Freight Classifications
Freight classification is the description of goods used as a standard to uniformly identify and rate commodities for transport by a carrier. Bob's Pickup & Delivery is a member of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), which takes into consideration the different qualities of an article of freight, along with the other cost factors, to determine its classification. For your bill of lading, then, you would enter the proper NMFC item number or numbers for your shipments as described earlier. Obviously, each NMFC code should have a corresponding piece count and weight on your bill of lading.
Don't worry if you don't know the classification of your shipment, just call your local Bob's terminal with the following information:
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The description of the item shipped
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How it is used
- How it is packaged
- An accurate value of the item
- The density of the item, calculated by comparing the weight of an item with the space it takes up (Pounds ÷ {LxWxH} = pounds per cubic foot).
Rate Quotes & Freight Charges:
Shipping rates are based on freight classification, weight, origin, destination, prepaid/collect and any added services. Freight charges are determined by multiplying the tariff class rate by the hundredweight of each commodity. For any rate quote, call your local terminal and ask for the rating clerk. The following information will be necessary in order to give a rate:
- Origin/Zip
- Destin/Zip
- Classification
- Weight
In addition, your shipment may require services that are not part of standard pickup and delivery, resulting in additional charges. The following are some of the more common:
- COD
- Residential or home delivery
- Reconsignment/diversion
- Storage
- Beyond charges
- Inside delivery