By combining multiple shippers’ loads in one container and making several drop-offs and pick-ups, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping offers an economical freight option for shippers who don’t have a full truckload (FTL) of goods to move. However, in order to maintain cost effectiveness and avoid paying unnecessary fees, shippers must determine which LTL freight class they fall into based on classifications set by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).
But what is an LTL freight class, and how can you calculate your shipment’s classification? In this article, we’ll help you to understand what LTL freight classifications are and how to determine your LTL freight class to avoid overpaying for your shipment.
LTL freight classes explained
Freight classes for LTL shipments are simply a straightforward way for carriers to organise, price, and handle LTL loads. Each shipment falls into one of 18 different classes—called NMFC codes—starting at Class 50 for light, inexpensive goods all the way up to Class 500 for dense, heavy, higher risk freight. These classifications are determined against four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability. For instance, fragile products typically have higher classifications as they are less dense. The higher the class code, the more expensive a load will be. LTL freight class codes provide transparency around freight pricing and keep costs fair.
How to determine LTL freight class
Before you can identify your freight class, you will need to calculate your freight density. There are online calculators to help you with this process, but if you prefer to do it yourself, freight density can be calculated by following a few simple steps.
Measure your pieces
First, find the length, width, and height of your shipment. These measurements should be the largest possible dimensions your load could be—they must include the pallet and any other packaging, and should be rounded up to the nearest inch. If you are shipping multiple pieces, you’ll need to take the measurements of each one. It is always better to round up slightly too high than round down too low.
Find total cubic feet
Calculate the total cubic inches of your load by multiplying the height, width, and length together of the piece you’ve measured. Then, divide that total by 1,728 to find the cubic feet. For more than one piece, multiply the dimensions of each piece then add those totals together before converting to cubic feet.
Calculate the density
Convert the weight of your shipment into pounds per cubic foot to find the density. To do this, divide the weight by the total cubic feet. Add together each total weight of multiple pieces before dividing by cubic feet. Once you’ve found the density of your shipment, you can locate your freight class using the LTL freight classification chart.
Determine your freight class
Once you’re certain you’ve calculated the correct density, find its corresponding classification code on the classification chart. There are a variety of online calculators and tools that can simplify this method—or, if you have access to it, you can use the official NMFC codebook.
Small business owners and logistics and supply chain professionals often have a lot on their plates without having to worry about figuring out their freight classification code. Cut out the confusion and consult with Amazon Freight to ensure you’ve used the correct code, particularly if you are shipping internationally.
Common mistakes to avoid when determining LTL freight classification
Interpreting the LTL freight classification chart can be difficult, and understanding common pitfalls shippers make when determining their freight classification can help you accurately find which class your load falls into and minimise the risk of misclassifying.
Guessing measurements
The most important mistake to avoid is estimating or rounding down your shipments’ measurements, as this can lead you to classify the load incorrectly. Carriers commonly re-weigh freight and if your shipment has been wrongly classified, it will likely cost you.
Misidentifying freight class
Although the freight classification chart can seem complex, it’s imperative that you identify the correct classification. Amazon Freight can help you simplify the process and decode the classification chart in a way that makes sense for your organisation.
Tools and resources for LTL freight classification in the UK
There are a wide variety of online tools and calculators available to help shippers in the UK find their classification code. Of course, the official NMFC codebook is the industry standard—but not every shipper has access to this resource. ClassIT, the digitised NMFC code lookup tool, offers search functions and is a reliable source of truth. However, although ClassIT is more reliable and up-to-date than many other online tools, shippers must pay a fee to use the service.
FreightCenter has a free, accessible freight class codes chart of their own and an online calculator to help easily calculate freight rates. Shippers must be aware, however, that NMFC codes are prone to change without notice, which can render any unofficial online resource incorrect at any given moment. To ensure you’ve chosen the correct code, get in touch with the Amazon Freight team and we will be happy to help you confirm your freight classification.
Finding the right LTL freight class codes with Amazon Freight
Freight classifications are a finicky and complicated aspect of LTL shipping, and finding the right one can be a daunting task. Amazon Freight can cut through the complexity of LTL freight classifications and help you identify the correct code for your shipment. Our experts can ensure that you haven’t misclassified your load and mitigate the risk of additional fees.
Find the right code today. Get in touch with our team at freight-uk-interest@amazon.com or create a free account below, to learn more about how we can help with the freight classification process.
