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What is the NMFTA?

Founded in 1956, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)® is a non-profit, trade association that defines and advances the standards that keep the trucking industry connected and secure.

Through the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC)®, Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC)®, Standard Point Location Code® (SPLC)®, digital application programming interface (API) Standards from the Digital Standards Development Council® (DSDC)™, cybersecurity, and operations, NMFTA ensures consistent, efficient, and safe freight movement across North America.

A Legacy of Defining and Driving Freight Standards

For more than 70 years, the NMFTA has served as the authoritative voice defining the standards that keep North American freight moving safely and efficiently. From less-than-truckload (LTL) freight classification to dock operations, to cybersecurity and digital API Standards, the trade association brings carriers, shippers, and a myriad of logistics partners together to build a stronger, smarter, and more secure supply chain.

Our Mission:

Defining the Standards That Move Freight.
NMFTA’s mission is to promote, maintain, and advance uniform standards that support the efficient and secure movement of goods across the LTL and broader trucking industry.

We Do This by:

  • Maintaining LTL freight classification standards through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system.
  • Assigning and managing codes like the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and Standard Point Location Code (SPLC) to streamline data accuracy and interoperability.
  • Leading digital innovation through the Digital Standards Development Council (DSDC), which is comprised of the Digital LTL Council and Digital Full Truckload (FTL) Council, creating open application programming interface (API) Standards for carriers, shippers, and technology partners.
  • Championing cybersecurity by developing and sharing best practices that protect connected vehicle and fleet systems and help to combat freight fraud.

Each initiative reflects our commitment to advancing the industry—through collaboration, modernization, and trusted leadership.

Our History

Built on Trust, Driven by Innovation

Before NMFTA’s founding, the trucking industry lacked a unified way to classify freight, exchange data, or ensure operational consistency between carriers and shippers.

NMFTA established the NMFC and other foundational systems that became the backbone of the LTL industry. Over the decades, our work has evolved alongside trucking—embracing digital transformation while maintaining our core purpose: to make freight movement more efficient, transparent, and secure.

Key Milestones

  • 1956
    NMFTA founded to standardize freight classification and transportation practices.
    NMFTA founded in 1956
  • 1968
    National Motor Common Carrier Weighing and Research Association, currently known as the National Motor Carrier Weighing and Research Advisory Council (W&R Advisory Council) was founded and operated under the auspices of the NMFTA.
    W&R Advisory Council founded in 1968
  • 1960s–1990s
    Introduction of SCAC and SPLC standards, strengthening industry data consistency.
    SCAC and SPLC standards
  • 2000s
    Expansion of NMFTA’s educational programs and publication of the first digital NMFC resources.
    Educational programs and digital NMFC resources
  • 2010s
    Launch of cybersecurity research to protect emerging connected systems.
    Cybersecurity research launched
  • 2020s
    Establishment of the DSDC and release of industry API Standards and ClassIT+ product release.
    DSDC and API Standards
  • 2026
    NMFTA introduced a new membership model that expanded to include all industry stakeholders and launched the association’s Cybersecurity Council.
    New membership model and Cybersecurity Council

Our Promise to the Industry

NMFTA is committed to empowering the freight community with trusted standards, secure digital tools, and collaborative partnerships. As the industry evolves, we continue to:

  • Protect the integrity of motor freight data and systems.
  • Facilitate collaboration among carriers, shippers, and logistics providers.
  • Drive digital transformation for the future of freight.

Together, we’re not just keeping freight moving; we’re moving the industry forward.

Explore our Standards and Programs