# Freight Class

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Within LTL shipping, freight class enters the picture as a standardized pricing system that assigns each commodity to one of typically 18 categories – running from class 50 to class 500 – based on four characteristics: density, stackability, ease of handling, and liability exposure.

Within LTL shipping, freight class enters the picture as a standardized pricing system that assigns each commodity to one of typically 18 categories – running from class 50 to class 500 – based on four characteristics: density, stackability, ease of handling, and liability exposure. Lower class numbers correspond to lower shipping rates; a dense, non-perishable product like steel sits near the bottom of the scale, while fragile or oversized cargo attracts a higher class and a higher rate. The system gives carriers a consistent basis for pricing diverse commodities. Misclassification is a common source of billing disputes: carriers perform re-weigh and re-class inspections at their terminals, and corrections can result in significant additional charges for the shipper. The freight class framework is primarily used in North American road freight; European groupage markets apply different tariff structures.

**Source:** [https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/freight-class/](https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/freight-class/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Freight Class |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 136 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/freight-class/ |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/freight-class](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/freight-class)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/freight-class](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/freight-class)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/freight-class/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/freight-class/llm-summary?lang=en)*