LTL Freight Class Pricing Impact: How Freight Classes Affect Shipping Costs

Premier Global Logistics

·January 26, 2026

·11 min read

LTL Freight Class Pricing Impact: How Freight Classes Affect Shipping Costs — Image Source: pexels

LTL freight class is crucial for determining shipping costs. Understanding the ltl freight class pricing impact can significantly affect your budget and delivery times. If you select the incorrect freight class, you may encounter several issues:

You could end up paying more or having disputes with carriers.
Carriers might reclassify your shipment, negatively impacting your budget.
Shipments may be delayed if carriers need to correct errors.
Unexpected fees can increase your shipping costs substantially.

Choosing the correct class helps you avoid these problems and ensures a smoother shipping process.

Key Takeaways

It is important to know LTL freight classes. This helps you keep shipping costs low. Pick the right class to stop surprise fees and delays.
Four main things set the freight class. These are density, handling, stowability, and liability. If density is higher, shipping costs are often lower.
If you pick the wrong class, you may pay extra fees. Your shipment could be late. You might also have problems with claims. Always check your Bill of Lading to make sure it is correct.
Freight brokers can help you choose the best class. They can also help you get better prices. This saves you time and money.
You can lower costs by putting shipments together. This uses trailer space better. Combine small shipments to get better prices.

LTL Freight Class Basics

What Is Freight Class

You need to understand the freight class system if you want to control your LTL freight shipping costs. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created this system to standardize how carriers price and handle shipments. The NMFTA assigns a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code to each product type, which links to a specific freight class number. These numbers range from 50 to 500. The freight class explained by the NMFTA helps carriers decide how much to charge for moving your freight. This system makes LTL freight shipping fair and predictable for both shippers and carriers.

The freight class system exists because not all freight is the same. Some shipments are heavy and compact, while others are light and bulky. Some items need special care, and others can be loaded with anything. The freight class explained by the NMFTA gives everyone a common language for pricing and handling.

Key Factors: Density, Handling, Liability, Stowability

You might wonder why your shipment falls into a certain freight class. The answer lies in four main factors:

Density: Carriers look at how much your freight weighs compared to its size. Denser shipments get lower freight class numbers, which means lower costs. Lower density means higher class and higher cost.
Handling: If your freight needs special care or equipment, it gets a higher class. This covers items that are fragile, odd-shaped, or hard to move.
Stowability: Carriers check how easily your freight fits with other shipments. If your freight cannot be stacked or takes up extra space, it gets a higher class.
Liability: If your freight is valuable or likely to get damaged or stolen, it receives a higher class. This protects both you and the carrier.

Factor	Description
Density	Weight per cubic foot. Higher density means lower cost.
Handling	Special care or equipment needed increases cost.
Stowability	How well your freight fits with others. Difficult items cost more.
Liability	Risk of damage or theft. Higher risk means higher cost.

Accurate freight class classification is essential. If you misclassify your freight, you risk extra fees, delays, and even damaged goods. You also build trust with carriers by getting it right, which can lead to better rates. The freight class system helps you avoid surprises and keeps your LTL freight shipping costs under control.

LTL Freight Class Pricing Impact

How Class Affects Rates

You need to know that freight class is the main factor that shapes LTL freight class pricing impact. Carriers use this system to set rates for every shipment. The freight class system ranges from Class 50 to Class 500. Class 50 covers the densest and easiest-to-handle freight. Class 500 covers the lightest, bulkiest, or most fragile freight. As the freight class number goes up, the shipping rate also rises. This happens because higher classes mean more risk, more space, or more work for the carrier.

Tip: Always check your freight class before booking a shipment. This step helps you avoid surprises in your shipping costs.

Freight Class	Description	Impact on Rate
Class 50	Lowest cost, most dense	Lower shipping rate
Class 500	Highest cost, least dense	Higher shipping rate

Carriers look at four main things to set the freight class: density, stowability, handling, and liability. If your freight is heavy for its size, stacks well, and needs little care, you get a lower class and a better rate. If your freight is light, hard to stack, or needs special handling, you pay more.

Cost Differences by Class

The ltl freight class pricing impact becomes clear when you compare real shipments. Let’s look at two examples:

Shipment	Weight (lbs)	Volume (cubic feet)	Density (lbs/ft³)	Likely Class
A	1200	24	50	55
B	400	60	6.7	175–200

Shipment A has a high density and falls into a low freight class. This means you pay a lower rate per pound. Shipment B is much lighter for its size, so it gets a higher freight class and a higher rate. Even if both shipments travel the same distance, the ltl freight class pricing impact can make the cost for Shipment B much higher.

You can see that the right freight class can save you money. If you pack your freight to increase density, you may move to a lower class and pay less. If you do not, you might pay more for the same space.

Risks of Misclassification

Misclassifying your freight can cause many problems. The ltl freight class pricing impact does not stop at higher rates. It can lead to extra fees, claim issues, and delays.

Carriers often check the Bill of Lading for errors. If they find the wrong freight class, they will reclassify your shipment. This can lead to reweigh and reclassification penalties, which often range from $50 to $150. You may also face rate adjustments.
If your shipment goes to a location without a dock, you might get charged extra for residential delivery or liftgate service. These fees can add $50 to $150 or more to your bill.
Inside delivery fees can reach $150 to $300 if the carrier must move freight beyond the dock area.
Incorrect freight class can cause claim issues. LTL shipments already have a claim rate 18-22% higher than full truckload. If your class is wrong, you may not get paid for lost or damaged freight.
Misclassification can slow down your shipment. Carriers may need to stop and fix paperwork or repack your freight. This can delay delivery and upset your customers.
Repeated mistakes can damage your relationship with carriers. You may face billing disputes, slower payments, or even lose access to preferred freight rates.

Note: Double-check your Bill of Lading before the driver arrives. This simple step helps you avoid costly errors and keeps your shipping on track.

The ltl freight class pricing impact touches every part of your shipping process. Accurate freight class keeps your costs low, your claims valid, and your shipments moving on time.

Industry Trends in LTL Pricing

Density-Based and Dimensional Pricing

LTL shipping is changing fast. Carriers now use density-based pricing for most shipments. More than 70% of LTL shipments use this method. It looks at both weight and size to set the cost. This helps you get fair prices, especially for big but light items. Old LTL pricing used broad freight classes. That sometimes caused confusion or made you pay too much. Density-based pricing shows you what you pay and why.

Carriers want their prices to be clear. You can pack your shipments better and save money. If your items are heavy and small, you may pay less. Bulky or odd-shaped freight might cost more. But you know how the price is set.

Carriers and logistics teams teach staff about new pricing. They talk about changes so you understand how it works.

Over 70% of LTL shipments use density-based pricing.
You get better shipping cost estimates.
Clear prices help you plan and budget.

NMFC Updates and Their Effects

You should know about NMFC updates. These updates change how carriers set LTL freight prices. On July 19, 2025, over 40% of LTL items will get new density-based classes. This will change your shipping costs. You need to get ready so your budget does not get hurt.

NMFC updates help stop billing mistakes and fights. You should check your common items in ClassIT+. Update your systems and teach your team about new rules. Work with carriers to agree on classes and avoid problems.

The new system uses a better density scale. Freight gets sorted more clearly and quickly. Heavy, small shipments may cost less. If you keep up with NMFC changes, you can save money and avoid surprise fees.

Carriers want you to understand these changes. They explain new rules so you can change your shipping plans.

Reducing LTL Freight Class Costs

Accurate Measurement and Packaging

You can save money on LTL shipping by measuring and packing your freight the right way. Carriers use your shipment’s weight and size to pick the right class and price. If you measure wrong, you might get the class wrong and pay extra fees. Always know what you are shipping and how you pack it.

To make sure your freight class is right, you must know what is inside your shipment and how it is packed.

Try these tips for better measuring and packing:

Pack your freight well to keep it safe and lower the chance of loss.
Measure the weight and size carefully to avoid mistakes.
Learn about freight class and NMFC codes so you get the right price.
Use a transportation management system to see your shipments and work better.

You should also:

Put freight on pallets so forklifts can move it easily.
Wrap your freight with shrink wrap to keep items together.
Make sure the tops of your shipments are flat so they do not tip over.

Better packing makes your freight denser, which can lower your class and cost. Using the right size box or crate means less empty space and less wasted material. The kind of packing you use changes the weight and how strong your shipment is, which affects your class and cost.

Factor	Explanation
Density	Higher density often means a lower class and lower shipping cost.
Liability	Good packing lowers the chance of damage, so you might pay less.
Stowability	Boxes that stack well help fill the truck and cut costs.

Role of Freight Brokers

Freight brokers help you with tricky LTL pricing and picking the right class. Carriers need good info, and brokers know a lot about NMFC codes. Their trained workers help you pick the right class, so you do not get the class wrong or pay extra.

Role of Freight Brokers	Benefit to Shippers
Knowledge of NMFC Codes	Helps you avoid mistakes and extra fees
Trained Staff	Helps you pick the right class for your goods

Brokers also talk to carriers to get you better prices. They use their contacts and know-how to get you good deals. FAK agreements let you ship different things under one lower class, so you pay less for each shipment. Brokers save you time by talking to carriers and doing paperwork. They help you get fast quotes and compare prices online. Using a shipping calculator with broker help gives you better quotes and helps you control your shipping costs.

Shipment Consolidation Tips

Putting shipments together is a smart way to pay less for LTL. When you combine small shipments, you fill more of the trailer. This helps carriers use space better and can lower your price. This works well if you send small shipments often.

Strategy	Benefits
Pooling	Puts shipments going to the same place together, so you pay less.
Cross-docking	Moves shipments right to trucks, so they do not sit in storage.
Maximizing capacity	Fewer trips mean you spend less on fuel and workers.

Combine shipments to send fewer loads and get a lower price for each.
Put many small shipments together to save money by shipping more at once.
Make your shipping easier by sending fewer deliveries.

Sharing trailer space with other companies cuts your shipping costs and makes things simpler. When you put shipments together, you get one class, so it is easier to pick the right one. You can shop for better rates when you use a shipping calculator or ask for fast quotes. This helps you manage your LTL shipping and keep your costs down.

LTL freight class changes how much you pay for shipping. It affects your rates, fees, and claims. You need to know the right class for your freight. Staying updated helps you avoid extra costs and surprises. Learning more helps you make smart choices and keep customers happy. To make your shipping better:

Teach your team how to figure out density.
Add new NMFC codes to your systems.
Use websites to see if rules change.
Check the weight and size of shipments.
Look at your freight class before you ship.

You can ask experts for help to save money and stop surprise fees.

FAQ

What is the difference between LTL and full truckload shipping?

You use LTL shipping when your freight does not fill a whole truck. Full truckload shipping means your goods take up the entire trailer. LTL lets you share space and cost with other shippers.

How do I find the correct freight class for my shipment?

You should measure your freight’s weight and size. Check the NMFC code for your product. Ask your carrier or a freight broker for help if you are unsure.

What happens if I use the wrong freight class?

You may pay extra fees or face shipment delays. Carriers can reclassify your freight and adjust your bill. You might also have problems with insurance claims.

Can I lower my shipping costs by changing how I pack my freight?

Yes. You can use smaller boxes, stack items neatly, and wrap pallets well. These steps increase density and may move your shipment to a lower class, which reduces cost.

Why do carriers ask for detailed shipment information?

Carriers need details to set the right price and handle your freight safely. Accurate information helps avoid billing errors and keeps your ltl shipments on schedule.