Freight Classification Analysis: Electronics Shipment

Shipment Summary

• Product: Electronics
• Total Weight: 2,400 lbs
• Total Pallets: 4 standard pallets (48” x 40”)
• Pallet Height: 48 inches each
• Route: Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX (~1,400 miles)
• Shipper Status: First-time LTL shipper

Freight Density Calculation

Pallet-Level Calculation (Carrier Method)

• Pallet dimensions: 48” x 40” x 48” per pallet
• Cubic feet per pallet: 53.33 cubic feet
• Total cubic feet (4 pallets): 213.33 cubic feet
• Weight per pallet: 600 lbs
• Density: 2,400 lbs / 213.33 cu ft = 11.25 lbs/cubic foot

Freight Class Determination

Density-Based Classification

Density Range        | Freight Class | Your Shipment
---------------------|---------------|---------------
8-10 lbs/cu ft      | Class 125     |
10-12 lbs/cu ft     | Class 100     | <- HERE (11.25 lbs/cu ft)
12-15 lbs/cu ft     | Class 92.5    |

Preliminary Freight Class (Density-Based): Class 100

IMPORTANT: Electronics Classification Nuance

Critical Finding: While your density calculation yields Class 100, electronics under NMFC 61575 are typically classified as Class 175 by common carriers, regardless of density. This is due to:

• High commodity value (increased liability)
• Fragility and handling requirements
• Historical damage/claims ratio

Recommended Approach for First-Time Shipper

Quote as Class 175 to avoid reclassification disputes. Once you establish a carrier relationship, you can negotiate based on density.

Cost Estimation

Scenario A: Class 100 (Density-Based)

Carrier Type           | Base Rate  | Fuel (18-20%) | Total Est.  | Transit
-----------------------|------------|---------------|-------------|--------
Budget Carriers        | $960       | $173 (18%)    | $1,133      | 7-10 days
Standard Carriers      | $1,260     | $239 (19%)    | $1,499      | 5-7 days
Premium Carriers       | $1,560     | $312 (20%)    | $1,872      | 4-6 days

Average: ~$1,500

Scenario B: Class 175 (NMFC Standard for Electronics)

Carrier Type           | Base Rate  | Fuel (18-20%) | Total Est.  | Transit
-----------------------|------------|---------------|-------------|--------
Budget Carriers        | $1,750     | $315 (18%)    | $2,065      | 7-10 days
Standard Carriers      | $2,100     | $399 (19%)    | $2,499      | 5-7 days
Premium Carriers       | $2,450     | $490 (20%)    | $2,940      | 4-6 days

Average: ~$2,500

Price Difference: Class 175 costs ~$1,000 more per shipment than Class 100

LTL vs FTL Comparison

Your Shipment: 2,400 lbs (too small for FTL)

• FTL Rate: 1,400 miles x $2.00/mile = $2,800
• Verdict: LTL is optimal - FTL doesn’t make sense until 10,000+ lbs

Reclassification Risk Assessment

Overall Risk Level: MODERATE-HIGH (25-35% probability if quoting Class 100)

Risk Factors:

• Electronics commodity - Carriers have tariff rights to classify as Class 175
• First-time LTL shipper - No established carrier relationship
• Conflicting classification - Density says Class 100, NMFC says Class 175

If Reclassified from Class 100 to Class 175:

• Cost increase: +$1,000 (67% more)
• Reclassification fee: $50-100
• Total impact: +$1,050-1,100 per shipment

Recommendations

Classification Strategy

Option A: Conservative (RECOMMENDED for first shipment)

• Quote as Class 175 from the start
• Eliminates reclassification risk
• Costs ~$1,000 more upfront but no surprises

Option B: Hybrid Approach

• Request quotes for BOTH Class 100 AND Class 175
• Ask carriers: “Will you accept Class 100 for palletized electronics?”
• Choose based on carrier responses

Implementation Checklist

Quoting Phase:

• Get formal quotes from 3-5 LTL carriers
• Ask each carrier: “What NMFC code and freight class do you assign?”
• Get written confirmation of freight class before booking

Documentation:

• Prepare BOL with accurate weight (2,400 lbs) and dimensions
• List specific product description, not just “electronics”
• Take photos of all 4 pallets before pickup

Day of Pickup:

• Driver counts pallets (confirm 4 pallets)
• Driver signs BOL - keep copy for records
• Note any discrepancies on BOL

Summary

Density-Based Class: Class 100 (11.25 lbs/cu ft)
Industry Standard Class: Class 175 (NMFC 61575 for electronics)
Expected Cost: $1,500-2,500 depending on classification
Recommendation: Quote as Class 175 for first shipment to avoid reclassification risk