Upcoming NMFC Changes: What You Need to Know for 2025
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is set for significant revisions in 2025, aimed at simplifying and modernizing the process of classifying Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight. Spearheaded by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), these changes will introduce a standardized approach based on density, handling, stowability, and liability, making the NMFC easier to use and more accurate. The first phase, Docket 2025-1, will include updates such as a standardized density scale, unique identifiers for specialized freight, and improvements to the ClassIT classification tool.
William Carlin
15 Aug 2024 5:17 PM
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What You Need to Know for 2025
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)® system, a critical tool in the logistics industry, is set to undergo significant changes starting in 2025. These updates, spearheaded by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)™, aim to simplify and modernize the classification of Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight, making the process more streamlined, accurate, and user-friendly.
Why the NMFC is Changing
The current NMFC system has become increasingly complex and outdated, leading to challenges in accurately classifying freight. The planned revisions are designed to address these issues by focusing on three key goals:
- Simplification: The new NMFC will adopt a standardized approach based on four primary characteristics: density, handling, stowability, and liability. This is expected to make the system easier to understand and apply.
- Enhanced User Experience: By condensing and modernizing commodity listings, and improving tools like ClassIT, the NMFC will be more intuitive, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
- Increased Efficiency: The new structure aims to ensure that freight classification is accurate from the first attempt, saving time and resources for shippers and carriers alike.
What’s Changing?
The transition to the new NMFC will begin with Docket 2025-1, which introduces a phased approach to the updates. Key changes include:
- Standardized Density Scale: A new density progression, expanding from 11 to 13 subprovisions, will be applied to LTL freight without handling, stowability, or liability concerns.
- Unique Identifiers: Special identifiers will be introduced for freight that requires unique handling, stowability, or liability considerations.
- Condensed Commodity Listings: Modernized and simplified listings will replace the current, more complex categories.
- Improved ClassIT Tool: Enhancements to the ClassIT classification tool will make it easier to navigate and use.
What You Need to Do
The NMFTA is currently reviewing the items that will be included in the 2025-1 docket. While the attached list of proposed changes is available for review, it is not final, and the specific plans for each item will only be confirmed upon the release of the 2025-1 docket. Businesses are encouraged to analyze how these changes may impact their operations and to prepare for the upcoming transition.
To stay informed and provide feedback once the official docket is released, stakeholders can access additional resources and download the proposed changes list. Your input will be vital in ensuring a smooth transition to the new NMFC system.
Download the 2025 NMFC Changes List
For more information and to stay updated on the NMFC changes, visit the NMFTA website.
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