Upcoming NMFC Changes: What Commodities Will Be Impacted and How to Prepare

Are you an LTL professional trying to determine which commodities will be affected by the upcoming NMFC changes in July 2025? You’re not alone.

Many in the industry are struggling to understand how the latest updates to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system will impact their freight. While the NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) aims to simplify classifications, the transition has left shippers and carriers with more questions than answers.

How to Check If Your Commodities Are Impacted

Follow these steps to see if your shipments will be affected:

1. Click the link to access the list of potentially impacted items: View the list here
2. Search for your NMFC item number or browse the document.
3. Look for "Docket 2025-1"—if your item is listed, its classification is likely to change in July 2025.

What’s Changing?

The NMFC system will continue to rely on four core freight characteristics—density, handling, stowability, and liability—but there will be a greater emphasis on density. Key updates include:

• Expanded Density Ratings – Density ratings will increase from 11 (class 60-400) subcategories to 13 (class 50-400)
• Consolidated Generic Headings – Simplifying classification structure
• Item Reduction – Approximately 2,000 items will be eliminated from the current list of 5,000

These changes are designed to streamline the NMFC system by:

✅ Reducing fixed classifications
✅ Eliminating outdated categories
✅ Basing more items on density rather than commodity type

For shippers, this could mean significant freight class adjustments. If your shipments have historically fallen under fixed classifications, you may need to rethink packaging, weight distribution, and pricing strategies.

Potential Cost Impacts of NMFC Changes

The shift to a density-focused system could impact shipping costs in several ways:

1. Density-Based Pricing May Raise or Lower Costs
   • Lower-density (bulky, lightweight) items may see an increase in freight class and costs.
   • Higher-density (compact, heavy) shipments could benefit from lower freight classes and reduced costs.
2. Reclassification Could Affect Freight Quotes
   • If your items were previously assigned a fixed class, carriers may adjust pricing to reflect density-based classifications.
   • You may need to renegotiate LTL contracts to align with updated freight classes.
   • Freight class changes can affect a carrier’s operating ratio (O/R), which may impact how they price and prioritize your business. GLI can help assess whether these changes work in your favor.
3. Precise Measurements Will Be More Crucial Than Ever
   • Carriers are investing in advanced dimensioning technology, meaning any inaccurate weight or dimension declarations could result in reclassification fees or billing adjustments.
   • Investing in better freight measurement tools may help mitigate unexpected cost increases.
4. Packaging Adjustments Could Help Reduce Costs
   • If your freight is reclassified at a higher rate due to low density, consider improving packaging efficiency to increase density.
   • Reducing empty space in boxes or consolidating shipments may help optimize freight costs.

Compliance Strategies: Avoiding Issues Under the New NMFC System

With these changes, ensuring compliance is more important than ever. Here’s how you can stay ahead of potential issues:

✅ Classify Freight Accurately

• Use NMFC’s updated density scale to classify shipments correctly.
• Work with carriers to verify the correct class before shipping to avoid disputes and fees.

✅ Update Internal Systems and Documentation

• Ensure your TMS, WMS, and ERP systems reflect the new classifications.
• Train your logistics team to apply the updated NMFC rules properly.

✅ Enhance Freight Auditing Procedures

• Monitor invoices for unexpected NMFC-related charges.
• Regularly audit shipment data to confirm weight and dimension accuracy.

✅ Strengthen Carrier & 3PL Relationships

• Discuss how NMFC changes may affect contract rates, surcharges, and accessorial fees.
• Keep communication open with LTL carriers to prevent surprises.

✅ Prepare for More Freight Inspections

• Carriers will likely conduct more frequent inspections to ensure compliance.
• Proper labeling, measurement, and classification will help minimize delays and disputes.

What Should You Do Next?

✔ Review the List – Check if any of your commodities are impacted.
✔ Evaluate Your Freight Density – If your shipments are light and bulky, prepare for potential cost increases.
✔ Discuss with Your Carrier or 3PL – Understand how these changes may impact your LTL contracts and rates.
✔ Optimize Your Packaging Strategy – Increasing density where possible could help minimize cost hikes.
✔ Ensure Compliance with NMFC Rules – Update internal systems, audit shipments, and stay ahead of reclassification issues.
✔ Stay Updated on the Final Vote – The NMFTA’s final decision is coming soon, so tracking updates is essential.

GLI Is Here to Help

At Global Logistics Inc. (GLI), we understand how challenging it can be to keep up with NMFC reclassifications and their impact on freight operations. Our team specializes in navigating complex freight regulations, optimizing LTL strategies, and ensuring cost-effective compliance. 

GLI subscribes to the NMFC ClassIT tool, which gives us access to the most current NMFC data. If you have questions about how these changes will affect your shipments—or if you need guidance on classification, compliance, or cost control—reach out to us today.  GLI is committed to helping shippers navigate these changes seamlessly.