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.
Machinery comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. Because of this, the freight class for machinery can range from 65-400. We list some common machinery 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 industrial sewing machines can have varying freight class codes based on the density of individual pieces.
Does your shipment require any special handling? Items like production machines 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 CNC machines can increase your shipment’s freight class number.
Is your equipment difficult to stow or transport? Heavier or unconventionally-sized items such as milling and CNC machines can increase your shipment’s freight class, increasing your cost to ship.
Tips
Industrial Sewing Machines
Milling Machines
Other Production Machines
110, 150
70, 77.5, 100, 110, 150
65, 77.5, 85, 100, 125, 175, 250, 400
Density will determine if its either 110 or 150.
This NMFC covers a wide range of milling equipment, be sure to understand the density of your machine in order to use the correct subclass.
Machines packaged in crates will result in the lowest freight class, density will determine which sub class applied to your machinery.
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.
It’s recommended you package your machinery in a crate as opposed to a pallet, as crates provide more protection in transit. This will also help achieve a lower class and in turn provide lower rates.
Machines can often be over length, and it's important to remember there will be additional fees for machines that exceed 10 feet. Also, keep in mind not every carrier will accept such shipments, so be sure to know the carrier you select can handle your freight.
