Prepared or not, freight classification is about to get actual.
With NMFC Docket 2025-1 taking into impact on July 19, 2025, the freight delivery trade is coming into a brand new section — one outlined by tighter guidelines, stricter enforcement, and 0 room for guesswork.
Meaning correct dimensions, up-to-date NMFC codes, and density-based class assignments that may maintain up below audit.
What was a versatile, generally negotiated course of is now a transparent line: you’re both compliant, otherwise you’re not. And the carriers now have the instruments to inform the distinction.
So, what’s really altering — and why does it matter for compliance?
What’s modified and why it’s a compliance situation?
The Nationwide Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is transferring to a extra exact, data-driven mannequin. Two main shifts are on the coronary heart of it:
- A brand new 13-tier density scale
Freight is now extra tightly grouped by precise density. Even small adjustments in dimensions or weight can bump a cargo into a unique class — and with it, a unique charge. - The introduction of commodity-specific identifiers
Generic classes like “plastic articles, NOI (Not In any other case Indicated)” are being phased out. Each merchandise now wants a particular NMFC code that displays the way it’s packaged, dealt with, and stowed. The times of assigning a category based mostly on behavior or “what we’ve all the time used” are over.
Collectively, these updates elevate the stakes. Freight that’s misclassified, even unintentionally, is now a lot simpler for carriers to detect and proper.
That turns a misclassification from a minor billing correction right into a compliance situation with actual operational penalties, straining service relationships.
Why guide measurement is now a compliance threat?
Handbook freight measurement has all the time had its flaws. Whether or not it’s a tape measure, a flooring scale, or perhaps a tough visible guess, inconsistencies in how freight shipments are measured open the door to misclassification, rework, and re-rates.
Only a 5-inch top error over an 8-pound weight discrepancy can push a cargo into a unique class.
Carriers are utilizing automated methods to confirm cargo specs. In case your declared values don’t match, you threat greater than a correction — you threat being labeled non-compliant.
How does freight misclassification actually occur?
Most freight misclassification isn’t the results of negligence. It’s the results of outdated habits, assumptions, or methods that haven’t saved tempo with the brand new guidelines.
Freight Misclassification in 2025 typically seems like:
- Reusing outdated NMFC codes from outdated shipments with out verifying updates
- Estimating dimensions or rounding to save lots of time
- Utilizing generic legacy classes like “plastic articles, NOI” as a substitute of the proper identifier
- Forgetting to remeasure after packaging adjustments
- Copy-pasting BOLs with out updating dimensions or weight
- Lack of workers coaching on how density immediately impacts freight class
Repeat these errors and also you’re breaking compliance. Carriers are watching extra intently than ever — they usually’ve made it clear:
– Mark Davis, VP of Pricing, Averitt Categorical
(Supply: Averitt.com, NMFC Docket 2025-1 commentary)
Methods to keep compliant with NMFC 2025?
Compliance below NMFC 2025 is about constructing freight operations that run clear, quick, and dispute-free greater than checking bins.
Right here’s what that appears like in observe:
Freight strikes with out surprises
When your class is correct the primary time, there aren’t any re-weighs, no re-rates, and no cargo holds. Carriers don’t flag your freight — they transfer it.
Invoices match the quote — each time
When weight, dimensions, and sophistication are right at origin, there’s no must reconcile billing later and shortens your money cycle.
Carriers belief your information
In case your shipments constantly match what you declare, you’re not seen as a threat. That may imply higher pricing, fewer audits, and stronger relationships over time.
Your methods apply the correct information
Get your TMS or delivery software program up to date with new NMFC information and real-time dimensions from automated dimensioning methods to find out correct density.
You confirm each classification
Instruments like ClassIT® make it straightforward to substantiate NMFC codes and freight lessons earlier than delivery — eliminating guesswork and legacy errors.
Why are dimensioning methods now vital to freight compliance?
When compliance is dependent upon precise weight, dimensions, and density, shippers want greater than good intentions. They want instruments that make precision automated.
That’s the place automated dimensioning methods are available.
Not like guide measuring tapes or flooring scales, pallet dimensioning methods use laptop imaginative and prescient to seize precise dimensions and weight — in seconds — with consistency and accuracy. They push the dim information to your TMS, WMS or delivery software program powering right density calculations, and subsequently, helps in figuring out right freight class.
When you’re in search of trade’s finest dimensioning methods forward of the NMFC rollout, search for:
- Licensed accuracy (NTEP/Authorized-for-Commerce standing)
- Actual-time information seize (ideally sub-second)
- Integration-ready together with your present TMS or WMS
- Help for pallet and parcel measurement
- Dependable information storage or cloud entry
These methods guarantee the category you apply for is the category your service accepts — minimizing rework and defending your delivery margins.
What to do earlier than July 2025?
Don’t wait till July — right here’s what you must prioritize now:
- Determine gaps in measurement practices
- Validate how density is being calculated
- Take a look at and examine outcomes side-by-side together with your guide technique
- Use findings to information your funding on dimensioning methods
- Focus on up to date procedures together with your carriers and 3PLs
- Be certain that all events are aligned by fifteenth July 2025
- Use ClassIT® to assessment NMFC updates and commodity code lookups
- Observe webinars and shipper-focused studying classes
When you’re nonetheless counting on guide dimensioning strategies, now’s the time to improve. Dimensioning methods at the moment are your insurance coverage coverage in opposition to misclassification, billing disputes, and misplaced credibility. As a result of in 2025, the one factor more durable than the principles… is the price of getting them incorrect.
