What if two new density lessons may utterly shift your LTL transport prices? Spoiler: they’ll
The 2025 overhaul of the Nationwide Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system — generally known as Docket 2025-1 — marks one of many greatest adjustments in freight transport in many years. With the transition from an 11-tier to a 13-tier density scale, carriers, shippers, and 3PLs might want to rethink how they classify, quote, and audit freight LTL shipments.
However this isn’t nearly two additional numbers on a chart. It’s about how your freight’s bodily traits — weight, and density — will immediately affect your backside line like by no means earlier than. Inaccurate measurements may imply penalties, disputes, or shock fees.
What are the important thing variations between the brand new 13-tier NMFC density scale and the outdated 11-tier scale?
For years, the NMFC relied on an 11-tier density scale to categorise freight — a system that labored, however usually left room for ambiguity, particularly as freight varieties and packaging developed. Now with Docket 2025-1, that scale is increasing to 13 tiers, marking a serious step towards extra correct, data-driven NMFC classification.
So, what’s truly altering?
The addition of two new low-end lessons — Class 50 and Class 55 — constructed particularly for super-dense freight. These new freight lessons make it simpler to price shipments extra precisely, particularly people who used to get pushed into greater lessons just because there wasn’t a greater choice.
For shippers of heavy, space-efficient merchandise, that would translate into decrease freight lessons — and higher charges. By tightening the category brackets, the brand new scale reduces confusion for each shippers and carriers — making freight classification extra clear and constant.
How will the brand new NMFC density lessons have an effect on LTL freight charges?
LTL freight charges are immediately tied to the density of the cargo, and with the brand new system in place, shippers will see some adjustments in how their shipments are rated.
For instance, a cargo that beforehand fell underneath a lower-density class could now fall into the next class underneath the brand new scale. This might lead to elevated prices for shippers who take care of lighter, bulkier shipments.
However, shipments which are denser than earlier than could profit from the addition of the brand new, lower-density lessons (50 and 55). These shipments may expertise a lower in freight prices as they’re reclassified right into a decrease freight class.
Because of this, shippers who primarily deal with dense freight may even see extra favorable charges, whereas those that ship low-density objects might have to regulate their budgets to account for attainable price will increase.
In both case, understanding how the brand new density tiers have an effect on charges is important. Shippers might want to fastidiously assess the impression of the density shift on their typical freight and alter their methods accordingly. The easiest way to make sure that freight is classed accurately—and that no surprises happen at billing time—is to offer correct measurements for each cargo.
What occurs for those who misclassify freight underneath the brand new NMFC guidelines?
Incorrect density classification or misclassification of freight underneath the brand new NMFC guidelines can result in important penalties, together with billing disputes, reclassification charges, and cargo delays. For shippers, failing to offer correct dimensions or weight will lead to freight class changes after pickup, resulting in sudden fees, monetary complications, and strained service relationships.
In worst-case eventualities, repeated misclassification could set off:
- Surcharges from carriers and logistics suppliers
- Refusal to maneuver freight if correct measurements aren’t supplied
- Escalating prices resulting from continued non-compliance
Why ought to shippers use automated dimensioning methods in 2025?
Shippers should be certain that their freight is correctly measured earlier than it leaves their dock to keep away from misclassification dangers. Handbook strategies are not sufficient in an period the place precision and pace are non-negotiable — and that’s the place automated dimensioning methods are available.
Automated dimensioning methods use laptop imaginative and prescient expertise to rapidly and precisely seize the size and weight of shipments in real-time, making certain constant, high-accuracy knowledge with each scan.
Automated dimensioning options combine with TMS, WMS and transport software program, permitting shippers to enter exact measurements immediately into their freight documentation. This reduces the possibilities of human error and streamlines the general transport course of.
Because the trade prepares for the Docket 2025-1 adjustments, shippers and carriers alike are investing in pallet dimensioners to make sure they keep compliant, function smarter, sooner, and with fewer expensive surprises.
How ought to shippers, carriers, and 3PLs put together for the NMFC 2025 adjustments?
The implementation of the 13-tier density scale in July 2025 would require important preparation from all events concerned within the LTL freight transport course of.
- Replace inner methods and ranking instruments with the NMFC codes
- Audit present freight profiles to evaluate class adjustments
- Spend money on pallet dimensioners to seize correct knowledge
Carriers ought to:
- Implement up to date insurance policies and procedures for classification enforcement
- Guarantee groups are skilled on the brand new NMFC freight class requirements
- Improve terminal tech to help automated dimension seize
3PLs ought to:
- Combine the brand new NMFC knowledge into TMS and quoting platforms
- Educate shipper purchasers on how the brand new tiers have an effect on pricing
- Check methods to make sure correct freight ranking underneath the brand new guidelines
The shift from an 11-tier to a 13-tier density scale underneath Docket 2025-1 marks a serious evolution in how freight is classed — and the margin for error is shrinking. That’s why extra shippers are turning to automated pallet dimensioners like vMeasure.
If you happen to’re a high-volume shipper, vMeasure static pallet dimensioners ensures accuracy at scale with seamless integration into your present TMS or WMS.
For lower-volume operations, you don’t should miss out.
You can begin at present with our Free Cell Pallet Dimensioner App — excellent for smaller warehouses or groups that deal with restricted shipments however nonetheless wish to keep NMFC-compliant.
Whether or not you’re scanning one pallet a day or a whole bunch, the instruments are prepared. Now’s the time to behave — earlier than Docket 2025-1 goes dwell.
