As mentioned in our previous edition of Chew on This, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will soon roll out changes to its current classification system. The first docket release includes changes expected to impact approximately 2,000 commodity listings, and this will occur on July 19, 2025.
Their goal is to help simplify the classification system into a more density-based model, rather than a commodity-based one. The current system, known as the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), has been in place for decades and is often regarded as complicated and confusing within the transportation industry.
What factors go into how a commodity gets its freight class?
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- Density – a measurement of the amount of space freight takes up and how well packaged it is relative to its size. Density is calculated using pounds per cubic foot.
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- Handling – how easily the freight can be handled.
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- Stowability – the ease of storing or moving the product in a trailer.
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- Liability – measured by several factors such as the likelihood of damage occurring in transit, spoilage, or whether a product is hazardous.
These four items are put together to determine an item’s “transportability.”
What’s changing?
The NMFTA will be updating the density scale from its current 11-tier form to a 13-subdivision scale. The reason for this is that it will allow items to be more accurately rated based on their density. This includes adding classes 50 and 55 to the NMFC density scale, which could help lower rates on more compact and heavier shipments.
The updated scale is below:
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- Sub 1 Less than 1 ……………………….. 400
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- Sub 2 1 but less than 2 ……………….. 300
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- Sub 3 2 but less than 4 ……………….. 250
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- Sub 4 4 but less than 6 ……………….. 175
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- Sub 5 6 but less than 8 ……………….. 125
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- Sub 6 8 but less than 10 ……………… 100
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- Sub 7 10 but less than 12 ……………… 92.5
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- Sub 8 12 but less than 15 ……………… 85
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- Sub 9 15 but less than 22.5……………. 70
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- Sub 10 22.5 but less than 30……………. 65
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- Sub 11 30 but less than 35 …………… 60
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- Sub 12 35 but less than 50 ……………… 55
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- Sub 13 50 or greater ………………………. 50
The consolidation of the first docket release on July 19th will help reduce the number of NMFC items by combining similar commodities into single, more comprehensive items. This will make it easier to find the correct classifications.
There will be an additional docket release in August 2025, featuring additional items for review. Once the second docket is released, there will be time for feedback, review, and eventual implementation later this year.
The NMFTA is also updating its website, ClassIT+, which will offer more options and capabilities to shippers and 3PLs who utilize it for freight classifications. This includes API capabilities that enable integration with a TMS, ERP, or internal system. The new website will be available on July 15, 2025.
Where can I find out if my commodities will be affected?
The first docket listing is available on the NMFTA website, allowing shippers to view the changes being made here.
If you know your NMFC number, the NMFTA offers a free lookup tool where you can enter your NMFC number, and it will inform you whether the commodity is being changed, assigned a new class, or transitioning to the density-based classification. Registration only requires your name and email address. Once you enter your information, you will receive an email with a link that allows you to start checking your items. The free lookup tool can be found here.
What should shippers be doing now?
The best thing shippers can do is work with their service provider and be prepared when the changes roll out in July. Shippers will also want to communicate with their teams if any adjustments need to be made on how they currently classify their freight to prevent issues with reclassifications and unexpected charges. As several items are transitioning to a density-based model, accurately determining each shipment’s dimensions and weight will be crucial.
It’s worth noting this is only the first significant step in what will be a lengthy process in updating the NMFC system. The NMFTA is hosting webinars for the upcoming changes where shippers and 3PLs can ask questions on June 26 and July 10. There are also additional resources on their website, which can be found here.
If you require further information on the NMFC system changes or would like to discuss your shipping solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.