What freight class is
In less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, every shipment gets a freight class, and that class is a major driver of the rate. Classes run across a wide range, and lower classes generally cost less to move per pound than higher ones.
The system exists so carriers can price fairly across wildly different cargo, from dense machine parts to light, bulky packaging.
Density is the big lever
The single biggest factor in freight class is density — weight per cubic foot. Dense freight packs efficiently into a trailer and earns a lower, cheaper class. Light, bulky freight wastes trailer space and lands in a higher, pricier class.
Boxes are the textbook example of low-density freight: lots of volume, little weight. That is exactly why how you pack and palletize them matters so much to the bill.
Turning bulky boxes into better class
Each of these raises effective density, which can improve your class and lower your rate. The boxes weigh the same; they just travel smarter.
- Nest and flat-fold where the box style allows to raise density.
- Consolidate into full pallets rather than loose, airy stacks.
- Stack to safe height so you use the vertical cube.
- Combine shipments to move fewer, denser units.
“You cannot change what boxes weigh, but you can change how densely they travel.”
Beyond density
Class also considers handling, stowability and liability, but for corrugated, density dominates. Get the density right and the other factors usually fall into a favorable place, since sound, well-palletized boxes are easy to handle and stow.
Mis-declaring class to save money is a bad idea — reclassification fees and disputes cost more than they save. Ship it honestly, but ship it dense.
How we help
When we quote freight on your boxes, we are already thinking about density, palletization and consolidation to keep the class — and the cost — down. And backhaul, where available, sidesteps a lot of this by using capacity that is already paid for.
Tell us your lanes and volumes and we will structure the shipment to travel as densely and cheaply as the boxes allow.