Change In Frieght Classifications May Double Some Freight Charges For Chairs and Stools

Furniture World Magazine

The International Transportation and Logistics Council, Inc., announced that on January 27, the more than 900 less-than-truckload (LTL) motor common carriers of general commodities that participate in the NATIONAL MOTOR FREIGHT CLASSIFICATION (NMFC) will be making drastic revisions in 25 longstanding LTL classification ratings (classes) they assign to most types of “chairs or stools”. Some freight charges will be double present levels. No longer will different classification ratings be assigned to chairs or stools depending on whether they are shipped set up, knocked down, or knocked down flat. From now on, the classification rating that will be applicable will be determined solely according to its actual density (weight per cubic foot). Depending on the density, chairs or stools will be subject to one of 11 different classification ratings, with classes ranging from a low of class 60 to a high of class 400. The lighter and bulkier the chairs or stools, the higher the class that will be applied. Covered by these revisions will be metallic or wooden chairs or stools, including rocking chairs, as well as chairs or stools that are upholstered beyond seat and inside of back, fully upholstered chairs or stools and chairs or stools that are overstuffed. Even chairs in the white will be subject to density ratings. To help manufacturers and retailers of chairs or stools better understand the full ramifications of this new multiple scale of classification ratings, based on density, the International Furniture Transportation and Logistics Council has just published an 11 chapter guide titled: “TAKING THE GREATEST ADVANTAGE OF NEW FREIGHT CLASSIFICATION RATINGS, BASED ON DENSITY, ON MOST TYPES OF “CHAIRS OR STOOLS”. Readers will learn about such applicable provisions as the “inadvertence clause” and the “bumping clause”; ways to increase the actual density of their chairs or stools; what types of chairs or stools are subject to this major revision and what types are not; what protective “F” and “S” packages are authorized, how to compute density, etc. To secure more information about the guide and an order form, call IFTLC at (978) 632-1913, or Fax to (978) 630-2917.