NMFC Changes 2025: What LTL Shippers Need to Know Now

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is making major changes to how LTL freight is classified, and those changes take effect on July 19, 2025. This overhaul isn’t about raising rates. It’s about simplifying a system that’s long been criticized as bloated, inconsistent, and hard to navigate.

The core of the update is moving toward density-based classification, aiming to eliminate outdated commodity listings and bring more logic and transparency to freight rating. For many shippers, this will mean adjustments to how LTL shipments are described, documented, and priced.

This blog is Part 1 of a two-part series. Here, we’ll break down what’s changing in NFMC and why it matters. In Part 2, we’ll cover what steps you can take to get ahead of it.

What is NMFC and Why Is It Changing?

The NMFC—or National Motor Freight Classification—is the system that assigns freight classes for LTL shipments. It essentially determines pricing, liability, and how freight is handled. Each commodity is assigned a freight class based on characteristics like density, handling, stowability, and liability.

The problem? The NMFC currently includes over 7,000 individual listings, many of which are redundant, overly specific, or don’t account for modern commerce. This makes it easy to misclassify freight, which leads to reweighs and pricing disputes with LTL carriers.

To address that, the NMFTA has launched a broad “Reimagination” of the classification system. The goal is to simplify freight class assignment by shifting more items toward a standardized density-based model to reduce ambiguity and improve consistency across the board.

What’s Changing in the 2025 NMFC Update

At first glance, these changes may look like minor technical adjustments. But for shippers, they will directly impact how freight is classified and rated moving forward. Here’s what’s actually changing and why it matters.

1. A Shift Toward Density-First Classification

For freight that doesn’t have special handling, liability, or stowability concerns, density will now be the primary factor used to assign a class. That means your freight’s weight and dimensions will determine how it’s rated, not just the commodity.

To support this evolution, NMFTA is expanding the old 11-tier scale to 13 tiers, adding Class 50 and 55 for heavier, denser shipments. This gives high-density freight a clearer path to lower class assignments.

Bottom line: if your freight is uniform, durable, and doesn’t need special treatment, expect it to fall under this new density-based model. It could make classification simpler—but only if you’re capturing accurate data at the time of shipment.

2. New Identifiers for Special-Handling Freight

Freight with special handling, liability, or stowability concerns won’t shift to density-based classification. Instead, these items will stay in their own categories and be marked with new identifiers that signal their unique requirements. These new designations keep shipments distinct from standard freight and helps avoid misclassification.

3. Commodity Listing Consolidation

As part of this update, NMFTA is consolidating and modernizing around 2,000 commodity listings, combining similar items into single, standardized classifications. This significantly reduces the total number of NMFC entries, especially under broad, generic groupings like “hardware” or “machinery.”

Instead of sorting through multiple similar listings with vague variations, you will see a more condensed set of options, many now based on density. That means faster classification and fewer pricey freight class errors.

4. Upgraded Digital Tools

As NMFC item numbers and freight classes change, NMFTA is launching an upgraded version of its classification tool, now called ClassIT+.

If you already use ClassIT to look up freight classes or NMFC item numbers, you’ll notice a redesigned interface, better filters, and more intuitive search. These upgrades are meant to make it easier to find the right classification, especially now that many listings are consolidated or tied to density.

Whether you handle quoting, compliance checks, or rate audits, you’ll want to be familiar with the new tool before July. Subscription pricing has changed, but more importantly, the way you use the system is changing too.

What These Changes Mean for Your Freight Class and Rates

For many shippers, the move to a density-first model will mean changes to how freight is classified, and in turn, how it’s rated. Here’s what to expect:

• Your current freight class may no longer apply. As NMFC item numbers are updated and listings consolidated, your go-to classification might be replaced or restructured.

• Density will drive pricing. If you’re not already capturing accurate dimensions and weight, now’s the time to start. That data will be essential for class assignment.

• Rates and surcharges may change. A new class could affect your base rate, as well as how carriers apply accessorials or minimum charges.

• There’s less room for error. With fewer listings and clearer rules, misclassifying freight will be harder to explain (and more likely to result in reweighs or other added fees).

Done right, these changes could reduce billing disputes and classification headaches. But they depend on having the right data and processes in place before July.

Why the Right Freight Partner Matters More Than Ever

With over 5,000 item numbers under review and thousands of reclassifications expected, these changes have the potential to reshape how you manage LTL freight. It’s a lot to think about—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Working with a freight partner who understands how these updates apply in practice can make all the difference. A reliable 3PL can help you:

• Review and validate current freight classifications

• Capture accurate density data and documentation

• Update quoting tools and rating logic

• Avoid delays, misquotes, and unexpected charges

At TFWW Manchester, we’re already helping clients adjust to the new classification model and stay ahead of potential issues. If you have questions about how these changes could impact your freight, reach out—we’re here to help you navigate the transition with confidence.

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll walk through the practical steps you can take now to prepare—and how the right strategy can make the transition smooth and cost-effective.