The present invention is directed to a system and method that helps a freight carrier to more efficiently determine if a shipment of freight has been classified with the correct freight classification. In one embodiment, the method includes the use of a handheld communication device that allows an operator of a freight carrier's vehicle to display a description of a freight classification that has been provided by the shipper at the point of origin. The operator can then compare the displayed description to the appearance of the shipment of freight to determine if they match. If they do not match, the operator can flag the shipment of freight for reexamination at the carrier's terminal facility.