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NMFC 2025: What You Need to Know About the New Freight Classification Changes

What’s Changing in 2025?

 

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is undergoing significant changes in 2025 to modernize and simplify freight classification. This update is designed to streamline shipping processes, improve accuracy, and minimize disputes between shippers, carriers, and 3PLs.

Why It Matters

 

The industry is shifting away from straight freight classifications and adopting a density-based approach. If you’ve been shipping at the same class for years, this transition may impact your pricing and classification strategy. These changes will enhance transparency, improve cost predictability, and create a more efficient shipping environment for all parties involved.

 

Key Updates to Freight Classification

 

  • Standardized Density Scale – The new system moves from an 11-subprovision density scale to a 13-subprovision scale, ensuring more precise classification. This will apply to LTL freight without handling, stowability, or liability issues.
  • Expanded Classifications – Additional classes 50 and 55 are being introduced for denser, heavier products, allowing for more accurate pricing.
  • Updated Commodity Listings – Over 2,000 commodity descriptions are being reorganized and modernized to reflect current shipping practices, reducing confusion and improving classification accuracy.
  • Improved Digital Tools – The NMFTA is enhancing digital resources like ClassIT+ to make classification easier and more accessible.

 

How These Changes Benefit Shippers

 

The NMFC overhaul is designed to create a fairer, more efficient shipping environment by:

  • Reducing Classification Errors – A standardized, density-based approach minimizes inconsistencies in freight classification.
  • Enhancing Cost Transparency – More precise classifications lead to predictable pricing and fewer unexpected reclassifications.
  • Improving Efficiency – Modernized descriptions and digital tools simplify the classification process, saving time and reducing disputes.

 

How Priority1 Helps You Adapt

 

At Priority1, we’re not just keeping up with these changes—we’re leading the way with innovative solutions to make your transition seamless:

  • Precise Dimension Capture – Our system requires accurate dimensions and weight for every shipment, ensuring correct classification and pricing.
  • Smart Density Calculator – Automatically calculates shipment density to match the correct class, making quoting easier than ever.
  • NMFC Code Integration – Reducing the risk of costly reclassifications by ensuring proper NMFC codes are included on all shipments.
  • Density-Based Carrier Pricing – We’ve partnered with select carriers to offer competitive pricing under the new density-based structure.
  • Custom Inventory Management – Pre-load commonly shipped items to auto-populate dimensions, weight, NMFC codes, class, and descriptions for quick, accurate quoting.

 

Key Dates to Remember

 

  • March 3, 2025 – Public meeting for stakeholders to review and discuss the NMFC changes.
  • July 19, 2025 – Official implementation of the updated classification system.

 

Stay Prepared for the Transition

 

With major changes coming to the NMFC, it’s essential to stay informed and adjust your shipping strategy accordingly. Priority1 is here to help you navigate the transition smoothly. Contact your dedicated representative today to learn more about how we can support your business through these updates.