06/30/2025

Freight Class Explained: Shrubs & Bedding Plants (Flats)

Understand how to classify and ship your plants efficiently

Several flats of colorful bedding plants, including red, purple flowers and green shrubs, neatly arranged in a warehouse setting, illustrating common freight items for shipping in the horticulture industry.

Key Takeaways

Freight class is a designation assigned to shipments based on factors such as density, stowability, handling, and liability, and is essential for standardizing pricing and ensuring proper handling in logistics.
Shrubs and bedding plants are typically assigned a freight class around 92.5, which can vary based on their density and value, necessitating careful handling due to their perishable nature.
Utilizing tools like a Freight Class Calculator can help accurately determine the freight classification of your plants, ensuring precise pricing and efficient shipping.

Understanding Freight Class for Shrubs & Bedding Plants (Flats)

The efficient and safe shipping of 'Shrubs & Bedding Plants (Flats)' requires a thorough understanding of freight class. Freight class is a designation assigned to shipments based on factors like density, stowability, handling, and liability. It is used to standardize pricing and ensure proper handling across the logistics chain.

What Is Freight Class?

Freight class is a system used in North America to determine the cost of shipping freight. It is governed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and is crucial for calculating shipments' transport cost. Freight class is primarily determined by the shipment's density, size, weight, and other characteristics, and is quantified in a range from 50 to 500—with 50 being the least expensive.

Factors Affecting Freight Class

Density: The amount of space a shipment occupies in relation to its weight.
Stowability: How easily the shipment can be transported with other freight.
Handling: The care and precautions needed to transport the shipment safely.
Liability: The likelihood of the shipment being damaged, stolen, or expired.

Freight Class for Shrubs & Bedding Plants (Flats)

Shrubs and bedding plants are typically assigned a freight class based on their specific attributes. Unlike heavier, less delicate items, these plants are perishable and require careful handling and stowage. The standard freight class for such shipments is usually around class 92.5, but this can vary based on the shipment's density and value.

Calculating Freight Class

To calculate the freight class for your shrubs and bedding plants, consider using our Freight Class Calculator. This tool will help you determine the precise classification based on your shipment's characteristics, ensuring you get accurate pricing for your shipping needs.

Tips for Shipping Shrubs & Bedding Plants (Flats)

Ensure proper packaging to prevent damage during transit.
Label the shipment clearly to avoid mishandling.
Choose the right LTL carrier that specializes in transporting plants.
Provide detailed shipping instructions to maintain plant quality.
Schedule shipments early to avoid delays, especially during peak seasons.

Shipping Options for Shrubs & Bedding Plants

When shipping plants, careful consideration of shipping options is crucial. Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is often a practical choice, offering the cost benefits of shared space while ensuring the careful handling of delicate plant shipments. Choosing the correct shipping method can make a significant difference in the safe delivery of your plants.

Ensuring Safe Delivery

Ensuring the safe delivery of shrubs and bedding plants involves proper planning and expert execution. Freight SideKick provides you with access to shipping experts who understand the nuances of plant freight handling, offering you peace of mind that your shipments are in capable hands.

Get Personalized Assistance for Shipping Shrubs & Bedding Plants

For comprehensive support in shipping your shrubs and bedding plants, Freight SideKick is here to help. Our dedicated team provides customized solutions to meet your unique shipping needs. Get a quote today, call us at 877-345-3838 or email support@freightsidekick.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is freight class and why is it important for shipping plants?

Freight class is a designation assigned to shipments based on factors such as density, stowability, handling, and liability. It is crucial for determining shipping costs and ensuring proper handling of items, especially for perishable goods like shrubs and bedding plants.

How is the freight class for shrubs and bedding plants determined?

The freight class for shrubs and bedding plants is typically around class 92.5, but it can vary based on the shipment's specific attributes, including density and value. Careful handling is necessary due to the perishable nature of these plants.

What tips can help ensure the safe shipping of shrubs and bedding plants?

To ensure safe shipping, use proper packaging to prevent damage, label shipments clearly, choose a specialized LTL carrier, provide detailed shipping instructions, and schedule shipments early, especially during peak seasons.