The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) announced during its recent summer meeting that major National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) changes will take effect in the first quarter of 2025.

These changes will impact carriers, shippers, and 3PLs (third-party logistics), according to a news release.

NMFTA will host three LTL Listening Sessions in August – for carriers on Aug. 6 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET; 3PLs on Aug. 7 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET; and shippers on Aug. 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

The NMFC system is in place to define standard rates for carriers to transport goods. It sorts freight into several categories, which are continuously amended by the NMFTA. Through this scale, both fleet managers and recipients of cargo are protected from unfair freight rates, which lets LTL shipments proceed smoothly.

It is important to identify and label the correct freight class when shipping cargo to ensure the transportation process is safe and efficient. If cargo is labeled as the wrong freight class, this can interfere with logistics when loading LTL shipments.

Simplifying the system

“From the upcoming changes, NMFC users will notice that we truly prioritized simplifying the classification system by utilizing a standardized approach based on density, handling, stowability, and liability,” said Keith Peterson, director of operations for NMFTA. “We also focused on enhancing the user experience to make it easier to both use and understand the NMFC. These changes will increase efficiency making it easier to classify freight accurately on the first try.”

Peterson added that the goal of the changes taking place in 2025 is to reduce any friction between carriers, shippers, and 3PLs.

Phased approach

To ensure that NMFC updates aren’t occurring at once, NMFTA has implemented a phased approach, with the first changes coming in Docket 2025-1. The upcoming phases that will be incorporated by the NMFC consist of:

• Standardized density scale for LTL freight when handling, stowability and liability issues are not present;
• Unique identifiers for freight with special handling, stowability, or liability needs;
• Condensed and modernized commodity listings; and
• Improved usability of the ClassIT classification tool.

“We estimate to move as many as 3,500 single-class items to 13 subcategories,” said Nate Ripke, director of commodity and standards development for NMFTA. “With Docket 2025-2 and thereafter, additional changes are likely to be made, which is why we’re scheduling LTL Listening Sessions this Summer.”