Glossary
Classification
The process of determining the appropriate classification of freight based on its characteristics.
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Al Sharqi Shipping is a leader in the logistics industry with more than 30 years of experience in guiding and moving freight across the globe.
What does Classification mean?
Classification in shipping refers to the process of categorizing cargo or freight according to various factors such as weight, size, value, and the type of goods being shipped. The classification system is used to determine the transportation charges for shipping goods from one location to another.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) in the United States manages the classification system and assigns a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) number to each type of commodity. The NMFC number determines the freight class of the item, which ranges from class 50 to class 500.
The classification of goods is important because it determines the shipping charges and affects the level of service required to transport the goods. Higher freight classes correspond to higher shipping charges because they represent goods that are bulkier, more fragile, or more valuable and require special handling or equipment.
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