Understanding Freight Class for Potted & Balled Trees
When it comes to shipping potted and balled trees, understanding the freight class is crucial to ensuring a smooth transit and avoiding unexpected costs. Freight class is a standardized classification system used by carriers to determine shipping costs and provides a way to define the transportability of goods based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. In this article, we'll break down what you need to know about determining freight class for potted and balled trees that are palletized for shipping.
What is Freight Class?
Freight class is part of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system and is assigned to shipments based on four primary factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. Each freight class is assigned a number between 50 and 500, with lower numbers indicating denser and easier-to-ship freight.
- Density: Refers to the weight per cubic foot of your shipment.
- Stowability: Considers how the shipment can be stored or stacked.
- Handling: Assesses the ease or difficulty of handling the shipment.
- Liability: Involves the risk of damage or loss and the value of the freight.
Determining the Freight Class for Potted & Balled Trees
When palletizing potted and balled trees for shipping, it is important to accurately assess the shipment's density to ensure you receive the correct freight class. Trees, being naturally bulky but relatively light, often fall into classes with higher numbers, which leads to higher shipping costs due to lower density.
Follow these steps to determine the freight class of your shipment:
- Calculate the total cubic feet of your palletized shipment by multiplying the length, width, and height of your pallet in inches, then convert to feet.
- Weigh your shipment in pounds.
- Divide the total weight by the total cubic feet to determine the density.
- Consult the NMFC classification chart to find the appropriate freight class based on the density.
For example, a pallet carrying multiple potted and balled trees might have a density that places it in a freight class of 150, typical for less dense and more fragile items.
Tools to Help Determine Freight Class
Accurately determining the freight class for potted and balled trees can be simplified using our Freight Class Calculator. This tool helps estimate the NMFC class of your shipment to ensure you receive accurate pricing and avoid reclassification fees.
Factors Influencing Shipping Costs of Potted & Balled Trees
Several factors can influence the cost of shipping potted and balled trees apart from freight class. These include transit distance, urgency of delivery, and the likelihood of needing special handling or permits. For instance, shipments that require expedited shipping will incur higher costs.
In addition, it’s essential to adhere to guidelines for securing and protecting your tree shipments during transit to prevent damages and additional liability fees. Proper packaging, including the use of shrink wrap and strapping, can help minimize risks.
Get Personalized Assistance for Shipping Potted & Balled Trees
Ensure your potted and balled trees are transported safely and efficiently. Get a quote today, call us at 877-345-3838 or email support@freightsidekick.com. Whether you’re managing a large nursery shipment or sending a few palletized trees, FreightSideKick is here to provide expert guidance and support.
