Every piece of freight in the U.S. receives a classification before being loaded onto a common carrier or line haul shipper. These classifications are defined by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and range from class 50 to class 500. This sets a universal standard for determining shipping costs. We’ll explain the concept of classifying freight and define the four parameters that determine the correct freight classification.

Freight Classification Explained

There are a total of 18 freight classes. The lower the freight category number, the cheaper the shipment. Each class lists specific parameters. Class 100, for example, is for freight that includes items like boat and car covers, caskets, and wine cases. The freight must also fall between 9-10.5 pounds per cubic foot in this class.

The 4 Parameters that Determine Freight Class

Density
The density is the space the item will occupy in relation to its weight. Density is determined by dividing the mass of an object by its volume in cubic feet. In order to accurately calculate the density of your shipment, all packaging and materials must be factored into the calculation.

Stowability
This refers to how easily the freight can be loaded, stored, and stacked on the truck. Some products are more difficult to stow. For example, overweight freight, hazardous materials, fragile pieces, or oddly shaped objects will require some type of special treatment.

Handling
Handling is very similar to stowability in that it involves the ease or difficulty of handling certain shipments. Again, shipments that are heavy, hazardous, fragile, or oddly shaped will need special attention.

Liability
Finally, liability refers to the probability of your freight being damaged, stolen, or otherwise mishandled in some way. Freight that is prone to explosions, spontaneous combustion, perishing, or breaking will carry a higher liability.

We’ll Determine Your Cargo’s Freight Classification for your U.S. Shipments

Contact Machine Transport if you require freight assistance. We may recommend that you adjust your freight so it falls into a specific classification. Falling into a specific freight class can dramatically reduce your overhead. Our contracted motor carriers are trained and equipped to safely transport machine tools anywhere within in the continental U.S., Canada and Mexico. Contact us today for assistance!

Freight Classification and Shipment Experts in the U.S.

Professional Machine Tool Transportation Serving the U.S., Canada & Mexico

Posted on August 17, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business