Freight classes designed to the clients to get common standardized freight pricing for their shipment, particularly when dealing with different warehouses, carriers, and brokers. National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) defines what constitutes a Freight Class and makes the various classes available through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).In the USA each type of product or commodity is usually allocated NMFC as well as an equivalent class for less than truckload (LTL) freight shipments. With the standardization of NMFC system, clients are able to reap benefits to the optimum given that NMFC provides a uniform pricing structure, especially when transporting consignment. NMFC system has 11 classes under which a shipped package might fall. Of this classes, class 60 is considered as the least costly while class 400 is the most costly. Moreover, an item or a package is allocated a number which is very significant to the freight carriers as it helps in determining the tariffs that sequentially determine the price to be charged to the client.
Significance of Freight Class
Freight class is essential because it permits shippers to classify freight in a standardized way that aids in reasonable pricing. Shipping companies should charge freight based on the same standards. On the other hand, customers can compare costs between freight establishments in a better way with regards to the freight class codes. It is essential that your classification is determined before receiving a quote for your consignment. An incorrect classification results to price recalculations thus greater shipping costs that anticipated.
How to Determine LTL Freight Class?
Several factors are considered when determining client’s freight class. For instance, classification is determined by transportability which is well-defined by the stow-ability, density, height, weight, length, ease of handling, the value of the package, as well as liability of the cargo from things such as damage, spoilage, breakability, theft, as well as spoilage. It is significant to note that while the classification of numerous items can be determined grounded on their density, others or some of these items will constantly be in the same freight class no matter what the circumstance. For instance, one of such an item will be transmission which belongs to (class 85). The factors are outlined below:
- Liability – It is possibility of cargo damage, theft or destruction to neighboring freight. Fragile cargo or cargo predisposed to spontaneous explosion or combustion is classified centered on liability as well as allotted value per pound that encompasses a fraction of the transporter’s liability. As such, every time classification is based on liability, density should also be deliberated.
- Stow-ability – majority of freight stows fine in boats, trucks and trains nonetheless some articles are controlled by the government or transporter policies. Moreover, there are some items that cannot be loaded as one package. Dangerous materials are transported in precise manners. Extreme weight, length or protuberances can make freight to be difficult to load with other merchandise. The nonexistence of load-bearing exteriors makes freight difficult to load. A measurable stow-ability classification embodies the trouble in loading as well as transporting these items.
- Value and Density (Length, Weight, Height): Density guiding principle ascribe classification 50 to freight which weighs 50 pounds for each cubic foot. The Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) deals with assigning of classifications to various commodities. Consignment with a density of less than 1 pound per cubic foot is categorized as 500. The density; space the commodity inhabits in relation to its weight.
Density of the clients commodity or product = Weight/Volume
Where Weight is measured in pounds
Volume in measured in cubic feet - Handling: Several of freight are weighed down with mechanical apparatus and hence does not poses any handling problems. Other freight that is fragile, with more weight, abnormal shape or dangerous properties requires special consideration. A classification that signifies simplicity or difficulty of carrying or loading the freight is allocated to the items.