As of July 19, 2025, main modifications to the Nationwide Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system are formally in place — reshaping how LTL freight is classed, rated and dealt with. These updates are already influencing pricing and operations throughout the trade. If you have not adjusted your delivery processes but, now’s the second to take action — and GlobalTranz is right here that will help you keep on monitor.
This FAQ consists of actual questions we obtained from actual clients identical to you relating to the NMFC modifications 2025 and what they imply for your online business delivery — what modified, why it issues and methods to keep compliant with out disrupting your provide chain.
Whether or not you ship every day or a number of occasions a month, understanding your freight class is now extra important than ever. Do not let confusion over freight class derail your delivery — get the readability it’s essential to keep forward!
What precisely modified with the 2025 NMFC classification updates?
The Nationwide Motor Freight Site visitors Affiliation (NMFTA) not too long ago launched Docket 2025-1, an overhaul of the freight classification system. The purpose: modernize the best way LTL freight is categorized to mirror present packaging tendencies, commodity density and provider dealing with necessities.
Here is what modified with freight class:
- The previous 11-tier density scale is now a 13-tier scale, permitting for extra exact freight class assignments based mostly on density.
- Greater than 2,000 commodities have been revised, consolidated or eradicated — making room for broader commodity groupings.
- New “particular dealing with” indicators have been launched for gadgets with stowability, legal responsibility or dealing with challenges.
These updates are designed to make freight classification extra honest, constant and clear for everybody concerned — together with shippers, carriers, third-party logistics (3PL) suppliers and brokers alike.
Will these NMFC modifications improve my delivery prices?
That is determined by your freight’s density, the way it’s packaged and what it’s. Here is a breakdown:
- Should you ship dense freight — like steel parts or equipment — you may very well profit. You would drop right into a decrease LTL freight class, which usually lowers your charge per hundredweight.
- Should you ship light-weight or irregular freight — similar to furnishings, signage or foam — you may even see a bump in freight class as a result of new particular dealing with specs, which might improve your charges.
- In case your commodity was a part of the listing of two,000 overhauled gadgets, even small variations in packaging may end in reclassification.
That is why auditing your present NMFC codes is so necessary. A top-tier 3PL like GlobalTranz will help you establish in case your shipments qualify for higher charges below the brand new NMFC classification scale — or if modifications are wanted to keep away from price will increase.
Can I simply maintain utilizing the identical freight class I all the time have?
Not if you wish to keep away from surprises. Below the NMFC modifications 2025, counting on outdated freight classification can result in:
- Reclassification charges from carriers.
- Delayed deliveries on account of verification holdups.
- Bill disputes from mismatched class codes.
- Compliance points with sure carriers or 3PLs.
Many shippers are prone to uncover that utilizing previous codes is a quick monitor to re-bills and repair disruptions. Even in case you’ve been delivery the identical merchandise for years, now’s the time to reassess.
I’ve by no means used the freight class system. Do I’ve to incorporate NMFC codes on my shipments now?
You need to — even when your provider would not all the time require it. Here is why together with the NMFC classification is greatest observe:
- Some LTL carriers require the code in your invoice of lading (BOL).
- With no legitimate NMFC code, many carriers will assign a default or increased class, which may inflate your delivery prices.
- Itemizing the NMFC code provides transparency and reduces disputes in case of a billing evaluation or provider inspection.
If you do not know the up to date code to your freight, instruments just like the NMFC ClassIT+ platform will help, or you’ll be able to ask your 3PL for steerage!
Are all commodities affected by the NMFC modifications 2025?
Not each merchandise modified, however the scale of revisions is critical. Greater than 2,000 commodities have been adjusted — together with many frequent gadgets like cabinetry, plastic containers, fabricated elements and textiles.
Should you ship something generally present in retail, development, manufacturing or medical sectors, there is a good probability your freight class might have shifted. Take a look at the helpful NMFC guidelines that will help you with all freight class modifications.
NMFTA has additionally confirmed that that is solely the start, with Docket 2025-2 already in improvement.
How do I do know if my freight was reclassified? Or what if my previous NMFC code not exists?
Your first step is to examine with the official ClassIT+ NMFTA device to confirm present NMFC classification numbers and descriptions. It allows you to:
- Smarter seek for sooner solutions: ClassIT+ mimics a search engine, serving to shippers shortly discover up to date NMFC codes and decide if their product’s freight class has modified.
- Save and evaluate classifications: With saved searches and personalised outcomes, customers can monitor frequent shipments and immediately see if classification updates have an effect on their freight.
- AI-powered and mobile-ready: Superior options like AI-driven queries and cellular entry allow you to examine freight class modifications on the go — no desktop required.
In case your code was retired or absorbed into a brand new class, you will must reclassify utilizing the present code construction. It isn’t non-obligatory — carriers use the newest model of the NMFC e-book to charge shipments, and outdated codes might set off a reclass or surcharge.
Should you’re nonetheless uncertain about your freight class, your 3PL can carry out a freight classification audit and flag gadgets that have been impacted by the modifications. That is what GlobalTranz does for shippers!
What are “particular dealing with” designations?
As a part of the NMFC modifications, sure gadgets now carry a “particular dealing with” flag. These are commodities that:
- Are fragile, hazardous or temperature delicate.
- Are exhausting to stow or take up extreme area.
- Pose legal responsibility dangers on account of worth or volatility.
These things could also be assigned a better LTL freight class, even when they’re dense. That is as a result of density isn’t the one consideration — legal responsibility and dealing with threat matter, too.
You may see these flags in ClassIT+ and in your TMS platform assuming it is up to date (like it’s in our freight TMS platforms).
Do I must replace my less-than-truckload delivery course of?
Sure. To remain compliant with the NMFC modifications 2025, you need to:
- Confirm that your freight classification is correct and up to date.
- Precisely weigh and measure every cargo.
- Confirm freight density calculations.
- Embody up to date NMFC codes in your BOLs.
- Doc any particular dealing with necessities.
- Collaborate along with your 3PL or provider for freight class validation.
Should you skip these updates, you are extra prone to see misclassifications, delays and further prices.
Will the freight class modifications improve LTL freight disputes?
They’ll — particularly in case your programs aren’t updated. Some examples of disputes we have seen for the reason that freight classification modifications took impact embrace:
- Carriers reclassifying freight that was booked below an previous NMFC code.
- Shippers being stunned by added charges on account of lacking particular dealing with notes.
- Delays in transit as a result of BOLs had inaccurate classification info.
To reduce threat, be certain your BOLs and documentation mirror the newest NMFC classification requirements.
What about freight class modifications and the transportation administration system (TMS) we use?
Your TMS ought to already be up to date to mirror the brand new NMFC classification construction. At GlobalTranz, our freight TMS know-how has been proactively up to date with new NMFC numbers for shippers’ saved commodities and an enhanced freight density calculator that displays the 2025 modifications. In case your present platform would not mirror these updates, your 3PL ought to reconfigure their system to remain compliant.
How do the brand new freight class guidelines influence packaging?
Packaging is considerably extra necessary now that the 2025 NMFC modifications are dwell, as a result of how your freight is packaged straight impacts its density, class, price, dealing with and legal responsibility analysis.
To optimize packaging for price financial savings:
- Keep away from extra packaging that will increase quantity.
- Use stackable, uniform pallets when potential.
- Guarantee each carton or crate is densely packed.
- Reduce empty area in containers or bins.
Packaging modifications alone can shift your freight classification, so it is price working along with your 3PL on packaging — significantly in case you ship high-volume or oddly formed items.
I have never performed something but with the brand new freight class modifications. What ought to I do now?
Here is your to-do listing:
- Audit your freight classification codes.
- Measure weight and dimensions for each merchandise you ship.
- Use ClassIT+ to confirm NMFC codes.
- Replace your BOLs and inside information.
- Work along with your 3PL to resolve any discrepancies.
- Prepare your workforce on the brand new guidelines and instruments.
The earlier you align your operations, the smoother your LTL freight expertise can be.
How can a 3PL assist with these freight class modifications?
An excellent third-party logistics accomplice can:
- Audit your historic shipments and present classifications.
- Flag outdated or discontinued NMFC codes.
- Rebuild your product catalog based mostly on up to date specs.
- Advocate packaging optimizations to spice up density.
- Make it easier to keep away from billing disputes and scale back provider chargebacks.
At GlobalTranz we have already applied the NMFC modifications 2025 throughout our programs — and we’re right here that will help you do the identical.
Want readability on the freight class updates? GlobalTranz has the solutions.
With over 30 years of expertise within the logistics trade, GlobalTranz understands the distinctive challenges confronted by shippers such as you. We have constructed sturdy relationships with greater than 75+ LTL carriers and 45K+ truckload carriers, making certain that our purchasers have entry to aggressive pricing and dependable service.
Our TMS is a game-changer, permitting companies to handle all their delivery wants — home and worldwide — in a single easy-to-use platform. With options like real-time monitoring, automated alerts and price comparisons, our TMS is designed to make delivery extra environment friendly and cost-effective.
By partnering with GlobalTranz, you will get the assist of a workforce of logistics consultants who perceive your particular wants and challenges. We provide custom-made options that will help you scale your delivery operations, enhance supply occasions and scale back prices. Whether or not you want 3PL delivery options or assist navigating the complexities of worldwide freight, we have got you lined.
Prepared to speak? Request a complimentary delivery session with a GlobalTranz delivery skilled right now!
