Freight Resources & Guides
Everything you need to ship smarter - freight class guide, packaging tips, BOL guide, and glossary.
Freight Class Reference Guide
NMFC classes and their density ranges. Not sure of your class? We can help. Request a quote.
| Class | Density | Examples | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ lbs/ft3 | Clean freight, durable goods, brick, cement, hardwood | Lowest |
| 55 | 35-50 lbs/ft3 | Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood floors | Up |
| 70 | 15-22.5 lbs/ft3 | Car parts, food items, automobile engines | Up |
| 92.5 | 10.5-12 lbs/ft3 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | Up |
| 125 | 7-8 lbs/ft3 | Small appliances | Up |
| 175 | 5-6 lbs/ft3 | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture | Up |
| 250 | 3-4 lbs/ft3 | Bamboo furniture, mattress/box spring, plasma TV | Up |
| 500 | Under 1 lb/ft3 | Ping pong balls, gold dust | Highest |
Packaging Guide
Properly prepared freight arrives faster, cheaper, and with fewer claims.
Use a standard 4-way pallet
GMA-spec 48x40 pallet preferred by all carriers.
Shrink-wrap everything
Use multiple stretch-wrap passes top to bottom to prevent shifting.
Label pallet and cartons
Include BOL number, origin, and destination on each load unit.
Distribute weight evenly
Heavy items on bottom, lighter items on top, no overhang.
Use corner boards
Protect corners and improve stack strength.
Measure accurately
Accurate dimensions and weight prevent reclassification adjustments.
Bill of Lading Guide
What is a BOL? A Bill of Lading is the legal contract between shipper and carrier. It identifies the freight, establishes liability, and serves as receipt of pickup and delivery.
Required Fields
- Shipper name, address, phone
- Consignee name, address, phone
- Pickup date
- Number of handling units (pallets)
- Description of freight
- NMFC freight class
- Weight (declared)
- Special instructions (liftgate, hazmat, freeze protection)
Accuracy matters: incorrect weight or class can result in a carrier invoice adjustment on delivery. Always measure and weigh before creating the BOL.