Many shippers may not realize it yet, but the data on their bills of lading (BOLs) is about to change. Now’s the time to stay informed and prepare to ensure your operations continue running efficiently as the changes take effect.
The less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping industry is continuously evolving with shifts in technology and process improvements, and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ and the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®) are committed to making sure the industry is prepared.
Part of this evolution includes the overhaul of the NMFC data to simplify standards and make them easier to understand so your classifications are more accurate. Effective July 19, 2025, these changes could significantly impact your operations if not properly understood. Updates to classifications may affect your processes and overall efficiency.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s happening with the NMFC changes, highlight where you can find details on the key data changes that you need to know so you can stay ahead of the curve, minimize potential disruptions, and keep your operations running smoothly.
Relationships Matter
The NMFC is a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce. A freight class, listed in the National Motor Freight Classification system, is a standard used by shipping companies for LTL freight shipments.
The classing of a commodity varies based on many factors, including an item’s size, weight, density, handling, stowability, and liability. The NMFC helps define these factors, which in turn drive operational processes, costs, and efficiencies.
For example, a low-density, bulky, and fragile shipment may cost more to transport than a denser, more compact, and durable item due to the extra space it requires and its higher risk of damage. Misclassification of this shipment could result in over or undercharging, leading to a financial loss and a dispute with your carrier.
Accurate classification not only impacts you but your carriers as well. And, if they’re not happy, you’re not happy.
Compliance Shapes Reputation
Correctly using NMFC data ensures compliance with industry standards, prevents disruptions due to inaccurate classifications, protects against avoidable penalties, and keeps your operations running smoothly.
For example, a misclassified item could lead to overcharges and excessive fines, which impacts you and your carriers. Over time, these charges and fines add up, forcing you to increase your costs and forcing others to rethink their relationship with you.
When you’re aligned with the standards, you are aligned with the needs of your customers and the requirements of your carriers.
Be Prepared with ClassIT+™
Powered by the NMFTA, ClassIT+ has been designed to help shippers navigate these upcoming changes with ease. If you lack real-time access to the NMFC data and don’t understand the changes, then you are at risk.
“ClassIT+ is a valuable tool for shippers navigating NMFC changes,” said Joe Ohr, chief operating officer for NMFTA. “Designed with both shippers and carriers in mind, its intuitive interface simplifies freight classification, ensuring accuracy and reducing friction.”
NMFTA regularly updates the NMFC to reflect changes in shipping trends, density-based classification, and industry standards, and ClassIT+ gives you immediate access to this data. Built using the latest technology, ClassIT+ offers a powerful search engine, near real-time results, and collaborative workspaces along with unmatched precision and insight. With ClassIT+, reclassification fees, unexpected shipping costs, compliance penalties, and even disruption to the supply chain can be avoided.
If you want to have accurate pricing, better control over costs, improved shipping efficiency, optimized packaging, while avoiding unnecessary charges and fines, then leveraging ClassIT+ and preparing for the NMFC data changes is key to the success of your operations.
Learn More
The NMFC data changes effective on July 19, 2025, will impact all those who ship LTL freight, so you need to prepare now to avoid costly surprises.
Learn more about the upcoming NMFC changes and how ClassIT+ can help you by visiting our website at www.classitplus.com.
