As a shipper, you’ve likely heard from your carrier or third-party logistics provider (3PL) that significant changes are coming to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) in 2025. You’re not alone if you’re unsure what this means or how it might impact your shipping operation. Rest assured that our changes are designed to make classification less complex, thereby improving workflows and efficiency.
Any significant change will involve a lot to learn and understand. We are working hard at NMFTA to gather as much feedback as possible and share the necessary information with plenty of lead time to prepare.
Why is the NMFC changing?
In making these decisions, we spoke with those using the NMFC to gather feedback on common frustrations. We determined that the number of single-class items currently in the NMFC can make selecting a freight class complex for businesses that ship a wide range of products. If any of those products fall within the same density range, we could use the same class instead of multiple single-item classes that depend on the item type.
This is a feasible way to streamline the NMFC and make it easier to classify items as long as there are no handling, stowability, or liability concerns.
What is not changing?
The NMFC will still address special shipping considerations—handling, stowability, and liability—for items that require them. We will not classify using density alone unless it makes sense for that particular item.
The NMFC will still be available as a book for those who prefer it, but we will no longer be widely producing it. It can be requested on an as-needed basis. As an alternative, we encourage users to shift to our digital version of NMFC. ClassIT®’s new iteration, ClassIT+™, also receives updates on utilizing the latest search technology. It will be a great companion for anyone unsure about the upcoming changes.
What is changing?
We will add two new sub-provisions to accommodate a wider range of density values. Sub-provisions 1-10 will stay as they are; sub-provision 11 will be amended, and sub-provisions 12-13 will be added.
This means the freight classes for the items you ship often may change. However, we will provide clear breadcrumbs from the previous classes to the new ones. In other words, if you know which class you were using before and it was classed correctly, it should be fairly simple to determine the new class.
When are these changes going to take effect?
We have already released Docket 2025-1, which details the changes to a large number of items across the NMFC. The modifications from Docket 2025-1 will appear on the supplement released in May 2025. That supplement will become effective on July 19, 2025.
You can learn more about this docket or provide feedback on our main NMFC changes hub at www.nmfcchanges.com.
How will shippers be impacted?
If you use a 3PL or carrier and your item class will be calculated with straight density (no handling, stowability, or liability considerations), it will be crucial that you deliver accurate dimensions and weight for your shipments so the correct class can be chosen.
How can shippers prepare?
Stay in touch with your carrier or 3PL to ensure they’re aware of what’s coming. NMFTA has also created an informative webpage made especially for you: https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes/shippers.
