If your business uses less-than-truckload shipping, you have probably encountered the term freight class while requesting a quote. But what exactly does freight class mean, and why can it have such a noticeable impact on your shipping costs?
Freight class is part of the National Motor Freight Classification, or NMFC, system used for LTL freight. Classes range from 50 to 500 and help carriers and shippers evaluate how different types of cargo affect transportation. The system considers characteristics including density, handling, stowability, and liability.
Understanding how freight classification works can help businesses provide more accurate shipment information, receive better freight quotes, and reduce the risk of unexpected adjustments.
Why Does Freight Class Matter?
LTL shipping works differently from sending a full truckload. Instead of one shipper using an entire trailer, multiple shipments from different businesses may share the available space.
That makes the characteristics of each shipment important.
A compact pallet of dense, easy-to-handle products presents a different transportation challenge than a large shipment containing fragile or unusually shaped items. Freight classification gives carriers a standardized way to account for those differences.
Generally, freight that is denser and easier to transport receives a lower class, while freight that is bulkier or presents additional handling, stowability, or liability concerns may receive a higher classification.
Because freight class can be used when determining LTL rates, an incorrect classification may lead to inaccurate quotes or adjustments after the shipment is inspected.
What Determines Freight Class?
The NMFC system evaluates four primary transportation characteristics.
1. Density
Density compares the weight of a shipment with the amount of space it occupies.
Imagine two pallets that take up approximately the same amount of trailer space. One weighs 1,000 pounds while the other weighs only 150 pounds. Even though their dimensions are similar, their densities are very different.
Accurate weight and dimensions are therefore extremely important when preparing an LTL shipment.
2. Handling
Some freight is much easier to move through terminals and onto trucks than others.
A secure, standard-sized pallet may be relatively simple to handle. Fragile products, awkward shapes, unusually heavy pieces, or freight requiring special equipment can present additional challenges.
Those handling characteristics may influence how the freight is classified.
3. Stowability
Stowability refers to how efficiently freight can be loaded and transported alongside other shipments.
Stackable, uniformly packaged freight generally makes better use of available trailer space. Oversized or irregularly shaped items may limit how carriers can arrange other cargo around them.
The easier freight is to safely stow, the more efficiently trailer space can be utilized.
4. Liability
Liability considers transportation risks associated with the freight, such as susceptibility to damage, the possibility of damaging other cargo, perishability, or hazardous characteristics.
These characteristics help account for shipments that may require additional care even when their dimensions or weight appear straightforward.
Freight Classification Changed in 2025
Businesses that regularly ship LTL freight should also be aware that major NMFC changes took effect on July 19, 2025.
The updated system expanded the use of a standardized density-based approach for many commodities and modernized a number of commodity listings. Density has become a primary classification factor for freight without significant handling, stowability, or liability concerns.
That makes accurate measurements even more important.
Businesses should avoid automatically relying on freight classifications saved from older shipments. NMFTA recommends checking current classification information, and its ClassIT+ platform is now the official source for current NMFC data and updates.
Can Packaging Affect Your Freight Class?
Yes. Packaging can affect the overall dimensions and density of a shipment.
An unnecessarily large pallet or crate can increase the amount of trailer space your freight occupies. Likewise, measurements should include the entire handling unit, including pallets, crates, packaging, and other components extending beyond the product itself.
Efficient packaging is not simply about protecting the product. It can also help businesses use transportation space more efficiently.
How Can You Avoid Freight Classification Problems?
Before requesting an LTL freight quote, make sure you have accurate information about your shipment.
Measure the complete length, width, and height of the packaged freight and obtain an accurate weight. You should also clearly identify the commodity being shipped and communicate any unusual handling, storage, or transportation requirements.
If you are uncertain about the correct classification, working with an experienced freight professional can help prevent mistakes before your shipment leaves the dock.
At Baum Shipping, we help businesses navigate the details of freight transportation, from selecting the right shipping solution to coordinating LTL and specialty freight.
Have an LTL shipment coming up? Contact Baum Shipping to discuss your freight and find the right transportation solution for your business.