Understanding the 2025 NMFC Freight Classification Changes: What You Need to Know

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The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is reshaping the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system with its anticipated changes to freight classifications in early 2025. These changes will significantly impact the costing process. According to the NMFTA, these modifications aim to simplify processes, improve accuracy in pricing, and enhance the overall efficiency in freight movement. We’ll dive into the key aspects of these changes and what they can mean for shippers and carriers.

Defining the NMFC

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is a system that categorizes freight based on factors such as density, stowability, handling, and liability. Correctly identifying and labeling freight by class is important for the safe and efficient transportation of cargo. It’s also a tool for determining freight rates, which is vital for ensuring fair pricing in the transportation industry. Currently, the NMFC has 18 classification codes ranging from 50 to 500.

Potential Key Changes We Know So Far

  1. The FCDC 11-subprovision will be progressing to 13-subs by adding to classes 50 and 55 for heavy and dense. This change will impact items that are currently already classified as full-density and will make the pricing structure more accurate.
  2. Items with modified density breaks that do not have handling, stowability, or liability issues will be categorized as 13-sub full density items, which will simplify classifications and could potentially lower shipping costs for some businesses.
  3. Similar to before, single class items that classify as having no handling, stowability, or liability issues will also be designated as 13-sub full density items, creating greater consistency and streamlining the classification process.
  4. Sub-provision items with multiple classes and no handling, stowability, and liability issues will also be placed under the new 13-sub full density items. It will reflect a broader effort to refine the classification systems and make navigation for shippers easier.

What This Means for Carriers

These upcoming changes from NMFC will have a wide range of implications for businesses. New classifications and simplified rate structures will mean that carriers will have to reassess their shipping strategies by identifying freight density. Logistics operations also may need to be adjusted to comply with the new information that is required to prepare Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments. We expect that carriers will start training employees to be equipped to navigate through these changes to guarantee a smooth transition.

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