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What Is LTL Freight Class: Determining Factors & How It Is Calculated

ltl freight

When it comes to shipping goods, understanding the concept of LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight class is crucial. LTL freight class plays a significant role in determining the pricing and handling requirements for your shipments. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the factors that determine LTL freight class and how it is calculated. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of LTL freight class codes and how to calculate freight class for LTL shipments.

What Are LTL Freight Classes?

LTL freight class is a standardized system that assigns a numerical code to different types of freight based on specific characteristics. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) administers this classification system, which is made available through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). The purpose of LTL freight class is to establish a uniform pricing structure for shipments, ensuring consistency across carriers, warehouses, brokers, and third-party logistics providers.

Several factors come into play when determining the LTL freight class for a shipment. Let’s explore each of these factors in detail:

How to Calculate LTL Freight Class

To calculate the LTL freight class, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Determine the weight of the shipment in pounds.
  2. Measure the dimensions of the freight, including length, width, and height, in inches.
  3. Calculate the volume of the freight by multiplying the length, width, and height and dividing the result by 1,728 (to convert cubic inches to cubic feet).
  4. Calculate the density by dividing the weight of the freight by its volume.
  5. Consider the stowability, handling characteristics, and liability factors to determine the appropriate class based on the NMFC guidelines.
ltl freight class

LTL Freight Class Codes

The NMFC assigns 18 different classes for LTL shipments, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500. Here is a breakdown of some common LTL freight class codes and the types of goods they represent:

Class 50: Clean Freight – Fits on standard shrink-wrapped 4X4 pallet, very durable.
Class 55:
Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring.
Class 60: Car accessories & car parts.
Class 65: Bottled beverages, books in boxes.
Class 70: Food items, automobile engines.
Class 77.5: Tires, bathroom fixtures.
Class 85: Crated machinery, cast iron stoves.
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, plasma TV.
Class 300: Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats.
Class 400: Deer antlers.
Class 500: Low Density or High Value – Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls.

It’s important to note that these examples are not exhaustive, and there may be additional subclasses within each class based on specific characteristics of the freight.

Benefits of Understanding LTL Freight Class

Understanding LTL freight class and accurately determining the class for your shipments can have several benefits:

  1. Cost Optimization: By correctly classifying your freight, you can ensure that you are charged the appropriate rates for your shipments. This helps optimize your transportation costs and prevents any discrepancies between the expected and actual costs.
  2. Accurate Pricing: LTL freight class provides a standardized pricing structure, allowing you to compare rates across different carriers and make informed decisions based on cost-effectiveness.
  3. Proper Handling: Knowing the freight class helps carriers and warehouse personnel handle your shipments appropriately. They can allocate the necessary resources, equipment, and handling procedures based on the class, ensuring the safety and integrity of your goods.
  4. Claim Prevention: Proper classification reduces the risk of freight claims by ensuring that the freight is handled and transported in a manner appropriate for its characteristics. This minimizes the chances of damage or loss during transit.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: Understanding LTL freight class ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, especially for hazardous or fragile goods. By adhering to the appropriate class and handling guidelines, you can avoid penalties and legal complications.

Tips for Efficient LTL Freight Class Determination

To streamline the process of determining LTL freight class, consider the following tips:

  1. Obtain Accurate Measurements: Ensure that you measure the weight and dimensions of your shipments accurately. Use reliable weighing scales and measuring tools to avoid errors.
  2. Consult with Experts: If you are unsure about the classification of your freight, reach out to carriers, brokers, or logistics professionals who have expertise in LTL shipping. They can provide guidance and help you determine the correct class.
  3. Utilize NMFC Resources: The NMFTA and NMFC provide resources and guidelines for determining freight class. Familiarize yourself with these resources to understand the classification criteria and ensure compliance.
  4. Review Classifications Regularly: As your business evolves and you handle different types of freight, periodically review and validate the assigned classes. Changes in product characteristics or packaging may warrant a reevaluation of the freight class.
ltl freight trucking

Wrapping Up

Understanding LTL freight class is essential for shippers to ensure accurate pricing, proper handling, and regulatory compliance. By considering factors such as weight, dimensions, density, stowability, handling characteristics, and liability, you can determine the appropriate class for your shipments. This helps optimize costs, prevent claims, and streamline your logistics operations. Remember to consult relevant resources and seek expert advice when needed to ensure accurate classification and compliance with LTL freight class guidelines.