{"id":99893,"date":"2026-09-17T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipstation.com\/?p=99893"},"modified":"2026-10-29T15:25:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T20:25:29","slug":"ltl-freight-classification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shipstation.com\/en-ca\/blog\/ltl-freight-classification\/","title":{"rendered":"LTL Freight Classification 101: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve ever requested an LTL freight quote only to receive a higher amount on the final invoice, freight class may be the reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freight classification is one of the biggest factors affecting LTL shipping<\/a> costs, yet it’s also one of the least understood. An incorrect freight class can lead to reclassification charges, invoice adjustments, and unexpected shipping costs. Even experienced shipping teams occasionally encounter problems when products, packaging, or industry standards change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that freight class isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds. Once you understand how carriers classify freight and what they evaluate, you’ll be better equipped to request accurate quotes, avoid unnecessary surprises, and make more informed shipping decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, you’ll learn what freight class is, how the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system works, how freight class affects shipping costs, and how to reduce the risk of freight reclassification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is freight class?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Freight class is a standardized system used to classify shipments moving through the less-than-truckload (LTL) network<\/a>. Developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), the NMFC system<\/a> assigns eligible commodities one of 18 freight classes, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than relying on weight alone, freight class evaluates a shipment’s transportation characteristics. It gives carriers a consistent way to compare thousands of products moving through the same network, helping them price freight fairly, maximize trailer space, and improve efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, dense, durable products receive lower freight classes because they make more efficient use of trailer space and are typically easier to handle. Lightweight, bulky, or fragile shipments generally receive higher freight classes because they occupy more trailer space, require specialized handling, or present greater transportation risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Did you know?<\/h3>\n \n
Freight class is unique to LTL freight shipping. Parcel and full truckload (FTL) shipments use different pricing methods.<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How NMFC codes and freight class work together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the terms NMFC code and freight class are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing. They work together, but each serves a different purpose in the freight classification process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An NMFC item number (commonly called an NMFC code) identifies the commodity being shipped. Every commodity listed in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system has its own item number. Depending on the commodity, that item number is either assigned a specific freight class or provides the criteria used to determine the correct freight class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A freight class, on the other hand, describes the shipment’s transportation characteristics. It reflects how the shipment moves through the LTL network and is one of the factors carriers use when calculating shipping rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NMFC item number vs. freight class<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
NMFC item number (code)<\/th>\n Freight class<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Identifies what you’re shipping<\/td>\n Describes how the shipment is transported<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Assigned to a specific commodity<\/td>\n Assigned according to the NMFC item’s classification rules<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Used to identify the correct commodity listing<\/td>\n Used by carriers as one factor when calculating LTL shipping rates<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
May specify a freight class or use density-based criteria<\/td>\n Reflects the shipment’s transportation characteristics<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n


Think of it this way: <\/strong>There are thousands of NMFC item numbers, each representing a specific commodity. Those thousands of commodities ultimately flow into 18 freight classes, which group products with similar transportation characteristics. In other words, NMFC item numbers are like individual raindrops, while the 18 freight classes are the buckets that collect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s why the rest of this guide focuses primarily on freight class. Once the correct NMFC item number is identified, freight class becomes the standard language carriers use to classify and price LTL shipments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LTL freight class chart: Understanding all 18 classes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system includes 18 freight classes, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500. These classifications help carriers evaluate how freight uses trailer space, how easily it can be handled, and the transportation risks it presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following LTL freight class chart provides a reference for all 18 classes. In general, lower classes are associated with dense, durable freight, while higher classes often reflect shipments that occupy more space or present additional handling challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Freight class<\/th>\n General characteristics<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
50<\/td>\n Very dense, durable freight that uses relatively little trailer space<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
55<\/td>\n High-density freight with efficient space utilization<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
60<\/td>\n Dense freight with straightforward handling requirements<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
65<\/td>\n Dense freight with generally manageable transportation requirements<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
70<\/td>\n Moderately dense freight with efficient space utilization<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
77.5<\/td>\n Moderately dense freight with potentially greater space requirements<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
85<\/td>\n Midrange freight with moderate density<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
92.5<\/td>\n Midrange freight that may occupy more space relative to its weight<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
100<\/td>\n Moderate-density freight with greater space requirements<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
110<\/td>\n Lower-density freight that may require more trailer space<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
125<\/td>\n Bulkier freight with relatively low density<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
150<\/td>\n Low-density freight that occupies substantial trailer space<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
175<\/td>\n Very low-density freight with significant space requirements<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
200<\/td>\n Bulky freight that uses trailer space less efficiently<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
250<\/td>\n Extremely low-density freight or freight with special transportation considerations<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
300<\/td>\n Very bulky freight or freight with significant handling or liability considerations<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
400<\/td>\n Extremely low-density freight or freight presenting substantial transportation challenges<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
500<\/td>\n Freight assigned the highest class under applicable classification requirements<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

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Does every commodity follow the same LTL freight class chart?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. Although the NMFC system uses 18 classes, not every commodity follows the same density thresholds. Some commodities have fixed classes, while others follow density-based scales or have additional classification requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a shipment with a density of 11.25 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) would fall within Class 92.5 under the standard 13-subprovision density scale. However, that class applies only if the commodity’s NMFC item uses this scale and its other classification requirements are satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important: This chart is a general reference, not a universal classification calculator. Always verify the correct NMFC item number before assigning an LTL freight class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to determine LTL freight class step by step<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Determining the correct LTL freight class starts with identifying what you’re shipping. Weight and dimensions matter, but you’ll also need to confirm the commodity and the NMFC rules that apply to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following five steps explain how to determine freight class and reduce the risk of classification errors before requesting an LTL quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Identify the commodity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start with an accurate description of the product, including its material, construction, intended use, and packaging. This information helps identify the appropriate NMFC item number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some commodities have a fixed class, while others use density-based criteria or additional classification requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Measure the packaged shipment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Measure the shipment’s length, width, and height in inches. Include the pallet, packaging, and any materials that extend beyond the pallet’s edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a shipment on a standard pallet might measure 48 inches long, 40 inches wide, and 60 inches high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Determine the total shipment weight<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weigh the shipment after it’s fully packaged and secured. Include the pallet and all protective materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this example, assume the complete shipment weighs 750 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Calculate freight density<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Freight density measures how much a shipment weighs relative to the space it occupies. It’s expressed in pounds per cubic foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, calculate the shipment’s volume:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

48 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 60 \u00f7 1,728 = 66.67 cubic feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, divide the shipment’s weight by its volume:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

750 \u00f7 66.67 = 11.25 PCF<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shipment has a freight density of approximately 11.25 pounds per cubic foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Verify the NMFC item and freight class<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Under the standard NMFC 13-subprovision density scale, a density of 11.25 PCF falls within the Class 92.5 range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, that doesn’t automatically mean the shipment is Class 92.5. The applicable NMFC item must use that scale, and any other classification requirements must be satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confirm the classification with your carrier or transportation provider before booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LTL classification examples: How density affects freight class<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consider three hypothetical shipments with identical dimensions but different weights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shipment<\/strong><\/td>Dimensions<\/strong><\/td>Weight<\/strong><\/td>Density<\/strong><\/td>Illustrative class*<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
A<\/td>48 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 60 in.<\/td>400 lbs.<\/td>6 PCF<\/td>125<\/td><\/tr>
B<\/td>48 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 60 in.<\/td>750 lbs.<\/td>11.25 PCF<\/td>92.5<\/td><\/tr>
C<\/td>48 \u00d7 40 \u00d7 60 in.<\/td>1,200 lbs.<\/td>18 PCF<\/td>70<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Classes assume the applicable NMFC item uses the standard 13-subprovision density scale. Actual classifications depend on the commodity and its NMFC requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All three shipments occupy the same amount of trailer space, but their different weights produce different densities. Under the specified density scale, denser shipments receive lower freight classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why accurate measurements matter in LTL classification. Changes in packaged weight or dimensions can affect the assigned class when a commodity uses density-based criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LTL freight class calculator: Estimate your shipment’s density<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Calculating freight density manually can take time, especially when you’re preparing multiple LTL shipments. A freight class calculator simplifies the process by using shipment weight and dimensions to calculate density and, where applicable, estimate a potential class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get started, gather your shipment’s total packaged weight, length, width, and height. Include the pallet and all packaging materials so the measurements accurately reflect the freight being transported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the ShipStation density calculator below to enter your shipment’s measurements and calculate its density in seconds. You can use the results to help evaluate your LTL freight class before requesting a shipping quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n