If your business ships freight using LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) services, you’ll want to pay close attention to the upcoming NMFC classification changes going into effect on July 19, 2025. These changes, outlined in Docket 2025-1 by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), will alter how freight is classified—and ultimately, how it’s priced.
At Resilient Freight Solutions, we’re committed to helping small and mid-sized businesses adapt to these updates with minimal disruption. In this blog, we break down the upcoming changes, how they may impact your operations, and what steps you can take now to stay ahead.
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is a standardized method that assigns freight a numeric class (50–500) and a specific NMFC code. These classifications help determine shipping rates based on four key factors:
Density – The weight per cubic foot
Handling – How easy or difficult it is to move the freight
Stowability – How well it fits with other freight
Liability – The risk of damage or theft
Shipping under the wrong class can lead to billing adjustments, carrier disputes, or reclassification fees—costing your business both time and money.
The freight class scale will expand from 11 classes to 13, now including Classes 50 and 55. This will allow for more nuanced pricing of dense, easy-to-handle freight—potentially lowering the cost for certain types of shipments.
What to Expect:
Lower classes (50, 55) may apply to heavier, denser freight like building materials or resin pellets. Freight that’s bulky or lightweight may shift into higher classes—resulting in higher rates.
Thousands of NMFC listings will be merged into broader categories, reducing complexity and encouraging density-based pricing over flat-rate, commodity-specific classes.
New labels will be used to identify freight requiring special handling, increased liability coverage, or complex stowability. These tags will work alongside the base class for pricing.
The NMFTA’s ClassIT system will be upgraded to improve usability and offer API integration—enabling more accurate quoting and automation.
More complexity in how freight is rated
Potential cost increases for low-density or difficult-to-handle items
A need to train staff and update internal quoting systems
Increased risk of reclassification and back-end adjustments if not prepared
| Industry | Example Freight | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Tools, Fixtures, Equipment | Positive – denser materials may drop in class |
| Recycled Plastics | Plastic Resin in Sacks or Pallets | Favorable – dense and stackable |
| CPG | Glass Jars, Packaged Foods | Varies – depends on packaging and stacking |
| Packaging | Foam, Bubble Wrap | Negative – low-density increases class |
| Food Ingredients | Bulk Powder in Totes or Bags | Requires updated classification and accurate weights |
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| Change | What It Means |
|---|---|
| New 13-Class Scale | Includes Classes 50 & 55. Denser freight may rate lower and cost less. |
| Commodity Listings Simplified | Over 5,000 NMFC items condensed into broader categories. |
| Special Identifiers Added | Freight needing extra care or with higher liability may be assigned higher rates. |
| Updated ClassIT Tool | New digital platform supports better quoting and system integrations. |
Formula:
Density = Weight (lbs) ÷ [Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in) ÷ 1,728]
| Density Range (lbs/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| ≥ 50 | 50 |
| 35–49.99 | 55 |
| 30–34.99 | 60 |
| 22.5–29.99 | 65 |
| 15–22.49 | 70 |
| 13.5–14.99 | 77.5 |
| 12–13.49 | 85 |
| 10.5–11.99 | 92.5 |
| 9–10.49 | 100 |
| 8–8.99 | 110 |
| 7–7.99 | 125 |
| 6–6.99 | 150 |
| < 6 | 175 |
Audit your top 10 commodities
Measure and weigh every outbound shipment
Identify any special handling or liability risks
Update internal quoting processes
Partner with a logistics expert that can guide you through the transition
As your Fractional Logistics Department, Resilient Freight Solutions offers:
We work with businesses across construction, packaging, recycling, and CPG—and we’re ready to help your team get ahead of the 2025 changes.
Let’s future-proof your shipping operations with expert guidance, accurate quoting, and personalized support.
📧 Email: logistics@resilientfreight.com
🌐 Website: resilientfreight.com