The long-anticipated updates to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system are now officially in effect.
As of July 19, 2025, the NMFTA’s revised classification structure is live and if you ship LTL freight, these changes directly impact how your shipments are classified, rated, and priced. The goal? Greater consistency, fewer classification errors, and a stronger focus on density-based ratings.
But here’s the question:
Are you following the new process or are you still using outdated methods that could cost you?
What Changed?
The NMFC has moved toward a more standardized, streamlined system. Key updates include:
- A 13-tier density-to-class scale for most commodities without special handling, stowability, or liability concerns.
- Reduced ambiguity between NMFC numbers and freight classes, making it easier to classify products correctly.
- A greater emphasis on shipment density, now the dominant factor in determining freight class for most items.
In short: How much your freight weighs, how big it is, and how efficiently it’s packed now plays a bigger role than ever in determining your shipping cost.
What This Means for Shippers
The changes are live. And while that means opportunity for more accurate and fair freight pricing, it also requires real changes in how you approach your shipping process. Here’s what you need to review and implement:
1. Are You Including Accurate Density Calculations on Every BOL?
With density becoming the driving factor for classification, it’s crucial that your bills of lading (BOLs) include precise dimensions and weight for every shipment.
Inaccurate or missing data can result in misclassification, re-rating, and unexpected charges. Worse, repeated inaccuracies could damage your carrier relationships or result in compliance disputes.
Invest in tools like freight dimensioners or digital scales, and make sure your BOLs reflect exact data, not estimates.
2. Have You Reviewed Your Commodity Classifications?
Now is the time to re-audit your commonly shipped items under the new NMFC structure. Many commodities that were previously assigned a static freight class may now fall under the 13-tier density scale.
Using the new NMFC lookup tools, verify how your products are classified today and whether their class changes under the new system. Even a small shift in classification can affect your freight bill significantly.
If you’re unsure where to start, Becker Logistics can guide you through a commodity audit to ensure you’re aligned and not leaving money on the table.
3. Are Your Systems Updated to Reflect the 13-Tier Class Structure?
Your transportation management system (TMS), rate quoting tools, and internal processes must now recognize and accommodate the new 13-tier density-class scale.
If your systems are outdated, you may be working off incorrect rates or misclassifying loads. This not only impacts costs, it creates downstream issues like delivery delays, invoicing disputes, and customer dissatisfaction.
Make sure your team has reviewed your systems and rate logic or partner with a 3PL like Becker Logistics that’s already NMFC-compliant.
4. Have You Trained Your Staff on These Changes?
The NMFC changes don’t just affect software, they affect people. Your shipping, sales, and customer service teams should all have at least a working knowledge of how the new classification process works.
You need to understand how to measure and calculate density. Your customer service team needs to be able to explain changes in cost. Your sales team needs to know how to quote smarter.
Training doesn’t have to be complicated but it does need to happen. The sooner your people understand the rules, the better your freight performance will be.
Becker Logistics Is Here to Help
At Becker Logistics, we’ve made it our mission to help our customers adapt, optimize, and thrive through industry shifts like this.
Our team is ready to:
- Audit your freight classifications to make sure they match the new NMFC structure.
- Analyze and optimize your packaging and workflows to minimize freight class inflation.
- Offer real-time support and training so your staff can stay confident and compliant.
- Monitor your freight bills to help identify any costly misclassifications early.
This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting your bottom line, increasing operational efficiency, and building a smarter supply chain.
Don’t Let This Catch You Off Guard
These NMFC changes are some of the biggest shifts in LTL shipping in years and they’re already active.
If you haven’t updated your processes, now is the time. Accuracy, education, and smart partnerships will determine whether these changes benefit your business… or blindside it.
Need help making sure your freight classification is current?
Let’s talk. Becker Logistics is here to walk you through every step of the transition.
