Understanding the National Motor Freight Classification
Learn how NESW Solutions can help you navigate recent NMFC changes and optimize your freight classifications for better shipping outcomes.
How is Freight Class Determined
Freight class is determined by four main factors: Density, Handling, Stowability, and Liability, with lower classes (like 50) indicating dense, easy-to-ship items, and higher classes (like 500) indicating low-density, valuable, or difficult-to-handle goods, all standardized by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association
1) Density:
How much an item weighs relative to the space it occupies (pounds per cubic foot).
- Calculation: Total Weight / Total Cubic Feet.
- Impact: Higher density (heavier per square foot) generally leads to a lower class; lower density leads to a higher class.
2) Handling:
How difficult the freight is to load, move, and secure.
3) Stowability:
How easily the item can be packed with other freight in a truck.
- Considerations: Can it be stacked, is it bulky, or does it fit standard pallets?
4) Liability:
The risk of damage, theft, or spoilage.
- Considerations: High-value items or those prone to damage/theft get a higher class.
National Motor Freight Classification Review
Navigate NMFC changes with confidence! Join our Logistics Experts for a complimentary review of your products and NMFC codes. We'll explain the National Motor Freight Classification program, review recent updates, and show you how NESW Solutions can help optimize your freight classifications for better rates and smoother shipping operations. Backed by 25 years of industry experience, we're here to simplify this complex system for your business.