Today we're launching a new section of the site: Freight Guides. These are comprehensive, long-form resources designed to help you understand freight classification from the ground up.
Why We Created Guides
Our main tool—the NMFC code lookup—is great for finding specific codes. You search for "office chairs" or "automotive parts," and you get the classification details you need. Quick and functional.
But we kept getting questions that a simple lookup couldn't answer:
- "How does freight classification actually work?"
- "What factors determine my class beyond just density?"
- "Why did my shipment get reclassified?"
- "How can I reduce my freight costs without changing products?"
These questions require explanation, not just data. That's what the guides are for.
Our First Guide: The Complete Guide to NMFC Codes
We started with what seemed most useful: a comprehensive overview of how NMFC classification works. The Complete Guide to NMFC Codes covers everything from basic concepts to advanced optimization strategies.
It's about 3,500 words—longer than a typical blog post, but that's intentional. We wanted to create something you could bookmark and reference repeatedly, not just skim once.
What's Covered
The guide walks through:
The Basics
- What NMFC codes are and why they exist
- How the 18 freight classes work (50 through 500)
- The relationship between NMFC codes and freight classes
The Four Classification Factors
- Density — Weight per cubic foot and why it matters most
- Stowability — How shape and dimensions affect handling
- Handling — Special equipment or care requirements
- Liability — Value, fragility, and risk considerations
Practical Application
- How to find the right NMFC code for your products
- Understanding density-based vs. commodity-based classification
- Common classification mistakes and how to avoid them
- Strategies for optimizing your freight class
Reference Materials
- Complete freight class table with density ranges
- FAQ section answering common questions
- Links to related tools and resources
Coming Soon
This is just the beginning. We're planning additional guides on topics like:
- How to Determine Freight Class — Step-by-step classification process
- Density-Based Classification Guide — Deep dive into density calculations
- Hazmat Shipping Guide — Complete guide to shipping dangerous goods
- Reducing Freight Costs — Practical strategies for cost optimization
- LTL Shipping for Beginners — Everything new shippers need to know
- Common Classification Mistakes — Errors to avoid and how to fix them
We'll add new guides based on what questions we see most frequently and what topics would be most valuable.
How to Use the Guides
The guides section is available at /guides/. You can also access it from the site navigation.
Each guide includes:
- A table of contents for quick navigation
- Anchor links to specific sections (great for sharing specific parts)
- Related links to relevant tools and pages on the site
If you're new to freight classification, start with the Complete Guide to NMFC Codes. It provides the foundation you'll need to understand everything else.
Have a topic you'd like us to cover in a future guide? We're always looking for ideas. Let us know what would be most helpful for your shipping operations.