Breaking Down the July 2025 NMFC Changes

Shipping less-than-truckload (LTL) freight just got a major update. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has released Docket 2025-1, introducing changes that will impact freight classification for a wide range of commodities. With nearly 100 commodity groups affected, it’s essential that shippers, carriers, and logistics partners take a closer look.

What Is NMFC and Why Does It Matter?

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is used to determine how goods are rated and priced in the LTL freight market. It assigns a freight class ranging from Class 50 to Class 500 based on four main factors:

• Density: How much weight is packed into the shipment’s dimensions
• Stowability: How easily freight can be loaded and stored with other items
• Handling: The level of care or special equipment needed to move it
• Liability: The potential risk due to value, damage, or theft

These classifications directly affect your LTL shipping costs. An incorrect freight class can lead to delays, reclassification charges, and billing headaches.

What’s Changing in Docket 2025-1?

Set to take effect on July 19, 2025, the new docket introduces some of the most significant updates in recent memory. Here’s a quick overview of what’s changing:

• A revised 13-tier density classification scale replaces the older 11-tier model
• Greater emphasis on density-only classification for applicable commodities
• Adjustments to how handling, stowability, and liability influence class
• Reclassifications across dozens of product categories — including textiles, metals, electronics, and more

Updated NMFC Density-to-Class Table (2025 Edition)

Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF)	NMFC Class
Less than 1	400
1 but less than 2	300
2 but less than 4	250
4 but less than 6	175
6 but less than 8	125
8 but less than 10	100
10 but less than 12	92.5
12 but less than 15	85
15 but less than 22.5	70
22.5 but less than 30	65
30 but less than 35	60
35 but less than 50	55
50 or greater	50

Pro Tip: A higher density means a lower freight class and often, lower shipping costs.

Which Commodities Are Impacted?

This docket touches nearly every corner of freight, with significant updates to:

• Apparel & Textiles – Classification now depends more on folding, hanging, and packaging types
• Metal Goods & Building Materials – New classes for coils, sheets, bars, and construction products
• Agricultural Items & Food Products – Reassessed by perishability, moisture content, and packaging
• Furniture & Fixtures – Different classes for knocked-down (KD) and fully assembled units

Other affected groups include chemicals, electronics, sporting goods, medical supplies, and more. The changes reflect how these products are being shipped and handled today.

What This Means for Shippers

• Rates Will Change: If your product class changes, so will your LTL pricing, for better or worse
• Reclass Risks Increase: Using outdated NMFC codes may trigger costly adjustments or disputes
• Packaging Has More Weight: Denser, more space-efficient packaging could lead to savings

Action Steps to Get Ahead

To prepare for the upcoming shift:

1. Review your top freight classes – See which of your products may be reclassified under the new system
2. Measure density carefully – Accurate weight and dimensions are more critical than ever
3. Train your team – Ensure sales, operations, and billing understand the new rules
4. Lean on your logistics partner – DTS can walk you through how these updates impact your shipments

For full documentation, download the latest materials from the NMFTA Public Docket Files.

Contact us today at marketing@dtsone.com to get an analysis on how your product will be affected by the July 2025 NMFC changes.