Freight Class
Understanding freight class can make a significant difference to UK businesses shipping goods, whether across the country or overseas. Whether you’re arranging road freight into Europe or sea freight to global destinations, getting the shipment class right from the start helps prevent costly mistakes, delays, and inaccurate quotes.
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What Is Freight Class?
Freight class is a standardised way to categorise shipments based on specific characteristics. These include density (how compact the load is), handling requirements, stowability (how easily goods can be placed with others), liability (risk of damage or theft), and the type of goods being shipped. The system is established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).
The system is most commonly used for road freight, particularly Less Than Truck Load (LTL) and groupage consignments. It is also relevant for sea freight when shipping Less than Container Load (LCL). By grouping similar types of shipments, carriers can assign fair pricing and organise shipments efficiently.
Freight class plays a central role in logistics planning, affecting how goods are packed, loaded, and transported. Choosing the correct class ensures your shipment fits into a smooth supply chain, especially when sharing space with other cargo.
Why Does Freight Class Matter?
Choosing the right freight class is essential for accurate shipping costs. If your class is too low, the carrier may reclassify your goods, resulting in unexpected charges or delays. Too high, and you could be paying more than necessary.
Correct classification also ensures smoother compliance processes. For international shipping, the right class helps avoid hold-ups during customs clearance and reduces the chance of administrative issues. It also allows freight forwarders and logistics partners to give accurate guidance and timelines.
Key Factors That Determine Freight Class
Several key factors are taken into account when determining shipment class:
- Density: The weight-to-volume ratio of the shipment. Heavier and more compact loads usually fall into a lower, less expensive class.
- Ease of handling: Fragile, awkward, or bulky items that require special care may be assigned a higher class.
- Stowability: Items that cannot be stacked or fit poorly with other freight increase complexity and can result in a higher class.
- Liability: Goods that are more prone to damage or theft will often be assigned a higher class.
- Commodity type: Some goods have standard classifications based on what they are.
As a rule of thumb, shipments that are lighter, less dense, or harder to handle tend to attract a higher freight class, which usually means higher shipping costs.
At Barrington Freight, we specialise in making your importing and exporting straightforward. From customs clearance to finding the right commodity codes, our expert team is here to assist. Don’t let the complexities of global trade hold you back. Reach out to Barrington Freight for efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
Freight Density Formula
Freight density is one of the most important metrics in determining shipment class. The calculation is simple and ensures accurate quoting:
- Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment in inches.
- Multiply the three figures together to get cubic inches.
- Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches into cubic feet.
- Divide the weight of the shipment in pounds by the number of cubic feet. This gives you the pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
A higher PCF indicates a denser shipment. Denser freight is generally easier to stow and less prone to damage, which is why it tends to fall into a lower class with more economical rates.
Freight Class Codes Chart
There are 18 standard freight classes, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500. These codes help logistics providers and businesses quickly assess the nature of a shipment.
Class 50 includes heavy, compact, and easy-to-handle items. Class 500 is for goods that are lightweight, fragile, or difficult to store with other items.
Use the freight class chart below to find the right class code for your shipment. Check the density and how the goods need to be handled, then match them to the most accurate class code in the table.
| Class Code | Freight type | Weight Per Cubic Foot |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Durable goods that fit on a standard 4x4 pallet | over 50 lbs |
| 55 | Bricks, cement, construction materials, hardwood flooring | 35-50 pounds |
| 60 | Car accessories & car parts | 30-35 pounds |
| 65 | Car accessories & car parts, books, bottled beverages | 22.5-30 pounds |
| 70 | Car accessories & car parts, food items | 15 to 22.5 pounds |
| 77.5 | Tires, bathroom fixtures | 13.5 to 15 pounds |
| 85 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves | 12-13.5 pounds |
| 92.5 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | 10.5-12 pounds |
| 100 | Car covers, boat covers, canvas, wine cases, crates | 9-10.5 pounds |
| 110 | Cabinets, framed artwork, table saw | 8-9 pounds |
| 125 | Small Household appliances | 7-8 pounds |
| 150 | Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases, | 6-7 pounds |
| 175 | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture | 5-6 pounds |
| 200 | Sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminium furniture | 4-5 pounds |
| 250 | Plasma TVs, bamboo & plastic furniture, mattress and box spring | 3-4 pounds |
| 300 | Tables, chairs setup, wood cabinets, model boats | 2-3 pounds |
| 400 | Deer antlers | 1-2 pounds |
| 500 | Gold dust, ping pong balls | Less than 1 lbs. |
Common Questions About Shipment Class
- What if my goods fall between two classes?
A freight forwarder can advise on the best fit to avoid costly reclassification.
- Does the type of packaging affect my freight class?
Yes. Palletised and well-packed goods are easier to handle and may qualify for a lower class. - Can I reduce shipping costs by increasing density?
Yes. Compact packing that increases density can result in a lower class and reduced rates.
- Who can help if I am unsure about my shipment class?
- A freight expert or forwarding company can help determine the correct class and avoid surprises.
We are a UK-based international freight forwarder that specialises in helping businesses with their shipping requirements. From road freight across Europe to sea freight for global deliveries, we support every stage of the process.
We offer competitive prices, reliable service, and assistance with customs clearance through our trusted partners. If you’re unsure about your shipment class or need a tailored quote, our friendly and experienced team is here to help. Contact us.
We’re friendly, easy to work with, honest and we don’t charge the earth.
For advice and information on shipping time from China to the UK, call 01268 525444 or email us today.
