What is freight shipping class

Information on NMFC and density-based freight shipping class used in shipping within the USA and in cross-border shipping

Freight shipping class or freight classification is a number assigned to less than truckload (LTL) shipments going within the USA, or cross-border from the USA to Canada, or vice versa.

Freight class is based on weight, size, density, handling, value, and assumed risk/liability for hauling.

The freight class may be NMFC-based or density based. There are 18 freight classes. Each product is given a class ranging from 50-500 determined by the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) system.

Freight shipping class allows carriers in the United States to use uniform pricing. Lower class usually implies lower shipping costs.

During quoting, please write the correct class and the NMFC code on the quoting page. If your shipment’s actual class differs from the class used during quoting, the carrier will adjust your final bill with extra charges.

Freight class selection dropdown menu on the Freightera quoting page

The best way to be 100% sure of the CORRECT CLASS is to contact us with the description of your product (dimensions, weight, what the product is, what it’s used for, what it’s made of, and how it’s packaged), and our shipping experts will help you! Chat with us, or call us at (800) 886-4870 Ext. 1.

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