Freight Classification 101: What Every New Truck Driver Should Know
- Soshaul
- May 28
- 4 min read
As a new truck driver, you're going to hear a lot of terms thrown around, "bill of lading," "deadhead," "lumper fee," but one of the most important concepts you’ll come across is freight classification. Whether hauling full truckloads or dipping into less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, understanding how freight is classified can help you better manage expectations, avoid costly mistakes, and even protect yourself on the road.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Freight Classification?
Freight classification is a system used to categorize goods for shipping, particularly in LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping. It helps carriers determine:
The cost to ship the freight
The type of equipment needed
How much space will the freight take
The liability or risk associated with the shipment
In the U.S., the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, which assigns a freight class number to different types of cargo.
Freight classes range from 50 to 500, with 50 being the least expensive to ship (dense, durable items) and 500 being the most expensive (lightweight, bulky, or high-risk items).
The 4 Factors That Determine Freight Class
There are four main characteristics used to determine freight classification:
1. Density
This refers to how much space the freight takes up in relation to its weight (pounds per cubic foot). The denser the freight, the lower the class — and usually the cheaper it is to ship.
To calculate cubic foot use this equation:
Freight width X Freight length X Freight height / 1,728
To calculate freight density you then need to divide the total weight of the freight by the cubic foot. This will give you your freight density.
Example: A pallet of metal bolts is very dense and may fall into Class 50. A pallet of ping-pong balls? Not so much.
2. Stowability
Can the freight be easily stored and stacked with other items? Freight that is odd-shaped, hazardous, or requires special handling may be more expensive.
Example: A box that’s 4 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft and sits neatly on a pallet is easier to stow than a grand piano or a tank of flammable gas.
3. Handling
How easy is it to load, unload, and move the freight? If it requires special equipment or extra labor, the freight class and cost go up.
Example: Palletized goods that can be moved with a forklift are simpler than fragile items that need to be moved by hand.
4. Liability
This considers how likely the freight is to get damaged, stolen, or spoiled. Higher risk = higher freight class.
Example: A sealed pallet of concrete is low-risk. A shipment of electronics or alcohol? Much higher risk.
Why This Matters for Truck Drivers
You might be thinking, "This sounds like something brokers and shippers need to worry about." But as a truck driver — especially if you’re an owner-operator or plan to be — you absolutely need to understand freight classification.
Here’s why:
✅ It affects your rate.
Freight class plays a role in how much you’re paid, especially in LTL and partial loads. Misclassifications can lead to adjusted rates or freight re-bills — money out of your pocket.
✅ It affects your liability.
If freight is misclassified and gets damaged or spoiled, the responsibility might fall on you. Always review the bill of lading (BOL) and confirm the freight matches the description.
✅ It helps you plan your space.
If you’re picking up multiple LTL shipments or partials, you need to understand the volume and weight of each load. Freight class can help you visualize and plan accordingly.
Tips for New Drivers Dealing with Freight Classes
Ask questions at pickup. Don’t be afraid to ask how the load is classified and double-check it with the BOL.
Know the NMFC codes. You don’t need to memorize them, but having a basic idea of common codes in your niche (like food, machinery, or furniture) helps.
Communicate with dispatch or your broker. If something doesn’t look right, speak up before hitting the road.
Freight classification might not be the flashiest part of the job, but it’s one of the most important behind-the-scenes pieces that can impact your pay, schedule, and peace of mind. The more you understand it, the more confidently you can operate!
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Soshaul Logistics LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. It is meant to serve as a guide and information only and Soshaul Logistics, LLC does not assume responsibility for any omissions, errors, or ambiguity contained herein. Contents may not be relied upon as a substitute for the FMCSA's published regulations. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction or operation.
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