NMFC Standards

The Standard for Freight Identification and Classification

The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) is a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce. It is similar in concept to the groupings or grading systems that serve many other industries. Commodities are grouped into one of 18 classes—from a low of class 50 to a high of class 500—based on an evaluation of four transportation characteristics: density, handling, stowability and liability. Together, these characteristics establish a commodity’s “transportability.”

By analyzing commodities based on the four transportation characteristics and ONLY based on those characteristics, the NMFC provides both carriers and shippers with a standard by which to begin negotiations and greatly simplifies the comparative evaluation of the many thousands of products moving in today’s competitive marketplace.

The Standard for Packaging, Rules, Best Practices, and Bills of Lading

The NMFC specifies minimum packaging requirements to ensure that goods are adequately protected and can be handled and stowed in a manner that is reasonably safe and practicable to withstand the normal rigors of the less-than-truckload environment. It contains various rules that govern and otherwise relate to the classification and/or packaging of commodities.  It also contains Carrier Procedures and Best Practices,  including as well as procedures for applicable to the filing and disposition of claims, billing disputes, detention, and procedures governing interline settlements. It also contains the Uniform Straight Bill of Lading, including its Terms and Conditions, and related rules for tendering shipments.

The National Motor Freight Classification is a comprehensive, invaluable resource for transportation and packaging professionals. To order the National Motor Freight Classification, please click on ClassIT® or learn more about ClassIT® now.