---
title: "Rating"
description: "A class to which an article is assigned."
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/rating"
date: "2026-04-30T15:17:35+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # Understanding Freight Class (Rating): Your Guide to Shipping Costs

## What is Freight Class (Rating)?

In the complex world of global logistics, understanding how shipping costs are determined is crucial for businesses. One of the most fundamental concepts, particularly for Less than Container Load (LCL) and Less than Truckload (LTL) shipments, is 'Freight Class' – often referred to simply as 'Rating'. Freight class is a standardised classification system designed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) in the USA, though its principles are widely understood and applied in various forms across international freight forwarding.

Essentially, freight class is a numerical classification (from 50 to 500) assigned to an article or commodity based on its transportability characteristics. This classification helps carriers and freight forwarders like Ocean Cargo determine the appropriate pricing for shipping goods. It's not just about weight; it's about how easily and efficiently an item can be transported alongside other cargo.

For UK businesses engaged in international trade, while the NMFTA's specific classes are primarily for North American domestic freight, the underlying principles of density, stowability, handling, and liability are universally applied when calculating shipping costs. Ocean Cargo leverages these principles to provide accurate and competitive quotes for your [sea freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) and [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/) needs, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

## The Four Key Characteristics Determining Freight Class

To assign a freight class, four primary characteristics of a shipment are evaluated. These factors collectively determine how much space an item will occupy, how easy it is to handle, and the risk it poses during transit. Understanding these will empower you to better estimate your shipping costs and communicate effectively with your freight forwarder.

### 1. Density

Density is arguably the most significant factor. It refers to the weight of an item in relation to the space it occupies. High-density items (heavy for their size) typically receive a lower freight class, as they take up less space relative to their weight, making them more efficient to transport. Conversely, low-density items (light for their size, like foam packaging) will have a higher freight class because they consume more valuable space without contributing much to the overall weight capacity of a container or vehicle.

- **Calculation:** Density is calculated by dividing the item's weight (in pounds or kilograms) by its volume (in cubic feet or cubic metres).
- **Impact:** Higher density = lower class = lower per-pound shipping cost. Lower density = higher class = higher per-pound shipping cost.

### 2. Stowability

Stowability refers to how easily an item can be loaded and transported with other freight. Irregularly shaped items, those that are excessively long, or goods that cannot be stacked (either due to fragility or shape) are considered less stowable. Items that require special handling, such as those needing refrigeration or hazardous materials, also fall into this category. Poor stowability can lead to wasted space in a container or truck, increasing the effective cost of transport.

- **Considerations:** Stackability, hazardous nature, excessive length/width, and special handling requirements.
- **Ocean Cargo's Role:** Our logistics experts are adept at optimising container loading, even for challenging cargo, to minimise your costs.

### 3. Handling

This characteristic assesses the ease with which an item can be moved and handled throughout the shipping process. Freight that is fragile, requires special equipment (like forklifts for oversized items), or is unusually shaped will be more difficult to handle. Items that are packaged securely and uniformly, and can be moved with standard equipment, will generally have a lower handling factor.

- **Factors:** Fragility, need for special equipment, unusual shape, and packaging integrity.
- **Best Practice:** Proper packaging is paramount not only for cargo safety but also for improving handling efficiency.

### 4. Liability

Liability considers the risk of theft, damage, or spoilage associated with a particular item. High-value goods, perishable items, or those prone to damage (e.g., glass, electronics) carry a higher liability risk. This increased risk translates to a higher freight class, as carriers face greater potential costs in the event of loss or damage. Proper insurance and robust packaging are key to mitigating these risks.

- **Risk Factors:** Value, perishability, fragility, and susceptibility to theft.
- **Mitigation:** Comprehensive cargo insurance and robust packaging are essential. Ocean Cargo can advise on appropriate insurance coverage.

## The Freight Class Scale: From 50 to 500

The NMFTA's freight class system uses a scale from 50 to 500, where:

- **Class 50:** Represents the lowest class, assigned to the densest, most easily handled, and least liable goods (e.g., steel bolts, bulk raw materials). These are the most cost-effective to ship per pound.
- **Class 500:** Represents the highest class, assigned to the least dense, most difficult to handle, and highest liability goods (e.g., delicate electronic equipment, fine art, or lightweight but bulky items like ping-pong balls). These are the most expensive to ship per pound.

It's important to note that while the specific NMFTA classes are primarily for domestic US freight, the underlying principles of density, stowability, handling, and liability are universally applied in international freight forwarding. Ocean Cargo's expertise ensures that your cargo is accurately assessed, whether it's [sea freight to Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada) or [air freight to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/air-freight-australia), to provide you with the most competitive and transparent pricing.

## Why is Accurate Freight Class Important?

Accurately determining the freight class is not just a bureaucratic step; it has direct financial and logistical implications for your business:

1. **Cost Accuracy:** An incorrect freight class can lead to unexpected charges. If your declared class is lower than the carrier's assessment, you'll face re-classification fees and additional charges, impacting your budget and profit margins.
2. **Avoiding Delays:** Discrepancies in freight class can cause delays at the point of origin or destination, as carriers may need to re-weigh or re-measure your cargo.
3. **Optimised Shipping:** Knowing the correct class helps Ocean Cargo select the most appropriate shipping method and carrier for your specific goods, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
4. **Budgeting & Planning:** Accurate classification allows for better financial planning and forecasting of shipping costs, crucial for international trade.

Ocean Cargo's team of experts takes the guesswork out of freight classification. We work with you to gather all necessary details about your cargo, from dimensions and weight to material composition and packaging, ensuring that your shipments are always correctly classified and priced.

## How Ocean Cargo Helps with Freight Classification

Navigating freight classification can be daunting, especially for businesses new to international shipping or those dealing with diverse product lines. Ocean Cargo simplifies this process for you:

- **Expert Consultation:** Our experienced team provides guidance on how to accurately measure, weigh, and describe your cargo to determine the correct classification.
- **Documentation Assistance:** We help you prepare all necessary shipping documentation, including the Bill of Lading, ensuring that the freight class is correctly stated to avoid re-classification fees.
- **Packaging Advice:** We can offer advice on optimal packaging strategies that not only protect your goods but also improve their stowability and handling characteristics, potentially leading to a lower freight class. For example, proper crating for [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae) can significantly impact their classification.
- **Carrier Negotiation:** With our extensive network and industry knowledge, Ocean Cargo can negotiate competitive rates based on accurate freight classification, ensuring you get the best value for your shipment.
- **Transparency:** We believe in clear communication. You'll always understand how your shipping costs are derived, with no hidden surprises.

Whether you're shipping standard goods or require specialist [project logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics "project logistics") for items like [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia), Ocean Cargo is your trusted partner in ensuring accurate freight classification and seamless global transport.

#### Is freight class the same as HS Code?

No, freight class and HS (Harmonised System) Code are distinct. Freight class primarily determines shipping costs based on transportability characteristics (density, handling, etc.), while an HS Code is an international numerical classification for goods used by customs authorities worldwide to identify products and apply duties and taxes.

#### Do I need to know my freight class for international shipments?

While the specific NMFTA freight classes are primarily for North American domestic LTL, the underlying principles (density, stowability, handling, liability) are universally applied in international freight. Providing accurate dimensions, weight, and a detailed description of your cargo allows Ocean Cargo to apply these principles and provide an accurate quote for your international [sea freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) or [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/).

#### What happens if I declare the wrong freight class?

Declaring an incorrect freight class, especially a lower one, can lead to re-classification by the carrier. This typically results in additional charges, including re-weighing/re-measuring fees, administrative fees, and the difference in freight charges, which can significantly increase your overall shipping cost and cause delays.

#### Can packaging affect my freight class?

Absolutely. Effective packaging can significantly impact density, stowability, and handling. For instance, consolidating multiple small items into a single, well-packed pallet can improve density and handling, potentially leading to a lower, more cost-effective freight class. Ocean Cargo can advise on optimal packaging solutions.

#### How can Ocean Cargo help me get the best freight rate?

Ocean Cargo leverages its 25+ years of experience and extensive network to ensure your cargo is accurately classified and shipped efficiently. We provide expert advice on packaging, documentation, and route optimisation, ensuring you receive competitive rates and a seamless shipping experience. Our goal is to simplify your supply chain and deliver value.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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