What are Freight Classes?
11 Jun 2020 Freight Shipping
Understanding what freight classes are will help ensure that your freight meets your budgetary requirements. At C&D Logistics, they want to make the freight shipping process as simple as possible. That is why their professional team members will work closely with you to make sure that your freight is being shipped for the best possible rates.
What is a Freight Class?
A freight class is a shipping industry standard and grouping system used for commodities transported via less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping. This classification system works to ensure that customers receive an unbiased price when shipping their freight. The freight class that is assigned to your freight will depend on the specific commodity being transported or the total density of the freight being shipped.
How to Calculate Freight Class
Four transportation characteristics are used to determine the freight class of a shipment: density, ease of handling, liability, and stow-ability.
Density
Density, measured in pounds per cubic foot, is the space an item occupies in relation to its weight. Items that are compact and have a higher density will fall under a lower freight class and are cheaper to ship than bulky items.
Ease of Handling
The level of care needed when shipping an item is taken into consideration. In the event that the item is fragile, requires special attention, or has hazardous properties, it will fall under a higher freight class and will cost more to ship.
Liability
Items that have a higher value or are more likely to be stolen or damaged tend to fall into a higher freight class and are more expensive to ship.
Stow-ability
The stow-ability of an item is determined by how easily the freight can be transported with other commodities. Freight that is perishable, flammable, or hazardous is regulated and cannot be shipped with certain materials.
LTL Freight Classifications
There are 18 LTL freight classifications, ranging from the lowest price to the highest price. The freight classifications are as follows:
- Class 55—Items over 50lb/cubic foot
- Class 60—Items 30-35lb/cubic foot
- Class 65—Items 22.5-30lb/cubic foot
- Class 70—Items 15-22.5lb/cubic foot
- Class 77.5—Items 13.5-15lb/cubic foot
- Class 85—Items 12-13.5lb/cubic foot
- Class 92.5—Items 10.5-12lb/cubic foot
- Class 100—Items 9-10.5lb/cubic foot
- Class 110—Items 8-9lb/cubic foot
- Class 125—Items 7-8lb/cubic foot
- Class 150—Items 6-7lb/cubic foot
- Class 175—Items 5-6lb/cubic foot
- Class 200—Items 4-5lb/cubic foot
- Class 250—Items 3-5lb/cubic foot
- Class 300—Items 2-3lb/cubic foot
- Class 400—Items 1-2lb/cubic foot
- Class 500—Items less than 1lb/cubic foot
If you would like to learn more about what freight classes are, or if you are interested in one of their freight shipping services, please contact C&D Logistics at 604-881-4440 or by filling out a contact form on their website. You can also stay up to date with the latest news by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
