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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.
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:
To calculate the LTL freight class, you need to follow these steps:
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:
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.
Understanding LTL freight class and accurately determining the class for your shipments can have several benefits:
To streamline the process of determining LTL freight class, consider the following tips:
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.