Roadway

Freight Classes & Rates

In the world of shipping, different types of products - from chemicals to machine parts to toaster ovens - are defined according to their makeup. Each product definition is called a classification.

The purpose of a classification is to determine the relative transportability of everything that moves in commerce. Classifications are based on the weight, density, stowability, and handling characteristics of products. There are eighteen possible classifications. The classifications are numerical ratings from 50 to 500.

The class of your product plays a big role in calculating how much you will be charged for shipping it. Ping pong balls, for example, are class 500 (the most expensive class) because of their lack of density. Because they are not very dense, you can fill an entire trailer with ping pong balls without loading much weight on the trailer.

Since rates are partially based on weight and density, the rate per hundred pounds for transporting ping pong balls is higher than for something like machine parts, which are heavy but take up less space.

We can help you determine your product's freight class.

Along with a product's classification, rates are based on the distance a shipment is moving, the shipment's weight, and the shipment's density.

You need to calculate a shipment's density in order to properly describe your goods on the bill of lading. To determine density, divide the total weight of the shipment by the total cubic feet. For convenience, use our density calculator.

Most less-than-truckload rates are stated as a rate per hundred pounds, or per hundredweight. Rates are structured so that as the weight of your shipment increases, the rate per hundred pounds decreases.

For example: A commodity weighing 100 pounds may cost $41.00 per hundredweight, while 500 pounds of the same commodity going to the same destination may only cost $35.00 per hundredweight. However the total charges for the 500 lb shipment are higher (1 X $41=$41, 5 X$35=$175).

For very light shipments, most providers state a minimum charge.

The sample rate table below illustrates rates between two zip codes. Weight breaks are indicated across the top. The classes are listed down the left side.

Note in the sample how the rates increase as the class goes up. Also note how the rates decrease as the weight break increases. There is a similar rate table for every origin/designation zip code combination serviced by a transportation services provider.