How To Determine The Freight Class

How To Determine The Freight Class

The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) provides a standard structure that gives the consumers a structure for the pricing of freight transportation. The shipper package is classified into 18 classes in which, Class 500 is the most expensive one and class 50 the cheapest one. These classification numbers make the job of freight carriers easy as it helps them in knowing the right tariff and the price to be charged to the customers. For a layman to understand and determine which class does his shipment belong to, they can use online calculators by reading the instructions.

Here are some steps that will help you know the freight class

Step 1. The features that determine the Freight Class

Know what will help you in determining the class of the freight of the shipment. This may include handling and load ability characteristics. The density, weight and the sensitivity of the product which means how prone is it to getting damaged if mishandled.

Step 2. Freight description that is to be transported

This includes having a proper knowledge about the material of the shipment and its characteristics. It should clearly specify the details of the shipment.

Step 3. Know the kind of container for shipping your item

Different freight companies offer different ways to transport the items. There are various packaging systems that a freight provider may use. This may consist of drums, tubes, pallets, crates, bundles or reels. Before shipping the items, you will have to notify the shipper if the package will be needing a lift gate for a successful loading process

Step 4. Know if the package consists of any hazardous material that may need a specialized shipping process

The USDTC (United  States Department of Transportation’s Code) has generated rules that specify there are 49 different types of hazardous materials that need specialized packaging for shipping.

Step 5. Knowing the dimensions of the shipment

Before transporting the shipment, it is important to measure the dimensions of the item wiz the length, breadth and the height.

Step 6. Calculate the weight of the item after packaging

The class of the shipment can only be specified when it is weighed after its complete packaging. As different items require different methods f packaging, the weight and dimensions change. To know which class does the item belong, the freight providers weigh the item after the packaging is done.

Step 7.Calculate the density

There are many tools available online that asks for the dimensions and weight of your item. Only after knowing the details can they provide you with a quotation for the shipment to be shipped. If you wish to cross-check the quotes you can do this with the help of online calculators.

Step 8. Fill the details and submit the request

While booking a shipment with a shipper, you will have to generate account details for using their calculator and login to perform the operation. There are some shippers who may ask for contact details and an email id to for an assurance to contact you if the need arises.

Now when you know the steps that can help you determine the freight class, you can contact the NMFTA and get the freight class number.