NMFC Advice - Learn how the NMFTA Changes Impact Your Freight Class

Freight classification changes were placed into effect on July 19, 2025 by the NMFTA that could impact your freight costs. 

We have been experts in LTL since 1984 and can work with you to reduce costs and increase service levels. 

Get in touch with our Logistics Team, led by Director Jeff Horwath (630.750.9355).

Our team can help you:

• Understand the latest in NMFTA changes and how they will impact your shipping
• Conduct a study to benchmark your rates
• Match you with the best carriers for your locations and freight types
• Examine your processes to uncover savings beyond lower rates
• Supply you with expertise and software that will increase your productivity and lower your costs

For more information around class changes, or to learn more about how to ship your freight as efficiently as possible, send us an email at solutions@tranzact.com or give us a call at 630.833.0890.

Remember: Density is key.

Density is the primary key in determining freight class, (however the characteristics listed below can in some cases have a very profound effect on the class and therefore the cost). Simply put, the density is the pounds per cubic foot of your item. Typically, lower freight classes represent items of higher density and therefore a lower cost.

Stow-ability

This takes into account how easy it is to stow the commodity. Some factors include if it is unusual dimensions, or if it contains hazardous materials. Additionally, items that are regulated by government or carrier policies, as well as items having characteristics that prevent it from being near to, or shipped with, other items. Basically, the harder it is to stow or transport this item as compared to other commodities, the more this factor will increase the freight class and therefore increase the cost.

Handling

This takes into account the ability of the commodity to be handled as the freight is loaded and unloaded from LTL terminal to LTL terminal. Packaging, unit dimensions and fragility are just some of the things taken into account when determining how handling impacts the class. The greater the difficulty in handling, the more this factor will increase the freight class and therefore increase the cost.

Liability

This takes into account how likely the item is being damaged, stolen, or damaging to other freight and/or property. The greater the liability risk the more this factor will increase the freight class and therefore increase the cost.

Disclaimer and Further Help:

The information on this page is intended to only be a resource to be used as a general guideline into the characteristics and attributes that are used by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. in determining freight classes. 

The most accurate method to ensure the accurate determination of freight class is to utilize The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) which is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. More information can be found on this at The National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s website (http://www.nmfta.org/pages/nmfc).