Freight class is a standard classification system for shipments, defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It's used to categorize commodities like Hardware for transport, taking into account factors like weight, dimensions, density, storage capability, ease of handling, and liability. Freight class is a system to categorize different types of goods being shipped.
Density is a key concept in freight shipping, as it significantly impacts the freight class for commodities like Hardware and hence, the shipping cost. It is calculated as the weight of the shipment divided by its volume. It's the compactness of a shipment – how much it weighs compared to how much space it takes up.
Stowability is used in freight shipping to describe how easily an item can be stowed or stored in relation to other items. For example, when trying to understand stowability for Hardware, it is important to know if the item can be packaged efficiently and stowed onto the truck easily. In other words- It's a term used in shipping to describe how well an item can be packed for transportation.
Liability is a term used to refer to the accountability or risk involved in transporting Hardware. It's one of the factors considered when determining freight class. Liability refers to the risks involved in the transportation of goods.
Handling refers to the procedures and precautions taken when moving and storing Hardware. It is one of the factors considered when determining freight class for Hardware. It's the operations involved in moving goods from one location to another.
Tips
Hardware Fasteners
Hardware Hose Clamps
50
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Steel, for holding and fastening bolts, nuts, nails, prongs or screws; In boxes, having a density of 50 pounds or greater per cubic foot. Density must be shown by shipper on shipping orders and bills of lading at time of shipment. If density is not shown and shipment is inadvertently accepted, class will initially be assessed under the provisions of item 95190, naming 'Hardware, NOI.' Upon satisfactory proof of actual density, class will be adjusted accordingly.
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.
Almost all U.S. LTL carriers use NMFC freight classes, although some are attempting to move to a dimensionally-based system.
Working with a 3PL like Koho can help you accurately determine your freight class so you can avoid re-classification fees with the carriers. For more information on the freight class system, go to the National Motor Freight and Traffic Association.
