Freight Class

Freight class is a system that groups different types of items based on their characteristics to determine how much it will cost to ship them. Imagine it as a sorting tool that helps shipping companies figure out the best way to charge for moving your stuff. This classification considers things like the size, weight, shape, and how delicate or sturdy the items are. Each group is assigned a number, and this number helps determine the shipping cost.

Lower numbers usually mean lower shipping costs because those items are easier to handle and fit together with other items. Higher numbers might mean higher costs because those items need more care or take up more space. It's like putting similar things in boxes so they can be priced and handled correctly when being shipped.

Determine Freight Class

To figure out the freight class for what you're sending, here's what you need to do:

Know Your Stuff: Get to know what you're shipping. How big is it? How heavy? Is it strong and tough, or delicate and light?
Use NMFC Help: Look into the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) guide. It's like a handbook that shows different categories for items and helps you find where your thing fits.
Find a Match: Compare your item's details with what's in the NMFC. See which category seems like the best match.
Dig into Subcategories: Sometimes, a category has smaller groups inside it. Pick the one that's closest to what you're shipping.
Density Check: For some classes, they also look at how heavy something is compared to its size. Do some math to check if your choice makes sense.
Use Online Tools: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has handy online tools to help you choose the right class based on your item.
Ask the Pros: Still not sure? Your shipping company or logistics expert can help you decide which class fits your stuff best.

Choosing the correct freight class is important because it determines the cost of shipping. If you get it right, you'll avoid unexpected charges and know exactly what it'll cost to send your items. Plus, with our Kwick Quote System, we've got a smart calculator that handles the freight class for you. So, you can take it easy – no need to worry about figuring out the class yourself. When you use Kwick Quotes System, this handy tool does all the work, letting you concentrate on getting quotes and sending your stuff without any hassle!

Freight class, also known as NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) class, is a standardized system used to categorize and classify different types of freight based on their characteristics. It helps determine the appropriate shipping rates and charges for transporting goods by truck. The classification takes into account factors like the commodity's density, stowability, handling, and liability. Freight class is assigned a numerical value ranging from 50 to 500, with lower values indicating lower shipping costs for denser and less fragile items, while higher values correspond to higher costs for larger, less dense, or more delicate items.

Types of Freight Class

Freight classes are categorized into several types based on the characteristics of the items being shipped. These types help determine the appropriate class for different types of goods. Here are some common types of freight classes:

Class 50: Clean Freight - dense and low value.
Class 55: Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring.
Class 60: Car accessories and parts, bottled beverages, books in boxes.
Class 65: Car accessories and parts, boxed books, bottled beverages, clothing.
Class 70: Car accessories, automobile engines, bulk bags of grains, hay, tubing.
Class 77.5: Tires, bathroom fixtures.
Class 85: Crated machinery, cast iron stoves, steel drums.
Class 92.5: Computers, monitors, refrigerators.
Class 100: Boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases, caskets.
Class 110: Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw.
Class 125: Small household appliances.
Class 150: Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases.
Class 175: Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture.
Class 200: Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum table, packaged mattresses.
Class 250: Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring.
Class 300: Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats.
Class 400: Deer antlers.
Class 500: Baled hay, boat, light vehicle.
Class 550: Empty barrels.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and the classification may change based on updates from the NMFC. It's always a good idea to consult the official NMFC guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.