Understanding freight class is essential for managing LTL freight shipping costs. Freight class directly affects freight rates, carrier selection, and accessorial charges. With NMFC updates continuing into 2026, knowing how freight class works helps you avoid reclassification fees and billing surprises.
This guide explains what freight class is, how it’s calculated, what changed for 2026, and how to get accurate LTL freight quotes using a freight shipping cost calculator.
What Is Freight Shipping?
Freight shipping refers to transporting large or heavy goods that exceed standard parcel limits. In the U.S., freight moves through LTL or FTL services depending on shipment size.
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload): Multiple shippers share space in a truck
- FTL (Full Truckload): One shipper uses the entire trailer
Understanding freight shipping basics helps businesses choose the right service for their needs.
What Is a Freight Class?
Freight class is a standardized system defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It determines pricing for freight shipping services USA and applies primarily to LTL shipments.
There are 18 freight classes ranging from Class 50 (lowest cost) to Class 500 (highest cost).
Freight class is based on four factors:
- Density (weight per cubic foot)
- Stowability (how easily items fit with other freight)
- Handling (special equipment or care required)
- Liability (risk of damage or theft)
Since recent NMFC updates, density drives most LTL pricing decisions, especially for shipping large items across the country.
2026 LTL Pricing Changes You Need to Know
For 2026, most carriers continue shifting toward density-based pricing. Many commodities now require exact dimensions instead of generic NMFC descriptions.
Key changes affecting LTL pricing changes and freight rates 2026:
- Automatic reclassification if dimensions are missing
- Increased use of cubic density tiers
- Higher penalties for incorrect class declarations
- Stricter weight verification requirements
These changes impact freight pricing transparency and make accurate measurements critical when requesting freight quotes online.
How to Calculate Freight Class
To estimate freight class, use this formula:
Density = Weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic feet
Once density is calculated, carriers assign a corresponding class:
- 10–12 lbs/cu ft → Class 70
- 6–8 lbs/cu ft → Class 100
- Under 4 lbs/cu ft → Class 150+
Using a freight shipping cost calculator ensures density, class, and accessorials align before booking. Request an instant freight quote to see real-time pricing.
Common Freight Fees and Accessorial Charges
Even with correct freight class, extra charges can apply. These accessorial charges often cause confusion around hidden freight fees.
Common freight fees include:
- Liftgate delivery
- Residential pickup or delivery
- Inside delivery
- Limited access locations
- Reweigh or reclassification fees
Understanding these charges upfront helps maintain transparent freight pricing and prevents invoice adjustments. Businesses should also consider freight insurance claims protection for valuable shipments.
LTL vs FTL: When Freight Class Matters
Freight class only applies to LTL freight shipping. In FTL freight shipping, pricing is based on trailer usage, distance, and equipment type like dry van trucks.
What is a dry van? A dry van is an enclosed trailer used for non-temperature-sensitive freight. Dry van trucking is the most common form of ground transportation.
If your shipment fills most of a trailer, requesting a truckload quote may be more cost-effective. LTL carriers offer flexible options for smaller shipments.
Freight Class by Industry
Different industries face unique classification challenges:
- Shipping furniture often falls into higher classes due to low density
- Auto parts shipping requires accurate packaging and weight reporting
- Construction logistics frequently involves oversized freight
- CPG shipping and food and beverage shipments must factor liability
- Healthcare logistics requires special handling and compliance
- Ecommerce shipping often mixes parcel and LTL services
- Shipping electronics requires attention to packaging and handling
- Retail logistics and industrial equipment rely on accurate classing
- Apparel fulfillment has specific packaging requirements
How to Compare Freight Carriers
When you compare freight carriers, the cheapest rate isn’t always the lowest final cost. A proper freight broker comparison should include:
- Pricing methodology
- Accessorial transparency
- Reclassification policies
- Carrier network coverage
Platforms that aggregate carriers allow you to compare freight carriers and request instant freight quotes in one place.
Why GoShip Improves Freight Pricing Transparency
GoShip helps shippers access freight quotes online with full visibility into pricing components. Instead of negotiating with individual carriers, businesses can compare options across LTL, FTL, and cross country shipping.
GoShip supports small business freight solutions, real-time LTL quotes, international shipping options, and API integrations for rate automation.Explore more resources on the GoShip blog or contact us for personalized support.