What is Freight Class 250?

Freight Class 250 is the classification most appropriate for bamboo furniture, engine hoods, mattresses and box springs, unassembled couches and plasma TV’s that weigh 3-4lbs per cubic foot. Less-than-truckload shipping uses a freight classification system determined by the National Motor Freight and Traffic Association to help shippers and carriers effectively communicate the transportability of their freight. Freight class determination is based on four categories; density, stowability, liability and handling. How much your freight weighs in relation to its size, whether or not it will fit in the trailer easily with other freight, if it’s at risk for theft or if it will need special loading equipment are all factors that need to be considered when determining the appropriate freight class.

What determines Freight Class?

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DENSITY

The density of a commodity is identified by its dimension and weight. Freight class code 70 should have a density of 3-4 pounds per cubic foot.

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STOWABILITY

Will your freight need to be loaded with special equipment? If the size and shape of the items you are shipping require a lift or a dock it will influence your freight class determination since the carrier will have to spend more time loading and unloading your freight.

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LIABILITY

Will your carrier need to take extra precaution to keep your freight safe? If you are shipping rare or valuable items such as electronics and custom furniture that are prone to theft this will affect your freight class determination since the carrier will have to make special arrangements.

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HANDLING

Will the packaging of your freight allow for other items to easily fit in the carrier’s trailer? Shipping items such as plasma tv’s, unassembled couches and other furniture that can’t have anything packed on top of them impacts the capacity of the carrier and, ultimately, your freight class determination.

Look Up Commodities for Freight Class

There is a wide variety of commodities that’s classified under this freight class number. We’ve outlined some of the most common commodities we ship, their associated freight class numbers and NMFC® code to help you get the most accurate freight quote for your shipment.

FAQs

If I am shipping a couch when do I use freight class 250 vs freight class 175?
If the couch you are shipping has not been assembled yet and you are shipping various components that you can use freight class 250. If you are shipping a complete product then you should use freight class 175.
How is freight class calculated?
The first step in determining your freight class is to take measurements. Measure the height, width and depth of your shipment then multiple those three measurements together for the total cubic feet. Then divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). Finally, divide the weight (in pounds) of the shipment by the total cubic feet.
How is the cost of freight determined?
Your freight cost is determined by a number of variables, such as how far your shipment needs to go, the freight class number, whether or not accessorials are needed, as well as fluctuating fuel costs and truck capacity.

Other Freight Class Resources