Freight Class 500 is the classification most appropriate for gold dust and ping pong balls that weigh less than 1lb 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.
The density of a commodity is identified by its dimensions and weight. Freight class code 500 should have a density of less than 1 pound per cubic foot.
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.
Will your carrier need to take extra precautions to keep your freight safe? If you are shipping gold dust or other items that might be prone to theft this will affect your freight class determination since the carrier will have to make special arrangements.
Will the packaging of your freight allow for other items to easily fit in the carrier’s trailer? Shipping fragile items that can’t have anything packed on top of them like ping pong balls impacts the capacity of the carrier and, ultimately, your freight class determination.
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.
