NMFC changes in July 2025 will fundamentally impact how freight is classified, rated, and billed.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is the US organization that represents interstate, intrastate, and international motor carriers. NMFTA publishes the NMFC, grouping LTL shipped commodities into eighteen classes.

Classes are designated based on four criteria:

• Density
• Handling
• Stowability
• Liability

Freight shipping classes range from 50 to 500, with 18 separate classes. Lower numbers reflect easier and more cost-effective shipping, while higher numbers indicate more difficult and expensive shipping.

Why NMFC class matters

If your freight classifications are outdated, it could result in miscommunication, unexpected freight charges, and shipment delays due to reclassifications and inspections.

What’s changing

The first Phase of changes coming into effect in July 2025 will impact carriers, shippers, and 3PLs.

NMFCs will have a simplified classification system for LTL shipments, removing ambiguity between NMFC and class. Commodity listings will be condensed for easier identification of items and freight classes. NMFCs without handling, stowability, or liability concerns will move to a 13-tier density-to-class table.

Learn more about NMFC changes and how to prepare.