Guide to the NMFC Changes Effective July 19, 2025
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is set to implement a significant overhaul of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system on July 19, 2025. The NMFTA is shifting to a density-based classification system, meaning how much space your shipment takes up will matter more than just its weight. Over 2,000 codes will be updated — some grouped, others removed entirely.
Why is the NMFTA making these Changes?
These changes are designed to simplify and standardize the classification of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight. The reclassification aims to reduce confusion, enhance accuracy, and introduce efficiency to improve the overall shipper experience.
What is Changing?
The 2025 NMFC changes will streamline the classification process by emphasizing four key factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.
- Density: The weight per cubic foot
- Handling: How easy or difficult it is to move the freight
- Stowability: How well it fits with other freight
- Liability: The risk of damage or the
Shipping under the wrong class can lead to billing adjustments, carrier disputes, or reclassification fees-costing your business both time and money.
How do these Changes Affect Feight Forwarders?
- More complexity in how freight is rated
- Potential cost increases for low-density or difficult-to-handle items
- A need to train staff and update internal quoting systems
- Increased risk of reclassification and back-end adjustments if not prepared
- How freight is packaged matters. The dimensions (length, width, and height) of the packaged freight directly impacts its overall density – and therefore its NMFC class
What is Changing on July 19th?
Change | What It Means |
New 13-Class Scale | Includes Classes 50 & 55. Denser freight may rate lower and cost less. |
Commodity Listings Simplified | Over 5,000 NMFC items condensed into broader categories. |
Special Identifiers Added | Freight needing extra care or with higher liability may be assigned higher rates. |
Updated ClassIT Tool | New digital platform supports better quoting and system integrations. |
Freight forwarders need to understand the scope and impact of the NMFC changes on their operations. The updated classification system will categorize commodities based on whether they have “no known issues” or are identified with “known issues” across critical attributes.
Commodities with No Known Issues
Commodities standardized across the categories of density, handling, stowability, and liability will be simplified and consolidated, resulting in fewer NMFC codes. The new 13-sub density scale will be applied to items with no known issues, streamlining the classification process.
Commodities with Known Issues
Items that present challenges in density, handling, stowability, or liability will be identified with a new symbol and may be subject to unique handling or classification changes. These items will not adhere to the standard 13-sub density scale.
Impact on Freight Classification and Pricing
Standardizing classifications will reduce complexity for businesses, but it requires careful analysis to ensure compliance and cost efficiency. Consolidating NMFC codes and modifying density scales can affect freight classification and pricing, shipping and handling processes, and liability assessments.
Shipco Has You Covered.
The NMFTA’s new standardized density scale for LTL freight will have far-reaching implications for shipments and on business operations, playing a huge role in determining rates. Forwarders that can rapidly adapt and optimize their operations will gain a significant competitive advantage.
“Shipco’s customers will not be impacted by the changes in freight classification by the NMFTA due to our unique pricing strategy. Our pricing structure is designed for the first and final mile of our air and sea freight shipments. We use technology to determine the freight classification based on the cargo’s density. Our approach offers a more transparent and consistent pricing system by aligning shipping costs with the actual space and weight a shipment occupies,” explains Ryan Murphy, VP U.S. Inland & E-Commerce at Shipco.
Let Shipco help future-proof your shipping operations with expert guidance, accurate quoting, and personalized support.
