Freight class is a standardized numbering system that tells LTL carriers how difficult and costly a shipment is to haul, which directly sets its price. Governed by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), it ranges across 18 classes from Class 50 (dense, durable, cheap to ship) to Class 500 (light, bulky, fragile, or high-value, expensive to ship). Getting your class right is the single biggest factor in an accurate less-than-truckload quote.
What is the NMFC and freight class?
The National Motor Freight Classification is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It assigns every commodity an NMFC item number and a freight class so carriers can price thousands of different products consistently. Each commodity is evaluated on four characteristics, and those characteristics roll up into one class number that appears on your bill of lading.
The four factors that set freight class
Density
Density — pounds per cubic foot — is usually the dominant factor. A heavy, compact pallet uses little trailer space relative to its weight and earns a low class. A light, bulky pallet hogs space and earns a high class. To calculate density, multiply length × width × height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide weight by that number.
Stowability
How easily the freight loads alongside other shipments. Oversized, oddly shaped, hazardous, or non-stackable items are harder to stow and class higher.
Handling
Fragile, hazardous, or awkward freight that needs special care during loading and unloading raises the class.
Liability
Value, theft risk, perishability, and the chance of damaging nearby freight. High-value or fragile goods carry more carrier liability and a higher class.
Freight class examples
The 18 classes are 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500. As a rule of thumb: dense bricks, flooring, or canned goods land near Class 50–70; mixed boxed goods often sit around Class 85–125; and light, bulky items like ping-pong balls, inflated products, or assembled furniture climb toward Class 250–500.
Why getting freight class right matters
Carriers re-weigh and re-measure freight at the dock. If you under-declare your class, you will receive a reclassification charge and a corrected, higher invoice — often weeks later. Over-declare, and you overpay on every shipment. Accurate class protects your budget and keeps your LTL shipments moving without dispute.
Go Freight’s LTL platform helps shippers classify correctly the first time, so quotes match invoices. Because Go Freight is asset-based and does not double broker, you deal with one accountable carrier from pickup through delivery — no surprise reclass fees buried under layers of middlemen.
How to find your freight class
Start with your commodity’s NMFC item number, which may already be on past bills of lading. Calculate your shipment density using the formula above, since many NMFC items are density-based. When in doubt, ask your carrier to confirm the class before booking rather than guessing — a two-minute check beats a reclassification bill.
Frequently asked questions
What are the freight classes from lowest to highest?
There are 18 classes: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500. Class 50 is the cheapest to ship; Class 500 is the most expensive.
How is freight class calculated?
It is based on four factors — density, stowability, handling, and liability — with density typically driving the result. Higher density usually means a lower, cheaper class.
What happens if I use the wrong freight class?
The carrier reclassifies the shipment at the dock and bills the difference, often with a correction fee. Accurate classification up front avoids unexpected charges.
Get an accurate LTL quote
Not sure how to class your freight? Request an LTL quote or call Go Freight at (786) 445-0150 and we will help you classify it right the first time.