---
title: How freight class and NMFC codes affect your LTL shipping costs
description: Learn what freight class and NMFC codes are, how freight class is determined, and how classification can affect your LTL shipping costs.
image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Updated%20version/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20TRUCK%202.jpg
---

<https://www.coleintl.com/>

- [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) 
          - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
          - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history)
          - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring)
          - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers)
    - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) 
          - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace)
          - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture)
          - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive)
          - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce)
          - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech)
          - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas)
          - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail)
- [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) 
                            - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal)
                            - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://www-ciucal.wisegrid.net/Portals/NEO/Desktop#/login)
                            - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
          - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) 
                            - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms)
                            - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms)
                            - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates)
                            - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms)
                            - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms)
    - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) 
                            - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html)
                            - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/)
                            - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter)
                            - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator)
                            - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms)
                            - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations)
          - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) 
                            - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq)
                            - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/)
                            - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations)
                            - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals)
    - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) 
                            - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
                            - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
                            - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
          - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) 
                            - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
                            - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews)
          - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) 
    - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) 
                  - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) 
                            - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
                            - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
                  - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage)
                  - Importing Vehicles 
                            - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada)
                            - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s)
                  - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers)
                  - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon)
    - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) 
          - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping)
          - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping)
          - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping)
          - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
    - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) 
          - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance)
          - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements)
          - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru)
          - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
          - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
          - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
          - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
    - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
          - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
          - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)

- Français
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools)

[Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)

[![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/cole_int_h_rgb.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/)

- [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) 
          - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
          - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history)
          - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring)
          - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers)
    - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) 
          - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace)
          - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture)
          - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive)
          - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce)
          - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech)
          - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas)
          - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail)
- [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) 
                            - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal)
                            - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://www-ciucal.wisegrid.net/Portals/NEO/Desktop#/login)
                            - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
          - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) 
                            - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms)
                            - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms)
                            - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates)
                            - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms)
                            - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms)
    - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) 
                            - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html)
                            - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/)
                            - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter)
                            - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator)
                            - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms)
                            - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations)
          - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) 
                            - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq)
                            - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/)
                            - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations)
                            - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals)
    - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) 
                            - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
                            - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
                            - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
          - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) 
                            - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
                            - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews)
          - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) 
    - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) 
                  - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) 
                            - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
                            - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
                  - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage)
                  - Importing Vehicles 
                            - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada)
                            - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s)
                  - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers)
                  - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon)
    - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) 
          - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping)
          - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping)
          - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping)
          - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
    - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) 
          - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance)
          - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements)
          - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru)
          - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
          - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
          - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
          - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
    - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
          - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
          - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)

[Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)

- [Home](https://www.coleintl.com/)
- [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) 
          - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
          - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history)
          - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring)
          - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers)
    - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) 
          - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas)
          - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive)
          - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail)
          - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture)
          - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech)
          - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) 
    - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) 
          - [Canadian Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage) 
                  - [Cross-border Imports from U.S. into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-u-s-into-canada)
                  - [Canadian Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/canadian-imports-by-ocean-or-air)
                  - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm)
                  - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
          - [U.S. Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage) 
                  - [Cross-border Imports from Canada into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-canada-into-the-u-s)
                  - [U.S. Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/u-s-imports-by-ocean-or-air)
          - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/free-trade-agreements)
          - Importing Vehicles 
                  - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada)
                  - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s)
          - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers)
          - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon)
    - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) 
          - [International Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/international-ocean-air)
          - [Cross-border/Domestic Freight](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/cross-border-domestic-freight)
          - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
    - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) 
          - [Canadian Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/canadian-customs-compliance)
          - [Audit Response Unit (ARU)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru)
          - [U.S. Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/us-customs-compliance)
          - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/project-logistics-management)
- [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) 
          - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/onlineportal/)
          - [U.S. Brokerage & Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
          - [CDN Consulting Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/complianceportal/home.do)
    - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) 
          - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms)
          - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms)
          - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates)
          - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms)
          - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms)
    - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) 
          - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator)
          - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter)
          - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html)
          - [International Commercial Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms)
          - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations)
          - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/)
    - [FAQ](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) 
          - [Learn More](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/learn-more)
          - [Overall Service Brochure](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/overall-service-brochure)
          - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services)
    - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) 
          - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
          - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
          - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms)
          - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
    - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) 
          - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
          - [CDN Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/cdn-trade-news)
          - [U.S. Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/usa-trade-news)
    - [eCommunications](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
    - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) 
    - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm)
    - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
    - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
    - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
    - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
    - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools)
- [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us)
- [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)
- [Français](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)

×

### Request Info

# How freight class and NMFC codes affect your LTL shipping costs

 Trade Update: October 5,2026

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

How freight class and NMFC codes affect your LTL shipping costs

4:15

Freight class can affect what you pay for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, but how your freight is rated depends on the carrier, route, and service you use.

## At a glance

- Canadian LTL carriers may use different methods to rate freight, so confirm the carrier’s requirements before shipping
- Where NMFC applies, it uses 18 freight classes ranging from Class 50 to Class 500
- Freight class can be based on density, handling, stowability, and liability
- A higher freight class generally results in a higher LTL rate

---

**Freight class** can affect how much you pay to ship less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. It groups freight into different classes based on characteristics such as density, handling, stowability, and liability.

For Canadian businesses, freight class is particularly relevant when a carrier uses the ⁠National Motor Freight Classification ([NMFC](https://nmfta.org/standards/classification/)), including for many cross-border LTL shipments.

Not every carrier uses NMFC, however, so it is important to confirm how your shipment will be rated.

In this article, we explain what freight class is, how NMFC codes work, and how both can affect your LTL shipping costs.

## **What is freight class?**

Freight class is a standardized way of categorizing LTL freight for rating purposes.

Under the NMFC, freight is divided into ⁠[18 classes ranging from Class 50 to Class 500](https://help.nmfta.org/hc/en-us/articles/38292150039323-NMFC-Classification-Glossary-of-Terms). In general, dense freight that is easy to handle falls into a lower class and costs less to ship. Light or bulky freight, or goods that are more difficult to handle, stow, or transport safely, may fall into a higher class and cost more.

Freight classification can consider four characteristics:

- **Density:** How much the shipment weighs relative to the space it occupies
- **Handling:** Whether its size, shape, packaging, or other characteristics make it more difficult to handle
- **Stowability:** How easily it can be loaded alongside other freight
- **Liability:** Its value, susceptibility to damage, or potential to damage other freight

As of July 2025, ⁠[changes to the NMFC have made density the primary factor for many commodities](https://nmfta.org/news/how-shippers-can-prepare-for-the-2025-nmfc-changes/). Handling, stowability, and liability can still affect the classification of goods with those characteristics.

## **What is an NMFC code?**

An NMFC code, also called an NMFC item number, identifies the type of commodity being shipped and the classification rules that apply to it under the National Motor Freight Classification.

The ⁠NMFC is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association ([NMFTA](https://nmfta.org/standards/classification/)) and provides a standardized system for classifying freight.

An NMFC code and freight class are related, but they are not the same thing. **The NMFC code identifies the commodity and its classification rules, while the freight class is used to rate the shipment.**

NMFC codes are also different from the ⁠[tariff classification used for Canadian customs purposes](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations/how-tariff-classification-works-in-canada). Where NMFC applies, the NMFC item and freight class are used for freight rating, while tariff classification is used separately to determine the duties and taxes owed.

## **How does freight class affect LTL shipping costs?**

Freight class is one of several factors that can affect an LTL rate, along with weight, distance, additional services, and other ⁠[common freight charges](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/a-simple-guide-to-common-freight-charges).

When freight class applies, a higher class generally means a higher rate. Light, bulky freight or goods that require additional handling may cost more to ship.

If the commodity, weight, dimensions, or classification is incorrect, the carrier may reclassify the shipment and adjust the charges.

Packaging can also affect costs. Right-sizing boxes, reducing unnecessary overhang, and consolidating cartons onto fewer pallets are among the ⁠[strategies that can help reduce your shipping your costs](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/7-strategies-to-reduce-shipping-costs).

## **Get your freight classification right before you ship**

At Cole International, we provide [trade consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) and [freight forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) services to help Canadian businesses transport their goods and meet all shipping requirements.

**If you are unsure how your freight should be classified, reach out to one of [our trade professionals](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) to understand what information is needed to accurately rate and ship your LTL freight.**

[Back to blog list](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals)

[![Sign-Up | Trade News](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/07c10ba9-9452-4e34-baf2-3069da56bcbc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/07c10ba9-9452-4e34-baf2-3069da56bcbc)

### Latest Articles

- [When to file a freight claim for lost or damaged cargo](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/when-to-file-a-freight-claim-for-lost-or-damaged-cargo)
- [What is an air waybill and how does it differ from a bill of lading?](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-an-air-waybill-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-bill-of-lading)
- [What is dimensional weight and how does it affect your freight invoice?](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/what-is-dimensional-weight-and-how-does-it-affect-your-freight-invoice)
- [A simple guide to common freight charges](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/a-simple-guide-to-common-freight-charges)
- [4 strategies to manage transit delays](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/4-strategies-to-manage-transit-delays)

### Archive

- [September 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (1)](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/archive/2026/05)

[Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/coleintl) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/) [Subscribe to our YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)

[Get a quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)

[![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/cole-logo-horizontal-white.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/)

Cole International is a logistics solutions provider offering a full spectrum of services from customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing and trade consulting.

#### Contact us today

- [Phone: 403-262-2771](tel:4032622771)
- [Toll Free: 1-800-313-4281](tel:18003134281)
- Fax: 403-262-7301
- Accounting Fax: 403-262-8039

#### Corporate office

 1111 49 Avenue NE  
Calgary, AB, Canada  
T2E 8V2

P.O. Box 2718, Station M  
Calgary, AB, Canada  
T2P 3C2

#### Stay connected

- <https://twitter.com/coleintl>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international>
- <https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/>
- <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ>
- <https://www.instagram.com/coleinternational/>

[![Image](https://coleintl.b-cdn.net/uploads/2025/10/02/mullen-group-white-logo-cropped.svg)](https://www.mullen-group.com/)

Cole International Inc. is a subsidiary of Mullen Group Ltd.

[![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/ciffa-logo.png?width=106&height=30&name=ciffa-logo.png)](https://ciffa.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/FIATA-Logo.png?width=54&height=50&name=FIATA-Logo.png)](http://fiata.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/ncbfaa-logo.png?width=154&height=36&name=ncbfaa-logo.png)](https://www.ncbfaa.org/) [![marco polo line](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/marco-polo-line-logo.png?width=136&height=58&name=marco-polo-line-logo.png)](https://www.marcopololine.com/) [![cscb](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_July2025_FreightFundamental/images/cscb-logo.png?width=85&height=36&name=cscb-logo.png)](https://cscb.ca/)

© 2026 Cole International. All Rights Reserved.

- [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options.php)
- [Legal](https://www.coleintl.com/legal.php)
- [Service Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/service-terms.php)
- [Accessibility](https://www.coleintl.com/services.php#)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Cole Marketing",
    "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/author/cole-marketing"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-10-05T13:00:00.725Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-10-05T13:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "How freight class and NMFC codes affect your LTL shipping costs",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Import%20Foundations-Freight%20Fundamentals/Freight%20Fundamentals/Updated%20version/Freight%20Fundamentals%20-%20TRUCK%202.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals/how-freight-class-and-nmfc-codes-affect-your-ltl-shipping-costs",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Cole International Inc."
  }
}
```