Transportation Operations LINCS Practice Exam

Which product characteristic is typically NOT assessed for freight class?

1. Density

2. Weight

3. Shelf-life

4. Hazards

The correct answer is: Shelf-life

Freight class is primarily determined by characteristics that impact transportation costs and handling requirements. Among these, density, weight, and hazards are all crucial factors. Density is significant because it reflects how much space a product occupies relative to its weight, influencing transportation costs. Heavier items or those with lower density may incur higher shipping fees, as they take up more space in relation to their weight. Weight is another fundamental characteristic, as it directly affects shipping rates. Carriers often charge based on the weight of the freight since heavier items increase transportation costs, whether due to fuel consumption or the required vehicle capacity. Hazards are also assessed to ensure safety during transportation. Dangerous materials require special handling, equipment, and regulatory compliance, often leading to increased costs and specific routing. In contrast, shelf-life is not typically a parameter evaluated for freight class. While shelf-life may be important for specific types of goods, particularly perishables, it does not impact the transportation-related pricing and cost structure defined by freight class. Therefore, shelf-life does not influence the classification of freight in the same way that the other characteristics do.