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 Printed Matter 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 Printed Matter and hence, the shipping cost. It is calculated as the weight of the shipment divided by its volume. Density is a calculation of weight relative to volume in LTL shipments.
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 Printed Matter, it is important to know if the item can be packaged efficiently and stowed onto the truck easily. In other words- Stowability refers to how well freight can be packed or stored for transportation.
Liability is a term used to refer to the accountability or risk involved in transporting Printed Matter. It's one of the factors considered when determining freight class. It's the potential for financial loss due to damage, loss, or theft during shipping.
Handling refers to the procedures and precautions taken when moving and storing Printed Matter. It is one of the factors considered when determining freight class for Printed Matter. Handling refers to the processes involved in transporting goods.
Tips
Printed Matter Books
Printed Matter or Printed Matter Paper
65
70
NOI, in boxes
NOI, other than pictures or posters, prepaid, Applies only on printed matter having no specific exchange value, premium value or redeemable value and Also applies on Annual Reports in packages
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.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). It is used for all interstate, intrastate, and foreign commercial movement of LTL cargo. NMFC codes provide standardized freight classes to determine the transportability of the large variety of commodities that are shipped together in LTL shipments every year.
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.
