Freight Class 70 Shipping Guide: Rates, Density, and Common Commodities

You need to know how freight class 70 works in freight shipping. This freight class helps you balance shipping cost, handling, and liability for your ltl freight. When you choose the right freight class, you make sure your freight moves smoothly and avoids extra shipping charges. Accurate freight class identification lowers shipping costs and keeps pricing reliable. If you misclassify freight, you risk higher fees and delivery delays. The freight class 70 shipping guide shows you how to manage freight shipping with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Learn about freight class 70 to help with shipping costs and handling. This class works well for things that are not too heavy or light.

• Figure out density the right way so you do not make mistakes. Use this formula: Weight (lbs) divided by Volume (cubic feet) to get the right freight class.

• Pick the best packaging to keep your freight in class 70. Good packaging stops extra charges and keeps your items safe during shipping.

• Look at the NMFC code for your shipment. This code makes sure you have the right freight class and helps you not make expensive errors.

• Talk to freight brokers and forwarders for expert help. They can help you pick the right class and make your shipping better.

Freight Class 70 Shipping Guide Overview

What Is Freight Class 70?

You encounter freight class 70 often when shipping commercial goods. This freight class sits in the middle of the NMFC system, which organizes freight into classes based on how easy it is to handle, how dense it is, and how much risk it carries. The NMFC system uses numbers from 50 to 500 to group freight. Freight class 70 offers a balance between cost, handling, and liability. You choose this class when your shipment has moderate density and does not require special care.

When you use the freight class 70 shipping guide, you learn that this class works well for items like car accessories, food items, and automobile engines. These goods have enough weight and compactness to keep shipping costs reasonable. You avoid higher rates by selecting the right freight class. You also reduce the chance of damage or loss because these items stack easily and do not need extra protection.

Tip: Always check the NMFC code for your shipment. This code helps you confirm the correct freight class and avoid costly mistakes.

NMFC System and Density Range

The NMFC system helps you classify freight by looking at density, handling, stowability, and liability. Density is the most important factor. You calculate density by dividing the weight of your shipment by its volume. Higher density means a lower freight class and lower shipping costs. Freight class 70 covers shipments with a density range from 15 to 22.5 pounds per cubic foot.

Here is a table that shows how density matches with freight class:

You use the freight class 70 shipping guide to compare your shipment with other classes. If your freight has a density below 15 pounds per cubic foot, you move to a higher class, which increases your shipping cost. If your freight is heavier and more compact, you may qualify for class 65 or lower, saving money.

The NMFC system uses technology and trained staff to keep classification consistent. Carriers use tools like dimensioners, weight sensors, and barcode scanners to check your shipment. These tools help you avoid errors and keep your freight in the right class.

Here is a quick list of why the 15–22.5 lb/ft³ density range matters for freight class 70:

• You get competitive rates for standard commercial freight.

• You ship items that are easy to handle and stack.

• You lower your risk of damage or loss.

• You avoid extra charges from misclassification.

The freight class 70 shipping guide helps you understand how density, handling, and liability work together. You make better decisions for your ltl freight shipments and keep your costs under control.

Density and Classification Factors

Calculating Density for Freight

You must know how to find density before picking a freight class. Density shows how much space your freight uses compared to its weight. Carriers use density to choose the right freight class for your shipment. You can follow these steps to get the correct density:

1. Measure the length, width, and height in inches. Make sure you include pallets, crates, and all packaging.

2. Multiply the three numbers to get the total cubic inches.

3. Divide the cubic inches by 1,728 to get cubic feet.

4. Weigh your freight in pounds with a good scale.

5. Divide the weight by the cubic feet to find the density.

Here is a table to help you remember the formula:

Tip: Always check your measurements and include all packaging. Small mistakes can change your freight class and make shipping cost more.

Some common mistakes are using the wrong scale, not adding packaging, and guessing the size. These mistakes can cause expensive reclassification and billing problems.

Other Factors Affecting Class

Density matters, but you also need to think about other things when picking a freight class for ltl freight shipments. Carriers look at how easy it is to move your freight, how well it fits with other shipments, and how risky it is.

• Handling: Freight that is easy to move and stack often gets a lower freight class.

• Stowability: Oddly shaped or hard-to-stack freight may get a higher class.

• Liability: Fragile, perishable, or expensive freight often moves to a higher class.

• Packaging: Freight that is not packed well or is shaped strangely can be reclassified.

If your freight cannot be stacked, is shaped oddly, or is not packed well, carriers may change its class because it is hard to handle. Good packaging helps keep your shipment in the right freight class.

You should always check your paperwork and keep records up to date. Correct information helps you avoid mistakes and keeps shipping costs steady.

Freight Class 70 Rates and Pricing

Typical Rate Ranges

You will notice that freight class 70 sits in the middle of the pricing scale for shipping. This class offers a balance between cost and flexibility. When you compare rates, you see that freight class 70 costs more than class 65 but less than class 77.5 or 85. The table below shows how rates and density ranges differ for similar commodities:

Freight class 70 gives you a good mix of affordable shipping costs and reliable service for standard commercial freight. You can often find competitive rates for ltl freight in this class, especially if your items are dense and easy to handle.

What Influences Shipping Costs

Many factors affect your shipping costs for freight class 70. You need to look beyond just the base rate. Here are the main things that impact what you pay:

• Density: Higher-density freight costs less to ship per pound.

• Stowability: Freight that stacks and stores easily lowers your shipping costs.

• Handling: Freight that needs special equipment or extra care increases costs.

• Liability: High-value or fragile freight raises your shipping costs.

You also need to think about distance, carrier choice, and lane demand. Longer distances and busy shipping lanes can push up freight costs. Each carrier sets its own pricing, so rates can change depending on who you choose.

Note: Accessorial charges can add a lot to your total shipping cost. These extra fees cover things like liftgate service, inside delivery, or special paperwork. If your shipment needs extra handling or faces delivery challenges, you may see higher freight costs. Always check for these charges before you book your shipment.

When you plan your shipping, make sure you understand all the factors that affect your freight costs. This helps you avoid surprises and keeps your shipping budget on track.

Common Freight Commodities in Class 70

Typical Class 70 Items

Freight class 70 is used for many types of goods. These items are not too heavy or too light. They are also easy to move and stack. NMFC data shows that many shipments are automotive parts. These include things like mufflers and driveshafts for cars and trucks. Food items, car parts, and engines are also shipped in this class.

Here are some examples of freight class 70 items:

• Automotive parts (mufflers, driveshafts, filters)

• Food items (canned goods, packaged snacks)

• Car parts and accessories

• Automobile engines

• Metal products and fabricated parts

• Boxed appliances

• Industrial tools and components

You can read more about packaging tips for automotive parts or best ways to ship food items to keep your freight in the right class.

The kind of item you ship affects its freight class. Dense things, like bricks, go in lower classes because they do not take up much space. Lighter things, like ping pong balls, go in higher classes because they are harder to store. Always check density, handling, stowability, and liability before shipping.

Packaging and Handling Tips

Good packaging helps you keep your freight in class 70. It also stops you from paying extra fees. You need to pack your freight so it stays safe and easy to move. Use strong pallets, shrink-wrap, and bands to hold items in place.

Tip: Measure and weigh your freight after you pack it. This helps you stay in the right class and avoid extra costs.

Here is a table with packaging methods for class 70 freight:

Do not let items hang over the edge of the pallet. Make sure everything fits inside the pallet. Label your freight clearly and use strong boxes or crates. These steps help you save money and keep your freight in the right class.

Best Practices for Class 70 Shipments

Accurate Measurement and Documentation

You must measure and weigh your freight before shipping. Getting the right size and weight helps you pick the correct freight class. This also stops you from paying extra fees. Use a tape measure to check the length, width, and height of your packed items. Always count pallets, crates, or any packing material in your measurements. Use a good scale to find the real weight.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Measure each side of your packed freight.

2. Figure out the volume and density to check the right freight class.

3. Write down the weight after you finish packing.

4. Check all your numbers before putting them on your Bill of Lading.

Good paperwork is just as important as measuring. Write all details clearly on your Bill of Lading. Correct paperwork helps carriers move your shipment faster and stops mistakes. If you use a Transportation Management System, you can make fewer errors and keep your records neat. Teach your team to follow these steps and look at the National Motor Freight Classification guide if they need help.

Tip: If you have questions about freight class or paperwork, ask your freight representative or the NMFTA.

Role of Brokers and Forwarders

Freight brokers and forwarders help make shipping easier. You can trust them to help you pick the right freight class and avoid mistakes. Brokers help you share details like weight, size, and type of goods with carriers. They check the commodity class and make sure the freight class is right before shipping.

Forwarders help by making your packaging better and increasing density. This can lower your freight class and save money. They also teach you about the classification system, so you understand the shipping rules. When you work with brokers and forwarders, you get better rates and avoid billing problems.

Use these experts to:

• Make sure every shipment has the right freight class.

• Get tips on packaging and paperwork.

• Avoid fines and delays from wrong freight class.

• Get help with new or special freight items.

Note: Talk to brokers and forwarders early to get good quotes and smooth shipping from start to finish.

You can make better shipping choices if you know about freight class 70. When you figure out density the right way and write down all details, you can stop extra costs and slow shipping. Always use the right freight class on your forms and add the NMFC code. Look at the table below for important points:

If you need help, talk to a freight expert or check guides from trusted companies.

FAQ

What happens if you misclassify your freight as Class 70?

You may face extra charges or shipment delays. Carriers often reclassify freight after inspection. Always check your measurements and NMFC codes to avoid costly mistakes.

How do you find the NMFC code for your shipment?

You can use the NMFTA database or ask your freight broker. The NMFC code matches your product type and helps you select the correct freight class.

Can you lower your freight class from 70 to 65?

Yes, you can. Increase your shipment’s density by using smaller packaging or stacking items tightly. Denser freight often qualifies for a lower, more cost-effective class.

Why does packaging affect your freight class?

Packaging changes the size and shape of your shipment. If you use large or irregular packaging, your density drops. This can move your freight into a higher, more expensive class.

Do you need to list the freight class on the Bill of Lading?

Yes. Always write the correct freight class and NMFC code on your Bill of Lading. This helps carriers process your shipment quickly and reduces the risk of billing errors.

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