If your business specializes in LTL shipments, listen up! In May 2025, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will significantly change the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) protocols. This “Classification Reimagined ” initiative will impact LTL carriers, shippers, and freight brokers.
Why The Changes?
These classification changes address these simple realities:
- LTL freight is constantly evolving as products change.
- Technology is improving and expanding the market.
- The industry deploys new shipping methods every year.
According to the NMFTA, the changes will be beneficial to your business in these ways:
- Simpler classifications: The changes will make it easier to accurately determine the correct freight class and classify freight with similar characteristics more consistently. As many as 3,500 single-class items are expected to be shifted to 13 subcategories.
- Modern classifications: Commodity listings will be modernized and condensed.
- Single standard density scale: The changes will also include a single standard density scale for freight without handling, stowability, or liability issues. More freight classes will be determined by actual shipment density.
- Streamlined processes and reduced friction: The changes will make your quoting, auditing, and invoicing workflows more efficient by reducing reclassifications and disputes.
- Fairer pricing: The changes include lower density classes for heavier freight, which is intended to ensure more equitable pricing.
- Improved usability: The changes include an improved user interface for NMFC and ClassIT systems.
As you know, accurate freight class identification and labeling are crucial for ensuring a safe and efficient transportation process. Complicated freight class classification and labeling disrupt and complicate LTL shipments. These amendments address the common causes of disruptions.
According to Keith Peterson, director of operations for NMFTA, the priority is “simplifying the classification system by utilizing a standardized approach based on density, handling, stowability, and liability.”
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
While the full impact is still uncertain, these changes are expected to enhance your operational efficiency and improve the customer experience. In the short term, your customers will need to submit density measurements with their orders to take advantage of the new density scale. Carriers will also begin requiring dimensions and weight when accepting a shipment to complete the bill of lading. However, these adjustments will pay off by reducing the need for rebills.
NMFTA has indicated that they will continue refining the classification system, focusing on freight requiring specialized handling or stowability.
To prepare for this new LTL landscape, it’s essential to ensure your TMS and your team are updated with the latest classifications and guidelines. The time to review and enhance your LTL quoting process is ahead of the 2025 changes. We can help. Contact us today to demo Tai’s powerful LTL digital capabilities.
