Freight & NMFC Knowledge Base
Plain-English guides to NMFC classification, freight class, and LTL shipping - everything you need to classify and price freight correctly.
The Complete Guide to LTL Freight Classification
A complete guide to LTL freight classification: what NMFC and freight class are, the 18 classes, how density and the four characteristics set your class, how to calculate it, and how to avoid reclassification fees.
Read guide →What is NMFC? A Complete Guide to Freight Classification
NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) is the standard system for classifying LTL freight into 18 classes. Learn what NMFC codes are, how they work, and why they matter.
Read guide →Freight Class Explained: All 18 NMFC Classes
A complete reference to all 18 LTL freight classes (50 to 500), the density ranges that determine them, and how to read the freight class chart.
Read guide →How to Determine Freight Class: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to determine the freight class of your LTL shipment in three steps: measure dimensions, calculate density, and match to the NMFC class chart.
Read guide →How LTL Shipping Works: A Beginner’s Guide
LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping lets multiple shippers share one trailer. Learn how LTL works, how freight class and NMFC codes set the price, and when to use it.
Read guide →How to Calculate Freight Density for LTL Shipping
Step-by-step guide to calculating LTL freight density: the density formula, how to measure a pallet, the density-to-class table, and worked examples. Free density calculator included.
Read guide →How to Find Your NMFC Code
How to find the NMFC code and freight class for what you ship: four reliable methods, how to read a sub-provision, common mistakes, and a free NMFC lookup tool.
Read guide →Freight Class vs. NMFC Code: What's the Difference?
Freight class and NMFC code are not the same thing. The NMFC item number identifies what your commodity is; the freight class (50–500) is the rating that prices it. Here is exactly how they differ, how they relate, and how to get both right.
Read guide →LTL vs FTL Shipping: What’s the Difference?
LTL vs FTL shipping compared: LTL shares a trailer and is priced by freight class; FTL books the whole truck for direct delivery. Learn the cost, speed, and when each wins.
Read guide →What Is an LTL Terminal (Service Center)? A Shipper’s Guide
An LTL terminal — also called a service center or break-bulk facility — is a cross-dock where freight is unloaded, sorted, and reloaded. Learn how terminals work, why coverage matters, and how to look up any carrier’s terminals by state or ZIP.
Read guide →LTL Accessorial Charges Explained: A Shipper’s Guide
LTL accessorial charges are fees for services beyond base linehaul: liftgate, residential delivery, limited access, inside delivery, detention, reweigh, redelivery, notification, and fuel surcharge. Learn what triggers each and how to avoid surprise fees.
Read guide →Freight Reclassification and Carrier Inspections
What freight reclassification is, why carriers inspect and re-rate LTL shipments, the weight & inspection (W&I) process, the cost of rebills and inspection fees, how to avoid them, and how to dispute a reclass with accurate measurement evidence.
Read guide →NMFC Code for Furniture: Freight Class & Lookup
What is the NMFC code for furniture? Furniture ships across freight classes 70–400. Learn how it's classified and look up the exact NMFC item number and class.
Read guide →NMFC Code for Tires: Freight Class & Lookup
What is the NMFC code for tires? Tires ships across freight classes 50–85. Learn how it's classified and look up the exact NMFC item number and class.
Read guide →NMFC Code for Auto Parts: Freight Class & Lookup
What is the NMFC code for auto parts? Auto Parts ships across freight classes 60–250. Learn how it's classified and look up the exact NMFC item number and class.
Read guide →NMFC Code for Electronics: Freight Class & Lookup
What is the NMFC code for electronics? Electronics ships across freight classes 85–250. Learn how it's classified and look up the exact NMFC item number and class.
Read guide →NMFC Code for Machinery: Freight Class & Lookup
What is the NMFC code for machinery? Machinery ships across freight classes 60–125. Learn how it's classified and look up the exact NMFC item number and class.
Read guide →NMFC Code for Steel: Freight Class & Lookup
What is the NMFC code for steel? Steel ships across freight classes 50–70. Learn how it's classified and look up the exact NMFC item number and class.
Read guide →Freight class reference (50–500)
A guide to every NMFC freight class - its density range, example commodities, and cost. Tap a class:
Automate classification
Look up NMFC codes and freight class programmatically with the FreightAPIs NMFC API.