GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Freight Class
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.
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Source: https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/freight-class/
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Definition & Explanation
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.
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