Mark your calendars: the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) system is changing this Summer, on July 19, 2025—and it’s going to impact how you quote and coordinate less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. If you’re a 3PL, this is your opportunity to add even more value by helping shippers and carriers navigate these changes with confidence.
With over 2,000 NMFC items being reclassified, a new 13-sub density scale being introduced, and updated classification language, accuracy will be more important than ever. These changes affect how you quote, manage risk, and protect margin for your customers—and for your business.
If your teams and systems are ready, you’ll benefit from smoother collaboration with carriers, fewer classification issues, and more confident quoting for your customers.
What’s Changing?
- The 11-sub density scale is being replaced with a more detailed 13-sub density scale;
- Thousands of items are moving to full-scale, density-based classification;
- Generic NMFC headings are being consolidated;
- Commodities with special handling, stowability, or liability considerations will be clearly noted;
- The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ is launching ClassIT+ ™, a modern digital tool designed to simplify LTL freight classification at scale.
What 3PLs Need to Do
- Review the 2025-1 Disposition Bulletin for all finalized changes at the NMFTA’s Public Docket Files;
- Evaluate your customers’ freight portfolios—which shipments are affected, and where do you need to align classification practices?
- Update your quoting and TMS platforms to reflect new item numbers and density scale;
- Train account managers and ops teams to navigate classification changes and coach shippers; and
- Educate your customers now to align on accurate LTL classifications, avoid billing disputes, and streamline pickup to delivery.
The more informed your team is, the better positioned you are to deliver consistency across accounts, minimize handoff friction, and become a trusted advisor to both shippers and carriers.
Prepare Now
Visit nmfcchanges.com/3pls for a breakdown of what’s changing, how to adapt, and tools to support your shipper network.
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Stay ahead of the changes. Support your shippers. Start preparing today.
