At NMFTA, we strive to design user-friendly and efficient standards and classification initiatives. We are always eager to gather feedback from carriers about what is and isn’t working to enable smoother processes across the supply chain.
In speaking to many on the ground about the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) , we learned about the limitations and restrictions that frustrated carriers the most. Armed with that knowledge, we set to work to streamline the process of determining freight classes.
While much information has been released, we are still gathering feedback, making changes, and preparing businesses for what’s ahead. If you’re a carrier and you’re feeling anxious about the updates, we’re here to assure you that all these changes are being made to improve the process.
Why is NMFC changing?
Through the feedback we obtained, we determined that there were opportunities to improve accuracy and user experience. Additionally, we discovered that standardization of classes where density is the only relevant characteristic—in other words, no handling, stowability, or liability concerns—could greatly streamline the entire process for all those involved in the supply chain.
What is not changing?
The NMFC will remain a standard for the classification of commodities. Historically contained within a physical book, it provides rules, procedures, and documents for shipping through less-than-truckload (LTL), along with:
- NMFC item number
- Description
- Minimum packaging requirements
- Freight class
In other words, the purpose of NMFC will not be changing. Instead, we simplify the system to minimize friction between carriers, shippers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
While the NMFC book will not be widely produced anymore, we will offer a print-on-demand option if you prefer printed text over the digital ClassIT™ platform. However, we highly recommend using the new version of ClassIT which will be rolled out July 15, 2025.. Several upgrades to the search functionality and usability will make it an even more appealing option. View pricing and learn more at www.classitplus.com.
Although there have been concerns that commodities will be classified by density alone, that is not true. We will still consider stability, handling, and liability when determining freight classes, but only for items for which concerns about those characteristics are known.
What is changing?
We will standardize classification on a density scale for commodities without stowability, handling, or liability concerns.
This means that any single-class item without these concerns will fall within 13 sub-provisions, depending on its density.
Sub-provisions 1-10 will remain unchanged; we will amend sub 11 and add subs 12 and 13 to accommodate a wider range of density values.
What this new system does is standardize the classification of different commodities that have the same density. For example, if you ship shoes and T-shirts as part of your business, you may be able to use the same class, provided they fall within the same sub-provision’s density range.
When are these changes going to take effect?
Docket 2025-1 became available on January 30, 2025, providing proposed updates to commodities without clear stowability, handling, or liability concerns. At this time, these changes are not live; we are providing them ahead of time to compile feedback and address concerns.
In May 2025, all approved changes from Docket 1 will appear on the supplement and go into effect on July 19, 2025.
How will carriers be impacted?
Because freight class will be determined by actual density instead of an average density based on item type, carriers may spend less if their packages have a lower-than-average density.
With fewer single-class items, it will also be easier to distinguish and identify freight with more complex shipping considerations due to unique identifiers for items with stability, handling, or liability concerns.
For items classified using straight density, you’ll need to ensure you have the shipper's or 3PL's weight and handling dimensions to complete the bill of lading (BOL) or electronic bill of lading (eBOL) accurately.
How can carriers prepare?
NMFTA has offered several listening sessions to help you stay informed about the process and where you can share your concerns and feedback for consideration.
View the listening sessions and access resources at www.nmfcchanges.com.
Also, NMFTA has created a webpage specifically for carriers who transport LTL freight: https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes/carriers.
