When you ship your products as LTL (less-than-truckload), you will need to assign your shipment a freight class number. The freight class number is a standard code published by the National Motor Freight and Traffic Association which allows carriers to quickly identify qualities of the shipment and assist with transportation logistics.
Electronics come in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. Because of this, the freight class for electronics can range from 100-250. We list some common electronics items and their associated freight class codes here. Generally, the lower the freight class code, the cheaper the shipment will be.
Density is identified by the dimension and weight of your shipment. Items like headphones, earbuds, and headsets can have varying freight class codes based on the density of individual pieces.
Does your shipment require any special handling? Items like big-screen TVs or specialty stereo equipment may need to be packaged in a crate or industrial box which can affect the freight class code.
Liability is defined by the value of your shipment and its likeliness to be stolen or damaged. High valued equipment such as cell phones and TVs can increase your shipment’s freight class number.
Is your equipment difficult to stow or transport? Heavier or unconventionally-sized items such as speakers and amplifiers can increase your shipment’s freight class, increasing your cost to ship.
Tips
Speakers, Home Stereo, Amplifiers
TV's
Headphones, Earbuds, Headsets
Cell phones, Wireless Radios
125
250
100,175
100, 125, 175
Make sure to check the density for these items since it will determine NMFC class numbers
Insurance is recommended when shipping high value TVs and their large screens can potentially be damaged.
Density will determine the class.
The class is determined by the value per pound. $3 per or less pound is class 100, $6 or less per pound is class 125 and $10 per pound or less is class 175.
Common Commodity Items
Classes
For many NMFC® codes there isn’t just one single class that is applied. Often, NMFC® numbers have multiple "sub-classes", which are almost always based on the density of the shipment. In the instance where your NMFC® number has multiple sub classes, it's best to contact an expert, like Koho, to help identify which subclass to use.
Electronics are typically best shipped palletized as opposed to in loose boxes. This is the biggest factor to consider when shipping electronics as they tend to be higher in value. Also, pay close attention to the class because unlike most NMFCs some of the electronics are based on value per pound as opposed to density.
Insurance is recommended when shipping high-value electronic items like TVs and home stereos that could become damaged during transit.
