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06/30/2025

Navigating Freight Class: The Complete Guide to Shipping Braking Systems

Expert tips for optimizing freight class for calipers, rotors, and drums

Automotive brake parts including calipers, rotors, and drums displayed on a gray concrete surface, highlighting essential components used in braking systems for freight classification article.

Key Takeaways

  • Shipping braking systems like calipers, rotors, and drums requires understanding freight classes to ensure accurate pricing and logistics.
  • Typically, braking systems have a freight class ranging from 70 to 150, influenced by their specific weight and dimensions.
  • Cost-saving strategies for shipping braking components include consolidating shipments and exploring volume shipping discounts with carriers.

Shipping braking systems, including calipers, rotors, and drums, requires an understanding of freight classes to ensure accurate pricing and smooth logistics. These components are pivotal to vehicle safety and performance, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation methods.

Understanding Freight Class for Braking Systems

Freight class is a key factor in determining shipping rates for components like calipers, rotors, and drums. These items fall into different freight classes based on density, stowability, handling, and liability factors.

Freight Class for Calipers, Rotors, and Drums

Typically, braking systems have a freight class ranging from 70 to 150, depending on their specific weight and dimensions. Items like calipers and rotors, due to their higher density, often fall under a lower freight class compared to lighter components.

Deciding Between LTL and FTL for Shipping Braking Systems

Choosing the right shipping method—Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL)—depends largely on shipment size and weight.

Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping

LTL is ideal for shipments that don't require a full trailer. Braking systems can be palletized, which fits well within LTL's capacity limits. LTL allows for cost-effective shipping by sharing truck space with other freight.

Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping

FTL is suitable for larger, bulk shipments of braking components. It ensures that your freight occupies an entire trailer, minimizing the risk of damage and accommodating high-volume deliveries.

Technical Considerations for Shipping Braking Systems

Understanding the technical requirements for shipping braking systems ensures their safe transit. Key considerations include weight, dimensions, and the need for specific vehicle types.

  1. Determine the exact weight and cubic dimensions of your shipment.
  2. Use our Freight Class Calculator to find the NMFC class.
  3. Consider packaging requirements to prevent damage during transit.
  4. Consult our State-by-State DOT Regulations for compliance when necessary.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Shipping Braking Systems

To save costs when shipping braking components, consider consolidating shipments to maximize trailer use or explore discounts through volume shipping agreements with carriers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is freight class and why is it important for shipping braking systems?

Freight class is a classification system that helps determine shipping rates based on factors like density, stowability, handling, and liability. It is important for shipping braking systems, including calipers, rotors, and drums, to ensure accurate pricing and smooth logistics.

How do I determine the correct freight class for my braking components?

To determine the correct freight class for your braking components, you should assess their weight and cubic dimensions. You can also use a Freight Class Calculator to find the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) class for your items.

Should I choose Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL) shipping for braking systems?

The choice between LTL and FTL shipping depends on the size and weight of your shipment. LTL is ideal for smaller shipments that don't require a full trailer, while FTL is suitable for larger, bulk shipments that need an entire trailer to minimize damage risk and accommodate high-volume deliveries.