Freight Class
A standardized classification system (NMFC classes 50 through 500) used by LTL carriers to determine shipping rates based on a commodity's density, stowability, handling difficulty, and liability. Lower freight classes (e.g., class 50) represent dense, easy-to-handle freight and cost less to ship. Higher classes (e.g., class 500) represent light, bulky, or fragile freight and cost more.
Detailed Explanation
A standardized classification system (NMFC classes 50 through 500) used by LTL carriers to determine shipping rates based on a commodity's density, stowability, handling difficulty, and liability. Lower freight classes (e.g., class 50) represent dense, easy-to-handle freight and cost less to ship. Higher classes (e.g., class 500) represent light, bulky, or fragile freight and cost more.
Example
A shipment of bottled water classifies as freight class 50 (very dense, easy to stack), while a shipment of ping pong balls classifies as class 400 (very light, takes up space).
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