What Is Freight Class?

When you ship via LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), every shipment is assigned a freight class. This standardized system, developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), classifies commodities from Class 50 to Class 500 based on how difficult and risky they are to transport.

Your freight class directly impacts your rate per hundred pounds (CWT). A lower class usually means denser, easier-to-handle freight and a lower cost. A higher class means the shipment is bulkier, more fragile, or higher risk – and typically more expensive to move.

The Four Main Factors That Determine Freight Class

While density is the most common driver, freight class is based on four core factors:

• Density – How heavy the freight is for the space it occupies (lbs per cubic foot).
• Ease of Handling – How simple or difficult it is to move, stack, and secure the freight.
• Stowability – How easily it fits into a trailer with other freight without causing issues.
• Liability – How likely it is to be damaged, stolen, or to cause damage to other freight.

1. Density: The Key Starting Point

Density is often the first step in determining class. To calculate density, you convert your shipment’s dimensions from inches to cubic feet and divide the total weight by the total cubic feet.

Density Formula:

Density (lbs/ft³) = Total Weight (lbs) ÷ Total Volume (ft³)

Higher-density freight gets a lower class (e.g., Class 60, 65, 70) and lower rates, while very light or bulky freight often lands in Class 250, 300, or 400.

2. Ease of Handling

Freight that is palletized, well-wrapped, and uniform is easier for carriers to handle and usually qualifies for a lower class. Freight that is long, irregularly shaped, fragile, or requires special equipment is harder to handle and tends to fall into a higher class.

3. Stowability

Stowability refers to how well your freight can be loaded in the trailer with other shipments. Hazardous materials, items with odd dimensions, or freight that cannot be stacked will often have a higher class because they reduce the carrier’s usable space and flexibility.

4. Liability

Freight that is high value, fragile, perishable, or prone to theft carries more risk. That risk is reflected in a higher freight class and higher rates. Proper packaging, documentation, and accurate declarations help control this cost.

Freight Class Density Chart (Typical Ranges)

Below is a simplified density-based freight class guide commonly used for LTL rating:

Actual freight class is determined by NMFTA rules and carrier tariffs. This chart is for general guidance only.

Why Getting the Right Freight Class Matters

Choosing the correct freight class is critical for accurate LTL quotes, avoiding costly re-class and re-bill charges, and keeping your logistics budget predictable. An incorrect class can lead to disputes, shipping delays, and higher overall transportation spend.

How International 3PL Helps with Freight Class & LTL Shipping

International 3PL works with manufacturers, e-commerce sellers, importers, and exporters to optimize their LTL, Volume LTL, and FTL freight. Our logistics team reviews your packaging, dimensions, weights, and commodity descriptions to help you:

• Select the most accurate and cost-effective freight class.
• Improve packaging and palletization to increase density and reduce cost.
• Avoid re-class fees, inspection delays, and unexpected accessorial charges.
• Compare LTL vs. Volume LTL vs. FTL options to choose the best mode for each load.