Understanding Freight Classes

What are Freight Classes?
Different freight classes are designed to help you get common standardized freight pricing for your shipment when working with different carriers, warehouses, and brokers.   Freight classes are defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and made available through the NMFC or National Motor Freight Classification.

Different freight classes (there are 18 of them) are based on weight, length, and height, density, ease of handling, value and liability from things like theft, damage, break-ability, and spoilage. For the most part, the lower the NMFC class number, the lower the freight charge.

Figuring our right freight classes
Part of FML’s job is to help you figure out your NMFC freight class, ensuring the specialized code is correct. This ensures that you get correct and consistent pricing for your freight.  The following table describes the NMFC classes and is meant for general guidance in picking your freight class, a number of factors influence what class your shipment ends up in.  You should contact FML Freight Representative to determine an accurate freight class.

Class Name  Notes, Examples Only    Weight Range Per Cubic Foot
Class 50        Clean Freight    Lowest Cost    Fits on standard shrink-wrapped 4X4 pallet, very durable    over 50 lbs
Class 55        Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring    35-50 pounds
Class 60        Car accessories & car parts    30-35 pounds
Class 65        Car accessories & car parts, bottled beverages, books in boxes    22.5-30 pounds
Class 70        Car accessories & car parts, food items, automobile engines    15 to 22.5 pounds
Class 77.5     Tires, bathroom fixtures    13.5 to 15 pounds
Class 85        Crated machinery, cast iron stoves    12-13.5 pounds
Class 92.5     Computers, monitors, refrigerators    10.5-12 pounds
Class 100      Boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases, caskets    9-10.5 pounds
Class 110       Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw    8-9 pounds
Class 125       Small Household appliances    7-8 pounds
Class 150       Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases,    6-7 pounds
Class 175       Clothing, couches stuffed furniture    5-6 pounds
Class 200        Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum table, packaged mattresses,    4-5 pounds
Class 250        Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring, plasma TV    3-4 pounds
Class 300        Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats    2-3 pounds
Class 400        Deer antlers    1-2 pounds
Class 500         Low Density or High Value    Highest Cost    Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls    Less than 1 lbs.