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LTL freight class is a classification system used to determine the shipping costs of less than truckload (LTL) shipments. The classes are based on the density, stowability, and handling of the commodities being shipped. Go Freight Hub is best 3PL Company among the best 3PL Companies.
The most common LTL freight classes are:
Class 50: Low-density, non-perishable items that are not time-sensitive
Class 55: Mid-density, non-perishable items that are not time-sensitive
Class 60: High-density, non-perishable items that are not time-sensitive
Class 65: Very high density, nonperishable items that might be time sensitive
Class 70: Items that are considered hazardous materials or dangerous goods
Class 77.5: Auto parts and engines
Class 85: Glass products
Class 92.5: Steel products
Other less common LTL freight classes include:
Class 100: Heavy machinery or equipment
Class 110: Oversized items that do not fit into a standard pallet or crate
Class 125: Live animals
Class 150: Temperature-controlled items
Class 175: Items that require special handling, such as fragile or perishable items
Class 200: Bulk commodities
Class 250: Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
To determine the LTL freight class of your shipment, you will need to know the dimensions, weight, and density of your commodity. You will also need to know if your item is considered hazardous or dangerous. Once you have this information, you can use a freight class calculator to determine your shipping costs.
6 key factors that determine ltl freight class:
There are six key factors that determine LTL freight rates: density, stowability, handling, commodity, value, and distance.
1. Density: How much space your shipment takes up in relation to its weight.
2. Stowability: How easy it is to load and unload your shipment.
3. Handling: How delicate or fragile your shipment is.
4. Commodity: What type of product you are shipping.
5. Value: How much your shipment is worth?
6. Distance: How far your shipment is going.
LTL freight rates are calculated by taking into account the six key factors that determine shipping costs. These factors include density, stowability, handling, commodity, value, and distance. To calculate your LTL shipping costs, you will need to know the dimensions, weight, and density of your commodity. You will also need to know if your item is considered hazardous or dangerous. Once you have this information, you can use a freight class calculator to determine your shipping costs.
Factors that Affect LTL Shipping Costs:
There are a number of factors that can affect LTL shipping costs, including the type of commodity being shipped, the distance it is traveling, and the weight and dimensions of the shipment. Other factors that can affect LTL shipping costs include whether or not the shipment is considered hazardous or dangerous, and whether or not special handling is required.
Types of Commodities Shipped via LTL:
There are many different types of commodities that can be shipped via LTL. Some of the most common items shipped via LTL include auto parts, glass products, steel products, machinery, equipment, and bulk commodities. LTL freight class is determined by six key factors: density, stowability, handling, commodity, value, and distance. To calculate your LTL shipping costs, you will need to know the dimensions, weight, and density of your commodity. You will also need to know if your item is considered hazardous or dangerous.
Distance: The distance your shipment is traveling will also affect the cost of shipping
Weight and Dimensions: The weight and dimensions of your shipment will also affect the cost of shipping. Heavier and larger shipments will typically be more expensive to ship than lighter and smaller shipments.
When should I use LTL?
When a parcel reaches a certain number of crates and total weight (the weight of all the crates stacked together), LTL shipping can be much cheaper than sending parcels individually. Depending on what you ship, your tipping point may be higher or lower.
Another plus to LTL shipping: the entire order is packaged in one unit, which is usually moved with a forklift on the way to your customer. This can help reduce breakage compared to shipping several small boxes that are thrown over by clerks along the way.
Preparing an LTL shipment can take longer than shipping a few small boxes. And if you ship small packages daily, the thought of interrupting your workflow to handle a large shipment can seem tedious. But believe me, the savings can be worth the effort.
Once you know how to do this, you’ll quickly incorporate LTL shipping options into your shipping toolkit. This guide will give you all the information you need to know if and when LTL shipping is right for you.
