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Freight shipping, explained

What is freight class?

US LTL carriers price shipments partly by freight class, set under the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Classes run from 50 (dense, durable, easy to handle) to 500 (light, bulky, or fragile). Density, handling, stowability, and liability all factor in. Density is the biggest driver for most pallets, and you can estimate it with our density calculator.

LTL vs LCL

LTL (less-than-truckload) is US ground freight: your pallets share a truck with other shippers' freight. LCL (less-than-container-load) is the ocean version: your cargo shares a shipping container on an international move.

How to read a bill of lading

The bill of lading (BOL) is the contract and receipt between shipper and carrier. Check the shipper and consignee names and addresses, pickup and delivery details, piece count, weight, freight class or description, any special handling (liftgate, appointment), and the reference numbers you will use to track.

Common accessorials

Extra services that can change the price: liftgate at pickup or delivery, residential delivery, inside delivery, delivery appointments, and limited-access locations. Mention them up front so your quote holds.

Export glossary

AWB

Air waybill, the transport document for air freight.

EEI / AES

Electronic Export Information, filed through the Automated Export System for US exports when required.

Incoterms

Standard trade terms (for example FCA, CIF, DAP) that set who pays for and handles each leg.

Schedule B

The US classification number for exported goods.

Volumetric weight

A weight calculated from dimensions, used when cargo is light for its size.