How to Figure out Freight Class
Understanding freight class is crucial for shipping, as it can significantly affect your freight costs. The right shipment classification ensures you avoid costly mistakes like reclassification accessorial fees. This article breaks down freight class, density, PCF (Pounds per Cubic Foot), and how technology like
ViewPoint TMS
can automate the freight classification process, making it easier to manage and preventing freight reclassifications from occurring at all.
What Is Freight Class?
NMFC Code Changes
What Is Density and How Does It Affect Freight Class?
Density refers to how much mass is packed into a given volume of space. In the context of freight, density is typically measured in
pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The more compact the item, the higher its density. Higher-density items are usually assigned a lower freight class because they take up less space, making them easier to transport.
For example, a heavy item that doesn’t take up much room, like a steel bar, will have a high density. On the other hand, bulky items with lower density, like foam mattresses, occupy more space relative to their weight. This difference is key to determining the freight class.
PCF is essential because it impacts how much space a shipment will take up in a truck or container. The less space an item occupies, the less you pay for shipping. Knowing the exact PCF helps shippers accurately calculate freight class, ensuring the best possible shipping cost.
How to Calculate Density (PCF) and Its Role in Determining Accurate Freight Class
- To measure your shipment, start by determining its height, width, and depth. Be sure to measure from the farthest points, including any pallets or packaging. If you have multiple pieces, repeat this step for each one.
- Next, multiply the height, width, and depth together to get the total cubic inches (or cubic feet) of the shipment. For shipments with multiple pieces, calculate the dimensions for each piece separately, then add the results together.
Note: If you're using inches,
divide the total cubic inches by 1,728
(the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot) to convert to cubic feet.
- Finally, divide the total weight of the shipment (in pounds) by the total cubic feet. The result will give you the pounds per cubic foot (PCF), or density. For shipments with multiple pieces, be sure to add up the weight of all pieces before dividing by the total cubic feet.
Free Density Calculator
How ViewPoint TMS Automates Accurate Freight Class Calculations
What Are Reclassification Accessorial Fees?
Reclassification accessorial fees occur when the carrier determines that the freight class assigned to a shipment is incorrect. This can happen if the density or the weight of the shipment doesn’t align with the original class. The most common causes of classification error which creates an NMFC rating issue is:
- Entering the wrong dimensions
- Not calculating the weight properly
- Not selecting the correct corresponding commodity
When this happens, the carrier may charge a reclassification fee to correct the discrepancy.
These fees can add up quickly and impact your bottom line. They often arise from inaccurate density calculations or failure to classify goods based on their actual characteristics. Misclassification can also result in delayed shipment invoicing or extra handling charges, further increasing costs.
By automating the freight class process with tools like ViewPoint TMS, you can avoid these extra charges. TLI also offers
freight invoice audit services which include reclassification disputes if the information was entered properly by the shipper. The system ensures that you’re consistently classifying shipments correctly, giving you peace of mind and financial savings.
Are NMFC Codes Changing in 2025?
The NMFC changes coming in 2025 will benefit shippers who use ViewPoint TMS. The
National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is updating the classification system for LTL freight, aiming to simplify the process. The 2025 NMFC code changes focus on standardized density scales and clearer guidelines for different commodities, making the system more accurate and easier to navigate.
The new system will classify freight based on four main factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability. These updates modernize the old NMFC system, improving both clarity and usability. As a result, shippers can expect fewer reclassification issues and a smoother, more efficient experience.
