The Freight Class Fade: What to Know as Carriers Fully Embrace Dimensional Rating
While freight class hasn't been entirely eliminated, it’s quickly losing relevance in LTL pricing. Carriers are investing heavily in digital dimensioning tools that allow them to rate freight based on actual space consumed — not a pre-assigned class code. This shift rewards accurate measurement and penalizes inefficiency.
If you're still building quotes around class codes alone, you're already behind. Dimensional pricing is now the real cost driver, and adapting your processes is essential.
Why Freight Class Is Losing Steam
- It’s inconsistent: Freight class depends on multiple subjective factors like value, handling, and stowability. The same freight might be classified differently by two carriers, creating confusion and disputes.
- It’s gameable: Shippers have historically found ways to select lower classes or exploit classification loopholes to cut costs — leading to a cat-and-mouse game with carriers and frequent reclass charges.
- It’s outdated: Freight class was developed in an era when shipment size and space utilization were harder to measure. With today’s technology, dimensional data provides a much more accurate representation of cost-to-serve.
What This Means for SMBs
- Don’t assume your class rating equals your charge.Many SMBs still rely on outdated quoting tools that return class-based rates. But in practice, carriers are using automated scanners to override class with dimensional data. That means your cost may change even if your class doesn’t.
- Expect new tech at the dock.Terminals now have automated dimensioners that scan freight in seconds. These systems calculate volume with precision and instantly trigger re-rated invoices if dimensions don’t match your BOL. There’s no more wiggle room for inaccurate specs.
- Stop quoting by class alone.If you’re not incorporating dimensional pricing into your rate shopping or quotes, you’re missing key cost signals. Even if a class is technically required, it often takes a back seat to volume-based calculations.
- Prepare for variation across carriers.Some carriers are still using hybrid models (class + density), while others are going fully dimensional. Knowing which model applies — and when — is essential for accurate rate comparison.
How Amware Helps You Make the Shift
- Dimensional Quoting: Amrate, our proprietary TMS, is built for the modern LTL landscape. It allows you to quote with true weight and dimension logic, not just class codes.
- Carrier Matching: We identify which carriers align best with your freight profile — especially when density matters most. Some carriers reward tight packaging; others penalize anything outside a certain size threshold.
- Ongoing Education: Our team supports client operations with best practices, internal training, and real-world examples to ensure smooth adoption.
- Billing Audits: We help you identify and dispute unjustified reclasses or accessorials by aligning your data with carrier scans.
Freight class isn’t dead, but it’s no longer in charge. Dimensional logic now determines how your freight is priced, billed, and serviced. Shippers who don’t adapt risk paying more — and losing competitive ground.
With tools like Amrate, carrier benchmarking, and packaging audits, Amware helps SMBs simplify the shift and save in the process.
Talk to us about dimensional pricing tools for your organzation.