The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ announced today that on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) will conduct a public meeting as part of the NMFTA Fall Meeting in Arlington, VA.
The meeting will be held to discuss proposals for amending the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) and Class IT®, as listed in FCDC Docket 2024-3. Industry professionals who use the NMFC are encouraged to submit a written statement sharing feedback on the proposed changes by Tuesday, September 24.
“It is our priority to equip the shipping community with all of the knowledge necessary to navigate through the current classification system,” said Keith Peterson, director of operations for NMFTA. “Not only do we want them to know how the process works, but we also would like to instill confidence in each professional as they set out to ensure that the supply chain operates smoothly as unforeseen disruptions and challenges occur.”
The NMFC is a system that classifies less-than-truckload (LTL) freight based on its ‘transportability’. It has been in existence since 1936, derived from the classification used by the rails. The FCDC reviews the commodity or commodity group’s density, handling, stowability, and liability and provides one or more of 18 classes for those provisions. This includes proposals for amending or establishing the classification of commodities, commodity descriptions, classes, rules, packaging, and any other classification related provision in the NMFC subject to the jurisdiction of the FCDC.
It’s essential that shippers and NMFC users place an accurate item number and freight class on a bill of lading to avoid accessorial charges, as well as a reweigh or remeasurement that changes the class or NMFC code, as this can lead to additional fees and delays.
A summary of the Docket 2024-3 changes can be found below:
General classification updates
— Internal Combustion Engines; and
— Candy Group;
Various items are cancelled or established for clarification and simplification
— Bottles, including Jacketed Vacuum Bottles; and
— Pipe Bending or Cleaning Machines, or Plate or Sheet Metal Bending Machines.
Item clarifications and updates
Written statements may be submitted by mail or email, but they must be received by the FCDC no later than 5:00 pm ET, Tuesday, September 24. Statements should include pertinent information relating to the transportation characteristics—density, handling, stowability, and liability—of the product(s) involved, or relevant to packaging materials or methods in connection with proposed packaging amendments.
For more information about the docket or how to submit a written statement, connect with NMFTA at classification@nmfta.org.
About NMFTA
Since 1956, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™️ has represented the interests of the less-than-truckload (LTL) motor carrier industry. The NMFTA publishes the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)®️, assigns Standard Carrier Alpha Code™ (SCAC®), assignment of Standard Point Location Codes® (SPLC™), develops digital standards for the LTL industry, and safeguards those digital standards through cybersecurity research, dissemination of studies, and education. Membership in NMFTA is available to all for-hire interstate and intrastate motor carriers.
Contact
Marli Hall
Director of Public Relations
marli.hall@nmfta.org
703-665-3559
