Freight Class

Freight class is a standardized classification system used in the less-than-truckload shipping industry to categorize commodities into one of 18 classes ranging from class 50 to class 500. The classification system, maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, assigns each commodity a class based on four characteristics: density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability for damage or theft. Lower classes indicate dense, easy-to-handle freight, while higher classes indicate light, bulky, fragile, or high-value freight.

Freight class directly affects LTL shipping rates. Higher freight classes carry higher per-hundred-weight rates because the freight occupies more trailer space relative to its weight, is more difficult to handle, or carries greater risk of damage. A pallet of canned goods at class 55 will cost significantly less to ship LTL than a pallet of electronics at class 150, even if they weigh the same, because the electronics are more fragile and valuable.

Cold Chain Freight Classes

Refrigerated products span a wide range of freight classes. Frozen meats and seafood are typically classified at class 55 to 85 depending on the specific product and packaging. Fresh produce ranges from class 55 to class 100. Dairy products are generally class 60 to 85. The refrigeration requirement does not directly affect the freight class, but it does add a temperature-controlled premium to the LTL rate that is applied on top of the class-based pricing.

Accurate freight classification is important because misclassification can result in billing adjustments, reclassification surcharges, and strained carrier relationships. Shippers should verify the correct NMFC classification for each product they ship LTL and ensure that bills of lading accurately reflect the product description and class. Working with an experienced logistics partner helps avoid the costly classification disputes that can arise from incorrect or ambiguous commodity descriptions.