Measuring Cargo Size and Other Variables
Measure the height, width, and length of your cargo. You can use your favorite measuring tool (tape, yardstick, etc.) to do this. Make sure to jot down the exact dimensions in inches so that you have the correct numbers for easy reference. Always round up, not down if the measurements aren't precise. If your shipment is on a pallet or is in packaging, include those materials in your measurements. If you’re trying to determine freight class, odds are that you have a sizeable shipment. Grab a friend or coworker to help you measure, if necessary. If your shipment contains multiple pieces, record the dimensions for each item.
Multiply the height x width x length. Refer to the measurements you took, and feel free to make it easier on yourself by using a calculator. The number you get will be the total cubic inches. If your shipper asks for total cubic feet, divide your sum by 1,728 to find that number. For example, you might end up with measurements of 60 in x 47 in x 30 in. Multiply those numbers and you will get 84,600 in. Divided by 1,728, that equals 48.95 cubic feet. If you have several pieces of freight, repeat this step for all of them. Then add all of your sums together to get the total. You can also just enter the dimensions into an online freight class calculator and it will do the work for you. Most shipping companies have one of these calculators right on their website, or you can just do a general internet search.
Weigh your cargo so that you can measure it in pounds. Freight class is determined by pounds, so you need to use that as your unit of measurement. Weigh your freight using a scale. If it is especially large, you might need to use an industrial scale. Ask your shipper if you need to use their scale to weigh your freight. They should be able to help you out, but it might include a fee. Make sure to include the pallet and packaging in the total weight. After you weigh your freight, divide the weight by the total cubic feet to get your cubic weight or density.
Check to see if you have any items that affect stowability. Stowability means how easily your freight can be shipped with other cargo. Since you likely don’t want to pay for the entire truck, it’s important to know that what you’re shipping can impact how much it costs, because it might not be able to go in a truck with certain other items. Some stowability factors include items that are: Flammable Perishable Hazardous
Calculate the liability of your package. Items that are at heightened risk of theft impact the liability of whatever you’re shipping. If you are shipping valuables or dangerous chemicals, be prepared to pay more for shipping. Talk to your shipping company about any concerns that you might have.
Note that special handling concerns impact freight class. Most large items are pretty easy to ship, but if your freight is more difficult to handle, you might need to pay more money to ship it. Ask your carrier if you are unsure whether or not your cargo will require special handling. Some factors that impact handling include: Fragility Awkward shapes Extreme weight
Using an Online Freight Class Calculator
Put your weight and dimensions into an online calculator. There are online calculators that you can use to figure out your freight class. If you've already chosen a carrier, go to their website and use their calculator. The NMFTA is the organization that defines class and provides codes for certain types of shipments. Your carrier company should have access to the NMFTA database, so they can give you the correct information. If it doesn't clearly state that on their website, contact your carrier to confirm. If you haven't already chosen a carrier, you can run a basic internet search for "freight class calculator". If you prefer, you could also purchase a membership to the NMFTA to use their database. If you prefer, you could probably just call the freight carrier you’re using and give them your sums. They can accurately tell you your freight class.
Look at a standard freight class chart to determine your class. You can get a pretty reliable idea of your freight class by checking an online chart. Just make sure that the chart you are using indicates that it is NFMTA approved. That organization sets the standard for freight class. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your carrier. They should be able to easily help you figure out your freight class.
Contact your carrier if you have questions. Figuring all of this out can be tricky, especially if you are new to shipping large cargo. If you have trouble or are simply confused, that's okay. Just get ahold of your carrier and ask them to help you out. Remember, they're the pros, so you should be in good hands. You can always email them, but it might be quickest to call and ask your questions.
Getting Your Goods Ready to Ship
Look for a reputable shipping company in your area. When you’re ready to ship your goods, contact a carrier that will pick up cargo in your area. Ask businesses that are similar to yours if they have a preferred company that they recommend. You can also ask friends or family if they have any recommendations. A quick online search for a shipping company + your location should return some good results. Make sure to get a price estimate before agreeing to go with a specific carrier. You don’t want to end up being billed for more than you can afford or are willing to pay.
Label your freight with essential information. Losing your cargo would likely be pretty stressful, so try to avoid that by making sure you clearly label each piece of freight. Make sure to include: Name and contact information of the recipient Date of shipment Description of the goods being shipped and the packaging Dimensions and estimated value Freight class
Stack your items on a pallet and contact your carrier to pick them up. Do your part to make sure that pickup goes as smoothly as possible. If you can, stack your items in a way that will make them easy for the carrier to load up. This usually means stacking items on a pallet with the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on top. Arrange a convenient time and date for your shipping company to come to pick up your cargo. You’re all set!
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