Navigating the 2025 NMFC Changes
Your Simplified Shipper Guide Effective July 19, 2025
🚨 What’s Changing?
Starting July 19, 2025, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will roll out a major update to the NMFC® system, specifically impacting how freight is classified based on density.
This shift affects many commodities and could change how your freight is rated—and how much you pay.
If you ship LTL freight, this matters to you.
📊 What’s New?
✅ 13-tier density scale (was 11 tiers before)
✅ New classifications for over 100 product types
✅ Updated indicators for handling, stowability, and liability
✅ Reorganized groups like: Aluminum, Alloys, Ammunition, Artists’ Supplies, Furniture, etc.
✅ Effective automatically in ClassIT on July 19, 2025
How to Determine Your New Freight Class
Freight Density Class Comparison
Old vs New Freight Classifications: Effective July 19, 2025
| Density (lbs per cubic foot) | Old Freight Class (11-tier) | New Freight Class (13-tier) |
| Less than 1 | 400 | 400 |
| 1 but less than 2 | 300 | 300 |
| 2 but less than 4 | 250 | 250 |
| 4 but less than 6 | 175 | 175 |
| 6 but less than 8 | 125 | 125 |
| 8 but less than 10 | 100 | 100 |
| 10 but less than 12 | 85 | 92.5 |
| 12 but less than 15 | 70 | 85 |
| 15 but less than 22.5 | 65 | 70 |
| 22.5 but less than 30 | 60 | 65 |
| 30 but less than 35 | Not defined | 60 |
| 35 but less than 50 | Not defined | 55 |
| 50 or greater | Not defined | 50 |
NMFTA’s official tool: GetClassification.com (free registration required)
🎯 Why It Matters
- Your rates may change if your class changes
- Reclass fees can happen if your data is wrong
- Billing delays, penalties, and disputes are more likely if you’re not ready
🧠 What’s New?
The new 13-tier system introduces three additional breakpoints for more accurate classification:
- 10–12 lbs/cu ft (Class 92.5)
- 35–50 lbs/cu ft (Class 55)
- 50+ lbs/cu ft (Class 50)
These new ranges help carriers and shippers better align cost with actual freight density.
2025 NMFC Changes Shipper Readiness Checklist
1. Recheck Every Freight Classification You Use
Why: Many old NMFC items are being retired or moved into new groups with updated rules.
Action: Audit your current NMFC codes and descriptions. Click here to access GetClassification.com – NMFTA’s official lookup tool (free registration required)
2. Measure with Precision — Every Time
Why: The new freight class is based on actual density. Carriers will verify it.
Action: Make sure you capture dimensions (L x W x H) and weight on every shipment — not estimates.
3. Upgrade Your Bill of Lading (BOL) Process
Why: Your BOL is the first place carriers check for accurate freight data.
Action: Use electronic BOLs to reduce mistakes. Make sure dimensions and NMFC codes are listed clearly on each one.
4. Reevaluate Your Packaging and Pallet Strategy
Why: Bulky or inefficient packaging leads to lower density and higher freight classes (which means higher costs).
Action: Test whether items can be boxed, wrapped, or stacked differently to increase density.
5. Separate Mixed Shipments
Why: Items with different NMFCs or characteristics (like liability or handling) shouldn’t be lumped together.
Action: Keep different item types on separate pallets or clearly labeled areas.
This helps avoid incorrect classing by the carrier and protects your rates.
✅ Use official resources like:
📞 Need a Partner Who Already Understands the Changes? Call 833-782-7628 Ext. 1
Southern Star Navigation is here to help.
We specialize in LTL, international shipping, and freight optimization. If you’re unsure how the new NMFC updates impact your business, we’ll review your freight data, packaging, and classifications
📥 Navigating the 2025 NMFC Changes July 19th
