LTL Freight Class 101: Enhancing Logistics Efficiency for U.S. Shippers

In this guide, we'll break down what freight class is, how it's calculated, and why getting it right matters — especially when it comes to avoiding surprise fees and optimizing costs. You'll learn the key factors that impact classification and how technology can simplify the process. You'll also see how logistics partners like Planimatik help shippers stay compliant, efficient and cost-effective.

Defining 'What Is Freight Class' and Why It Matters

Freight class is a standardized classification system used to categorize cargo for shipping. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) assigns every type of cargo a freight class, ranging from 50 to 500.

Getting your freight class right ensures you pay fair and accurate shipping rates, helping you avoid surprise fees and delays. Shippers often feel pressure to keep logistics costs low. Misclassifying your shipment can lead to unexpected expenses, strained relationships with carriers and disrupted schedules.

Purpose of Freight Class

The NMFC system exists to provide a clear, shared standard for evaluating shipments. As a result, it simplifies rate negotiations between shippers and carriers.

It ensures fair pricing and smooth operations by assigning codes based on density, ease of handling, liability and stowability.

What's so Special About LTL?

Freight class is especially crucial for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. LTL often involves pallets containing different types of cargo with varied characteristics.

Correct classification ensures you're billed accurately since pricing depends significantly on cargo density, handling difficulty and liability.

To better understand LTL, check out this comparison between full truckload (FTL) versus LTL shipments.

Key Components of Freight Classes: Density, Handling and More

Four primary factors shape freight classes. Each factor addresses different aspects of shipping to accurately reflect transportation costs and complexities, allowing both parties to negotiate rates clearly and effectively.

Density

Density measures how heavy your shipment is compared to its size. Higher density typically means a lower freight class and lower costs.

For example, bricks (dense and heavy) usually fall under Class 50, while pillows (lightweight and bulky) might be Class 400. The golden rule is clear: the lower your shipment's density, the higher its freight class.

Ease of Handling

Fragile, oddly shaped or hazardous items require special attention and equipment. This increases handling complexity and leads to a higher freight class.

For example, glass products or oversized machinery often fall into higher freight classes due to handling challenges.

Liability

Liability considers risk factors like theft, damage or perishability. High-liability items like electronics or fresh produce have higher freight classes because of increased risk during transport.

Stowability

You can receive a higher freight class if the cargo is difficult to stow due to its shape, size or safety restrictions. For example, space limitations or regulations can make hazardous materials or oversized items harder to load safely alongside other cargo.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Calculating Freight Density

Accurate density calculations help ensure you receive fair pricing and avoid costly reclassification fees from carriers.

Calculating density is straightforward and critical for precise freight classification. Here's a simple guide to assist you with the process:

1. Measure the shipment dimensions: Measure the length, width and height of your shipment in inches, and multiply these measurements to get the total volume.
2. Convert cubic inches to cubic feet: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728.
3. Determine density: Weigh your shipment in pounds; then, divide the weight by the volume in cubic feet.
4. Use density to find your freight class: Consult a freight classification chart or use a freight class calculator.

Real-World Effects: How Freight Class Influences Shipping Costs

Even a small mistake in classification can dramatically raise shipping costs. Mistakes in classification can include selecting the wrong freight class, providing inaccurate dimensions or weight, using an incorrect address, relying on outdated NMFC codes, or misreporting packaging.

To avoid costly mistakes, always double-check your freight dimensions and weight, conduct regular training for your team, and use technology to support accurate classifications.

Additionally, remember industry standards can sometimes change; for example, the NMFC will undergo updates in 2025, focusing particularly on standardizing commodity evaluations, where density plays a key role.

How 3PLs Use Freight Class to Lower Shipping Costs

Bumping Density

Increasing a shipment's reported weight to move into a lower freight class can reduce costs. However, this practice must strictly adhere to NMFC guidelines, allowing only a shift of one freight class.

Packaging

Proper packaging can influence your freight class and associated shipping costs. It also reduces the risk of damage, simplifies handling and improves stability.

Low Released Value

Declaring a lower shipment value, or "released value," can reduce shipping costs by limiting carrier liability. This method requires careful documentation and formal agreements clearly outlined in the bill of lading.

Preventing Risk and Building Trust With Proper Classification

Misclassifying freight isn't just a minor paperwork issue — it can lead to serious complications like carrier disputes, unexpected surcharges and increased liability.

• Incorporate regular internal audits.
• Leverage trusted logistics platforms for accuracy.
• Stay current with NMFC updates.
• Educate your team and maintain open communication with carriers.

Technology Tools for Accurate and Efficient Classification

Today's technology simplifies freight classification, significantly reducing the chances of manual errors.

Comprehensive logistics platforms like Planimatik's Freight Management Marketplace help shippers streamline the freight bidding process and save time with complete flexibility and control.

• LTL Quoting: Delivers precise, tailored quotes to ensure transparent and reliable pricing.
• LTL Scheduling: Optimizes LTL freight scheduling to reduce downtime.
• Save Quote Feature: Allows you to secure LTL rates even in a fluctuating market.
• Back Office Assistance: Streamlines complex LTL shipments with expert guidance.

Avoid Freight Class Confusion with Planimatik

Planimatik simplifies freight classification, reduces errors and saves on shipping costs. Our platform helps shippers like you strategically plan and manage shipments, reducing unnecessary stress.

For instance, ITS Logistics leveraged Planimatik's features to cut costs by 20%.

Learn How Planimatik Reduced Logistics Costs by 20% for ITS.

Ready to simplify your freight management? Book a free demo and see how Planimatik can improve your logistics operations today.

Freight Class FAQs

How Do You Determine Freight Class?

Freight class is determined by evaluating four key factors:

• Density: The weight of the shipment relative to its volume.
• Stowability: The freight can easily be stored and transported with other shipments.
• Handling: The ease or difficulty involved in loading and unloading the cargo.
• Liability: The risk of damage or theft associated with the cargo.

What Does Freight Class 70 Mean?

Freight class 70 includes items with a density between 15 and 22.5 pounds per cubic foot, such as car parts, food items and automobile engines.

What Are the Different Classes of Freight?

Freight classes range from 50 to 500, with 18 distinct classes. Lower classes are for dense, durable items with lower shipping costs. Higher classes are for lighter, bulkier or fragile items, resulting in higher shipping rates.

What Is Class 50 or 55 Freight?

Class 50 is for very dense, durable items such as bricks and cement. Class 55 includes slightly less dense items like hardwood flooring, with densities between 35 and 50 pounds per cubic foot.

What Are the Four Types of Freight?

• Road (Truck): Flexible, door-to-door deliveries.
• Rail: Cost-effective for long-distance and heavy shipments.
• Air: Fast and suitable for time-sensitive goods.
• Ocean (Sea): Ideal for large, international shipments.

What Is the Lowest Freight Class?

Class 50 is the lowest freight class, assigned to shipments that are very dense (over 50 pounds per cubic foot), durable, and easy to handle. This results in lower shipping costs.