Transportli, an online freight shipping platform, has released new research examining how freight classification affects less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping costs across major U.S. freight carriers.

The study, titled “How Much Does Freight Class Change Your LTL Price? We Quoted the Same Pallets at 10 Classes,”analyzed 776 carrier quotes from 22 transportation providers to measure how shipping prices change when freight class increases while shipment characteristics remain identical.

The findings reveal substantial differences in how carriers calculate shipping rates, with some increasing prices significantly as freight class rises and others maintaining identical quoted rates regardless of classification.

Freight Class Can Increase Typical Shipping Costs by Nearly 400%

Transportli conducted 40 separate quoting scenarios across four benchmark shipments, testing freight classes ranging from 50 to 500.

Researchers maintained identical shipment weights, dimensions, origins, destinations, and pickup dates, changing only the freight classification.

Using freight class 70 as the baseline, the study found that median shipping quotes increased by:

• 26% at freight class 100
• 63% at freight class 150
• 106% at freight class 200
• 202% at freight class 300
• 386% at freight class 500
For example, the median shipping quote for three pallets traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston, Texas, increased from $1,198 at freight class 70 to $2,742 at class 200.

At class 500, the median quote reached $7,013 for the same shipment.

These differences illustrate how freight classification can dramatically influence transportation expenses even when the physical characteristics of a shipment remain unchanged.

Six Carriers Showed No Price Changes Across Freight Classes

One of the study’s most notable findings involved differences in carrier pricing models.

Of the 22 carriers analyzed, 16 increased their quoted rates as freight classification increased.

However, six carriers returned identical prices across all tested freight classes for the shipments they quoted.

This finding suggests that some carriers may use alternative pricing structures that place less emphasis on the freight class entered during quoting.

The research also found that while median shipping prices increased substantially, the lowest available quote across carriers remained relatively stable.

Across the tested scenarios, the cheapest available shipping quote increased by an average of approximately 8% when comparing class 70 with higher classifications.

The results highlight the potential financial advantages of comparing multiple transportation providers rather than relying on a single carrier.

Incorrect Freight Classification Creates Financial Risks for Shippers

Freight classification is an important component of LTL shipping rates in the United States.

The National Motor Freight Classification system categorizes commodities based on factors including density, handling requirements, stowability, and liability.

When freight is incorrectly classified, carriers may inspect the shipment, adjust its classification, and issue additional charges.

Transportli’s research demonstrates how these adjustments can affect transportation costs.

For example, changing a shipment from freight class 70 to class 100 increased the median quoted rate by approximately 26% across the benchmark shipments.

A change from class 70 to class 200 increased the median quoted rate by approximately 106%.

Actual freight reclassification charges may also include administrative fees or other adjustments not reflected in the study.

For businesses shipping products regularly, these differences can create unexpected transportation expenses and complicate freight budgeting.

Greater Pricing Transparency for Businesses

The findings underscore the importance of understanding how freight rates are calculated and evaluating multiple shipping options before booking transportation.

Businesses can potentially reduce unexpected freight expenses by accurately measuring shipments, verifying commodity classifications, and comparing available carrier rates.

The research also demonstrates that freight class alone does not determine the most competitive shipping option.

Different carrier pricing structures can produce substantially different quotes for identical freight.

About the Research

Transportli collected the pricing data on October 12, 2026, using live quotes available through its freight quoting platform.

The analysis included:
• 776 individual carrier prices
• 22 freight carriers
• 40 quoting scenarios
• 10 freight classes, ranging from 50 to 500
• Four benchmark shipments across two U.S. freight lanes
The tested routes included Staten Island, New York, to Chicago, Illinois, and Newark, New Jersey, to Houston, Texas.

Shipments consisted of either one pallet weighing 1,000 pounds or three pallets weighing 3,000 pounds.

All pallets measured 48 × 40 × 48 inches.

The analysis used standard dock-to-dock shipping quotes without additional accessorial services.

The results represent the tested shipments, routes, and quoting conditions rather than a comprehensive assessment of all U.S. LTL freight rates.

Transportli has published the complete findings, including carrier comparisons, pricing tables, methodology, and downloadable research data.

Read the full study:

https://transportli.com/blog/how-freight-class-affects-ltl-price/

About Transportli

Transportli is an online transportation platform providing freight shipping information, pricing tools, and transportation solutions for businesses and individuals across the United States.

The platform covers less-than-truckload freight, expedited shipping, auto transportation, and specialized shipping services.

Through original research, freight calculators, educational resources, and shipping tools, Transportli aims to make transportation pricing more transparent and help customers make informed shipping decisions.

Website: https://transportli.com

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