For the past several years Classification Reimagined has focused on one goal: making freight classification simpler, more consistent, and better aligned with how freight actually moves. A significant part of that journey has been the shift to density-based classification. Last year, we transitioned a large share of the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC)® to density-based classes, giving shippers and carriers a clearer, more objective approach to classify freight.
Item 640 is part of that same effort. The rule for classifying mixed shipments was developed in a different era before today’s mixed pallets, multi-SKU orders, and e-commerce-driven freight became commonplace. Updating Item 640 is the next step toward aligning freight with today’s shipping practices.
After the initial proposal was released, we learned that some of its terminology was understood one way by carriers and interpreted differently by shippers and other stakeholders. Because Item 640 only works if everyone reads it the same way, we found we needed to provide additional clarity to reduce confusion. At its September 29 meeting, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)® Freight Classification Development Center (FCDC) reviewed industry feedback on Item 640 and heard directly from attendees. Rather than finalize the proposal at that meeting, we took additional time to work through those differences and refine the wording. As a result, we are releasing one more docket this year, 2026-3.
This docket will include a single proposal: the updated Item 640. Although it contains only one proposal, we’re providing 30 days for industry stakeholders to review the proposed changes and share feedback. I think you’ll see that we’ve simplified the rule and clarified key terms while preserving its most important provisions.
Item 640 of the NMFC® addresses how to classify a shipment that includes multiple articles, such as a pallet with a mix of products at different classes. Because the rule affects a significant portion of LTL freight, we’ve taken the additional time to ensure the proposed revisions are clear, practical, and reflective of today’s shipping environment.
Key dates:
Docket released: November 6, 2026
Public FCDC meeting (virtual): December 15, 2026 (Sign-up details to follow)
Disposition Bulletin: December 16, 2026
Supplement: December 18, 2026
Effective date: January 23, 2027
To everyone who took the time to share feedback with us: thank you. Your input has been instrumental in shaping these proposed revisions. When the docket is released, we encourage you to review the proposal, share your thoughts, and help us continue moving freight classification forward.
