Over the past several years, National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.®’s (NMFTA)™ classification team has made a deliberate commitment to communicate early, often, and transparently about changes to the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC )™. From Classification Reimagined listening sessions and public dockets to webinars, articles, and direct outreach, our goal has been consistent: ensure the industry knows what to expect and has meaningful opportunities to weigh in before changes are finalized.
That work doesn’t stop with a single docket or milestone. In fact, as we move closer to the release of Docket 2026-1, we’re doing even more to improve visibility, clarity, and two-way communication with the industry.
Greater Transparency into What We’re Working On
One of the most common questions we hear is simple: “What’s being worked on right now?” To answer that clearly, we’ve updated our open Classification Research Projects list to reflect everything currently underway.
In addition to keeping the list current, we’ve added a new “Project Type” designation to every project. This allows stakeholders to easily see which efforts are part of Classification Reimagined and which are industry-requested research projects.
That distinction matters. Classification Reimagined projects are part of the long-term modernization effort, while requested research projects originate directly from industry input and identified needs. By clearly labeling and publishing this information in one place, we’re giving the industry a clearer view into what’s being studied, evaluated, and developed.
Transparency works best when information is easy to find, easy to understand, and updated consistently. This refreshed project list is another step toward that goal.
Docket 2026-1: Stepping Up Industry Engagement
With the release of Docket 2026-1, we’re not just continuing the work, we’re expanding how we engage.
Dockets are a critical part of the classification process, but we know that reviewing proposed language on your own can raise questions. That’s why, following the release of Docket 2026-1, NMFTA will be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” session focused specifically on the docket.
This session will be:
- Open to all industry stakeholders;
- Focused on explaining proposals, answering questions, and clarifying intent; and
- Designed to encourage open discussion and candid feedback.
The goal is simple: create more opportunities for dialogue, not just document review.
Every Comment Matters, and It Will Be Shared
Feedback has always been a cornerstone of NMFTA’s classification process, and we want to reinforce how seriously we take it.
As feedback is submitted on Docket 2026-1, all comments will be anonymized and posted publicly alongside the docket materials at:
By publishing the full set of anonymized comments:
- The industry can see the range of perspectives being raised;
- Stakeholders gain insight into common questions and concerns; and
- The process remains open, transparent, and accountable.
This approach reflects our belief that classification improvements are strongest when they are informed by real-world experience, and when the industry can clearly see how those voices contribute to the discussion.
Looking Ahead: Built by the Industry, for the Industry
At its core, Classification Reimagined has never been about change for the sake of change. It is, and always has been, industry driven. The direction of this work comes directly from the conversations, feedback, and real-world experience shared by carriers, shippers, and third-party logistics providers who rely on the NMFC every day.
What we’ve implemented so far—and what’s coming next—exists because the industry asked for greater consistency, fewer ambiguities, and a classification system that is easier to learn, easier to apply, and easier to support in modern, digital workflows. The continued evolution of classification depends on that same engagement.
As we move forward with Docket 2026-1 and beyond, we want more participation than ever before. More voices. More perspectives. More real-world insight from those who classify less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, rate shipments, audit invoices, build systems, and manage day-to-day operations. Every comment—whether from a carrier, shipper, or third-party logistics provider (3PL)—helps ensure the NMFC reflects how freight actually moves today.
Our goal is clear: a classification system that is simple, transparent, and practical for everyone who uses it. That only happens when the industry stays involved, challenges assumptions, and shares what’s working—and what isn’t.
We encourage all stakeholders to explore the updated research project list, engage with Docket 2026-1, participate in the upcoming Ask Us Anything session, and submit feedback. Your input is not just welcome—it is essential. Together, we can continue building a classification framework that works better for the entire supply chain, today and into the future.
