept in the transportation and shipping industry. It is a standardized classification system used to determine the appropriate charges for transporting goods by various carriers. The classification system is based on a few factors, including the weight, density, and commodity type of the freight. The classification system helps to ensure that shipping companies can provide accurate and consistent pricing for their customers.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) developed the freight classification system to ensure a standard measure of transportation pricing in the United States. The system divides all products into 18 freight classes, ranging from class 50 to class 500. The lower the class number, the lower the shipping rate for that product.
Two main methods are used to determine freight class: commodity-based and density-based. Both methods have their unique characteristics and uses.
Commodity-Based Freight Class
The commodity-based freight class is determined by the type of goods being shipped. The NMFTA assigns a freight class to each commodity based on its handling, stow-ability, and liability. Generally, goods that are more challenging to handle or require special attention are classified into higher freight classes.
There are four main categories of commodities that are classified using the commodity-based method:
Perishable goods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products fall under this category. These products are highly sensitive to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors and require special handling and equipment.
Hazardous materials: These are materials that are potentially dangerous to transport. They include flammable liquids, explosives, and radioactive materials.
Fragile items: These are products that can easily break, such as glassware, fine china, and musical instruments.
Oversized items: These are items that are too large or bulky to fit in a standard container. Examples include boats, machinery, and oversized furniture.
Density-Based Freight Class
The density-based freight class is determined by the weight and size of the product being shipped. Products that are dense but weigh less are classified into a lower freight class, while products that are less dense but weigh more are classified into a higher freight class. The NMFTA calculates the density-based freight class using the product's density, which is determined by dividing the product's weight by its volume.
The density-based method is commonly used for products that are not easily classified using the commodity-based method. Examples include building materials, such as bricks, cement, and lumber, and paper products, such as books and magazines.
In conclusion, understanding freight class is essential for anyone who needs to ship products. The classification system helps to ensure that shipping companies can provide accurate and consistent pricing for their customers. Whether you are shipping perishable goods, hazardous materials, fragile items, or oversized items, the commodity-based method will provide the appropriate freight class for your products. For products that are not easily classified, the density-based method is the way to go. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about the most cost-effective shipping options for your business needs.