Class Code 7360
Freight Handlers; Freight Forwarders Or Consolidators
California WCIRB Class Code 7360 applies to freight handlers, freight forwarders and consolidators who physically handle, sort, consolidate or stage freight. The approved pure premium rate for September 1, 2026 is $6.687 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this classification helps California employers manage payroll classification, safety and workers' comp exposure.
What Class Code 7360 Covers
This classification covers workers who load, unload, sort, palletize, consolidate and stage freight for shipment, including cross-dock operations and LTL (less-than-truckload) consolidation. It also includes personnel who physically assemble and prepare shipments for carriers, perform banding/strapping, stretch-wrapping, labeling and basic freight documentation when those duties are combined with hands-on handling. Freight forwarders and consolidators whose staff move goods between trailers, trunks and warehouse staging areas are included. Purely clerical staff who only process paperwork and do not perform physical handling should be coded to clerical classifications instead; likewise, employees whose primary duty is continuous operation of specialized powered industrial trucks may be assigned a different material-handling class — review job duties with your insurer or PEO to confirm.
Who It Applies To
- Dock workers and warehouse consolidation crews for 3PLs and carriers
- Freight forwarder staff who physically handle and stage shipments
- Consolidation teams who assemble LTL shipments and cross-dock freight
- Local pickup and delivery personnel who load/unload trailers
- Packaging and palletizing workers at distribution centers
Common Job Duties
- Loading and unloading trucks, trailers and containers
- Sorting, palletizing and stretch-wrapping freight for shipment
- Staging and consolidating LTL loads and cross-dock transfers
- Applying banding/strapping, labeling and basic shipment documentation
- Operating non-powered material handling tools (hand trucks, pallet jacks, conveyors)
- Inspecting and securing loads, blocking and bracing freight for transit
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.687 Rate
The pure premium rate of $6.687 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved base cost reflecting expected claim costs for this classification. Insurers multiply that rate by an employer's payroll in hundreds of dollars to produce the pure premium, then adjust it with the employer's experience modification, policy adjustments, state assessments, credits or debits, and any deductible or retrospective rating programs to determine the final premium.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requires employers in freight handling operations to implement a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and to provide task-specific training for manual handling, hazard communication for hazardous materials, and powered industrial truck training when applicable. Employers must also control dock and yard traffic, provide appropriate PPE, and follow fall-protection and lockout/tagout rules where employees work on elevated platforms or maintain equipment.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 7360
A PEO like Key HR helps employers using Class 7360 by ensuring correct payroll classification, providing targeted safety and training programs (manual handling, hazard communication, dock safety and powered-industrial-truck awareness), and managing claims and return-to-work programs to lower experience modification. Key HR also centralizes payroll audits, provides loss-control consultations and can negotiate with insurers to help reduce overall workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are office clerks at a freight forwarder included in Class 7360?
No. Employees who perform only clerical work, paperwork and customer service without physical freight handling are typically coded to a clerical classification. Include clerical payroll separately to avoid over-classifying and increasing premium.
Do forklift operators fall under Class 7360?
If an employee's primary duty is operating powered industrial trucks, insurers often assign a separate powered-truck or material-handling class. Short, occasional use of pallet jacks or conveyors with handling duties is consistent with 7360, but continuous forklift operation should be reviewed and may be reclassified.
What practical steps lower my workers' comp cost for freight handling crews?
Implement a written IIPP, ergonomics and manual-lifting training, dock and traffic controls, regular housekeeping, pre-shift stretch programs, light-duty return-to-work options, and formal incident investigation. Accurate payroll classification and partnering with a PEO for loss-control and claims management also reduce long‑term costs.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 7360
- Classification
- Freight Handlers; Freight Forwarders Or Consolidators
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.687 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 7360?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.