Breaking Down Freight Class: Best Practices for Accurate Classification 

In the complex world of freight logistics, accurate freight classification is a uniquely important element of LTL shipping, but one that confounds shippers and (in some cases) carriers alike. 

Misclassify by even a little, and you risk costly reclassification fees, delivery delays, and billing disputes. This eats into your margins, risks OTIF fees, and erodes trust between you, retailers, and your carrier partner. 

All things considered, we’d say that’s a pretty important thing to get right when it comes to your LTL freight. 

With the help of our team of operations, pricing, and analytics experts,  we’ll break it all down: what freight class is, why it matters, major pitfalls, and how to avoid them with best practices 

What Is Freight Class and Why Should You Care?

Since 1983, Freight class has been a standardized system used primarily in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping. Administered by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) via the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), commodities are assigned to one of 18 freight classes, from 50 (most dense) to 500 (least dense). 

In less than a month (so if you’re reading this after July 19th, 2025) the most significant change to the classification system ever will take effect. 

Moving forward, this major update (Docket 2025‑1) shifts LTL freight classification toward a density-based model, introduces a 13-tier density scale, and consolidates commodity listings SAO-style. In today’s environment, where up to 25% of LTL shipments still get misclassified, that matters more than ever. Let’s dig into what exactly is changing, why it’s a big deal, and how to nail your freight classes professionally and profitably.

A New 13‑Tier Density Class Structure

The refined scale expands from 11 tiers to 13, with new classes 50 and 55 added, meaning more precision. Here's a simplified breakdown (PCF = pounds per cubic foot).

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This shift, switching from multiple core criteria (density, stowability, handling, and liability) to just focusing on density aims to simplify and standardize classifications. Previously, combining multiple criteria led to ambiguity, guessing and, unfortunately, the all too often misclassification. 

How Often Do Mistakes Happen? The Cost of Getting It Wrong

According to industry estimates, up to 25% of freight shipments undergo reclassification or reweighing. That’s one in four shipments, an astonishing rate.

Let’s break down what this looks like in dollars:

• Freight audit studies show billing discrepancies can hit 8–10% of total freight spend
  
  
• For shippers processing $10 million in freight annually, that’s $800,000–$1,000,000 in potentially avoidable charges.
  
  
• Many of these include reclassification fees—ranging from hundreds to thousands per shipment.
  
  
• Classification disputes can delay shipments up to 72 hours, disrupting your entire supply chain.
  
  

Even a 5% increase in freight rates due to poor classification accuracy adds up fast. Accurate freight classification should not be overlooked. Clearly, it costs you more than just dollars. 

What These Updates Mean for Your Business

If you’re shipping LTL, or partnering with an LTL carrier, these changes to the density-based system will impact your operations in a few very real ways:

• Lower costs on dense freight:  With the new scale, compact cargo like palletized metal parts may fall into lower classes, saving money. Density simply looks at how much weight fits into a given space. The denser your freight, the more efficient it is to ship, and now that efficiency is rewarded with better pricing.
• Higher costs for bulky, low-density loads: On the other hand, less dense packaging could now land in higher classes (e.g., 300–400), increasing shipping spend. 
• Greater accuracy: The 13-tier system improves pricing precision and reduces reclassification disputes.
• Administrative adjustments needed: Many TMS/WMS/ERP systems, BOLs, and labels will require updates before July 19

If you don’t make the updates now, you’ll feel it later in the form of higher bills, delayed loads, and headaches for your team. Get ahead of it to be in a better position to save money, run smoother, and avoid the chaos when the new rules hit.

Best Practices: How to Get It Right from the Start

Prep Your Team and Systems

Start by training your staff on how to calculate pounds per cubic foot (PCF) using the updated 13-tier density chart. Since classification is now largely driven by density, your team needs to be confident in how to measure, calculate, and apply the right class before shipments leave your dock. Reach out to your UC Group Customer Relationship Manager or Salesperson for guidance, we’re here to help. 

Next, make sure your internal systems are ready. That includes updating your TMS, WMS, ERP platforms, and all bill of lading (BOL) templates with the new NMFC codes going into effect on July 19. If these aren’t updated, expect processing errors, rejected loads, and invoice issues.

Also, start using the NMFTA’s new online tool to see if your freight is impacted.  These resources are already live and available for free ahead of the launch, giving you a chance to get familiar before the deadline hits. Real-time classification access will make a big difference in avoiding mistakes.

Capture Accurate Data

Make accuracy your default. Every shipment should be scanned on a certified scale, and every dimension should be measured with a tape measure, not estimated or pulled from a spec sheet. 

From there, calculate your freight’s density by dividing total weight by cubic feet. This is the core input for determining the correct class under the new scale. It’s also essential to assess each load for any special handling needs, liability concerns, or stowability issues, as these factors still influence final classification.

Pre-Tender Review

Before anything is handed off to a carrier, your freight classifications should be reviewed, either by a trained team member or automated system. Catching misclassifications early is the easiest way to avoid downstream issues like reclass charges, delays, or disputes.

How UC Group Can Help You Win on Freight Class

At UC Group, our Pricing & Analytics team are the seasoned experts you want in your corner. Here’s how we partner with you:

• Proactive Freight Class Review: We audit class decisions before tender, catching errors before invoices arrive.
  
  
• Data-Driven Rate Optimization: We analyze shipment patterns and negotiate the best class-based rates for your shipments.
  
  
• Classification Coaching: We guide your team on density calculation, packaging specs, and NMFC updates.
  
  
• Dispute Management: We help build effective reclass dispute cases—empowered by documentation and freight history.
  
  
• Ongoing Optimization: Continuous review of freight data to uncover cost reduction opportunities and class adjustments.

Ready to clean up your freight process? Let’s talk. Contact our Pricing & Analytics team today and take the first step toward freight clarity, cost savings, and shipping confidence.

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