Freight Shipping Classifications
All freight has to be classified before it can be shipped and the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is the organization that does this. The NMFC divides all domestically transported freight into 18 different classifications, depending on the level of transportability.
Classifications
The NMFC divides freight in to the different categories based on four different criteria, density, stowability, and ease of handling and liability of the commodity. The 18 numbered categories start at 50 and reach to 500.
Density
Determining the density of freight is a simple matter of calculation. Weigh the freight, including all packaging and pallets, to get the weight in pounds. Find the cubic feet by multiplying the length, width and height of the shipping container. Divide that number by 1,728, the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot. Divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet to find the density.
Stowability
How easy to load and store the freight is another consideration. Large and heavy freight will rate a higher classification than lightweight, easy to load items. Fragility and shipping restrictions are also factors in determining the stowability of a shipment. Some restrictions include not allowing pallets to be stacked or shipping with particular items.
Ease of handling
Any freight that falls into the special handling category receives a higher rating. Awkwardly shaped items, extremely heavy ones or large breakables, all require extra protection and are expensive to ship. Divide your shipment into more manageable packaging if you can. The NMFC uses the shape and portability of each shipment to determine the ease of handling.
Liability
The liability classification is based mostly on the value of the item although some hazardous commodities also add liability to shipments. Items that are more expensive, extremely fragile or perishable, or easily damaged materials all contribute to the higher classifications. High theft items are also placed high on the liability scale.
Original Source: http://experts.merchantcircle.com/articles/Freight-Shipping-Classifications/1037710
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