Freight of all kinds consolidates freight rates for a shipment with different items as one tariff. Learn more about FAK and how FreightCenter can help you calculate FAK rates for your shipment.
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Freight of All Kinds (FAK)
Freight of All Kinds (FAK) is a classification for different types of freight that are packaged together onto a single pallet. FAK acts as a package deal for shippers, combining various items that would have had individual prices into a single fixed rate.
This type of freight classification spares carriers and brokers from the need to price each item in a shipment separately, which could potentially increase shipping costs. It also simplifies the process of calculating rates by applying one rate to all items.
Does your shipment qualify for FAK rates? Learn more about FAK and how FreightCenter can help you calculate your rates below.
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Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
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What is Freight Classification?
Before discussing how FAK functions, here is a quick refresher on how freight is classified and priced.
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system defines standard pricing for carriers transporting freight. Items are sorted into 18 classes, ranging from 50 to 500, and based on four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.
Lower-numbered classes are more favorable for shipping due to their density, durability, and ease of handling. In contrast, higher-numbered classes are less dense, more fragile, and difficult to handle, so carriers try to avoid shipping them when possible.
Freight class notifies carriers about what kind of goods are being shipped. It also allows carriers and shippers to negotiate fair rates for shipments. When standard items have set prices, it’s easier for shippers to determine if a carrier rate is too high or low for the shipped item.
This is, of course, if each shipment contains the same items. But what happens if you have multiple types of items in one shipment? This is where FAK comes in.
How FAK Works
Let’s say you’re moving from one office to another in another state and shipping your items via freight. You fit your computer, monitor, metal filing cabinet, work desk, and a new, unassembled desk chair on one pallet. What freight class would a carrier assign your shipment to?
This would be a tough call for carriers, as each item on the pallet has a different freight class. You can’t assign one of the freight classes to the entire pallet and be done with it, as that could risk damaging any fragile items in the shipment. However, you also can’t price each item individually, as that would jumble up the classes and cause billing issues and lots of paperwork.
Instead, the carrier and shipper average the freight classes into one tariff. This price is negotiated between the carrier (or broker) and the shipper, with the four freight class criteria playing a role in the finalized rate. The shipment is then classified as “freight of all kinds” and shipped as one single shipment.
FAK shipments are not governed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), the creators of the NMFC system. Carriers and shippers are solely responsible for negotiating FAK rates. Shipments that are perfect for these types of rates include:
- Shipments with multiple items within each pallet
- Items with similar stowability (how easy is it to stow cargo in a container or trailer)
- Shipments that have a reasonable liability insurance cost
However, not every shipment containing multiple items simultaneously qualifies for FAK rates. Shipments that don’t usually receive FAK rates include:
- High-value items
- Hazardous materials
- Oversized items
- Very sporadic product densities
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Why is FAK Important?
FAK is a lifesaver for shippers, carriers, and brokers for several reasons:
Simplifies classifying and quoting freight: FAK makes classifying a shipment of miscellaneous items easier. Having only one rate for an entire container helps carriers and brokers with pricing goods without having to estimate rates for each individual item.
Avoids wasting time categorizing freight: Logistics is a fast-paced system, so using a single rate for a shipment eliminates the need for carriers and brokers to perform complicated calculations and focus on shipping goods efficiently.
Saves money: While FAK rates can be slightly higher than rates for a single commodity, they can become a cost-saving deal if higher-class goods (typically expensive to ship) are shipped with lower-class goods (typically cheaper to ship).
FreightCenter Can Calculate FAK Rates for You!
Classifying your shipment as FAK can benefit you and your shipment. You don’t have to pay exuberant rates for each item in your shipment, simplifying pricing and leaving you time to focus on what matters: moving your freight efficiently, safely, and punctually.
Do you believe your upcoming shipment could qualify for FAK rates? Ask your FreightCenter agent! We offer tailored solutions to your shipping needs. We can calculate your freight class rates for you or suggest other rates from our national and global carriers network. Using our freight class lookup tool, you can also calculate the freight class for each item yourself.
Ready to ship? Try our free online quote tool to calculate your initial quote, or call (800) 716-7608 to ask about FAK rates today!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Freight of All Kinds (FAK)
Q. What is freight of all kinds?
A. Freight of all kinds (FAK) is a pricing system for shipments containing multiple items of various sizes and qualities. Instead of classifying each item by its freight class and charging the shipper for each one, the freight classes are averaged at one quantifiable rate.
Q. Why is FAK important?
A. FAK simplifies freight pricing by consolidating rates for different items shipped on one pallet. It makes it easy for carriers and brokers to calculate the final shipping rate and saves money in the long run.
Q. What kinds of shipments qualify for FAK rates?
A. Shipments containing miscellaneous items packaged on one pallet are usually singled out for FAK pricing, though not if the items have vastly different freight classes. Items that have similar stowability and shipments that have reasonable liability coverage costs also qualify. Shipments with valuable items, overlength goods, and hazardous materials do not qualify for FAK rates.
Q. How can I determine if my shipment qualifies for FAK pricing?
A. Ask your FreightCenter agent! They can determine whether your shipment qualifies for FAK rates and what pricing will guarantee the best savings.
3 Advantages of Freight Shipping With FreightCenter
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your small business for the intricate world of logistics.
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