What Are the NMFC Changes in 2025?
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is streamlining the classification of LTL freight with the NMFC Changes 2025. This overhaul simplifies freight classification by focusing on standardized density scales and clearer guidelines for commodities. The aim is to reduce confusion, enhance accuracy, and improve the shipper experience.

The updated system will classify freight using four key factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability. These changes modernize the outdated NMFC system, making it easier to use and understand. With these improvements, shippers can expect fewer reclassification issues and smoother processes.
Breaking Down Freight Classification
Density refers to the weight of a shipment divided by its volume. It is a primary determinant of freight class because higher density often equates to lower freight classes, leading to reduced shipping costs. To calculate density, you need accurate dimensions (length, width, and height) and weight.
The LTL PCF formula is:
Density = TotalWeight / (((Length x Width x Height) / 1728) * Quantity)
Using TLI's ViewPoint TMS, this process is automated with a built-in density calculator. The system accurately determines the PCF and assigns the appropriate freight class, ensuring precision and eliminating manual errors.
Handling considers how easily dock personnel or mechanical equipment can manage a shipment. Most freight falls under standard handling, but certain items require special care due to:
- Size or weight: Oversized or overweight items may necessitate additional personnel or equipment.
- Configuration: Irregular shapes might make handling awkward.
- Hazardous nature: Dangerous goods require adherence to strict safety protocols.
- Fragility: Items like glass or electronics need extra protection.
For instance, a granite countertop, despite its high density, presents significant handling challenges due to its weight and fragility. Such characteristics may lead to a higher freight class compared to a shipment of sand, which is denser but easier to handle.
Liability factors include susceptibility to damage, potential to damage other freight, perishability, and hazardous characteristics. Higher liability often results in higher freight classes to compensate for increased risk.
Again, consider the contrast between granite countertops and sand. While both are dense, granite is fragile and prone to chipping, making its liability significantly higher. This justifies a higher classification than sand, which is virtually indestructible and poses no risk to other freight.
Stowability examines how well a shipment fits within the carrier’s equipment. Most freight is easily stowable, but exceptions exist, such as:
- Hazardous materials requiring segregation from other cargo.
- Excessive weight or length, limiting load placement options.
- Protrusions that hinder adjacent loading or create voids.
- Non-tierable items, preventing stacking.
- Non-load-bearing surfaces, precluding top-loading.
For example, shipping industrial equipment with irregular protrusions may result in wasted space, leading to a higher freight class. TheFCDC considers such challenges when assigning classifications, ensuring that stowability reflects transportability.
HOW TO MEASURE PCF IN NONPALLETIZED FREIGHT
EXAMPLE: If the length is 40 inches, the width is 48 inches and the height is 60 inches, multiply them as follows:
- 40 X 48 X 60 = 115,200 cubic inches
- Convert cubic inches to cubic feet by dividing the cubic inch total by 1,728 - the number of cubic inches in one cubic foot.
- For example: 115,200 divided by 1,728 = 66.67 cubic feet.
- Dividing the weight of the shipment by the number of cubic feet will provide the density.
- For example: 250 pounds divided by 66.67 cubic feet = 3.74 pounds per cubic foot.
HOW TO MEASURE PCF IN PALLETIZED FREIGHT
EXAMPLE: If the pallet is 48 inches long, 48 inches wide and 24 inches high, add the height of the pallet (6 inches) to the height of the shipment (24 + 6) for a combined height of 30 inches.
- 48 X 48 X 30 = 69,120 cubic inches
- Next, convert the inches total to cubic feet by dividing 69,120 by 1,728 = 40 cubic feet.
- The density then equals the weight 525 (495 pounds for the shipment and approximately 30 pounds for the pallet) divided by the cubic dimension:
- 525 divided by 40 = 13.13 pounds per cubic foot.
Critical Dates for NMFC Changes 2025
Mark your calendars for these essential milestones:
- January 30, 2025: Docket Issue Date—Review proposed changes.
- March 4, 2025: FCDC Public Meeting—Discuss the proposals.
- July 19, 2025: Supplement Effective Date—Changes go into effect.
These dates provide opportunities to understand and adapt to the changes. Stakeholders can also submit feedback to the NMFTA to address potential concerns. Shippers can send feedback to TLI or directly to the NMFTA through
classification@nmfta.org.
Frequently Asked Questions to TLI About NMFC Updates
What happens if I ship multiple commodities on the same pallet?
NMFC rule changes are not within the scope of Docket 2025-1.
For shipments with multiple handling units, density is calculated per unit unless total weight and dimensions are provided. This flexibility ensures accurate classification.
Item 110 Sec. 8. (d) states: “Unless otherwise provided, where a shipment consists of multiple handling units
the density shall be calculated on each handling unit,
except that where
shipping papers show only a total weight for all handling units tendered the density may be calculated by using the total weight and the total cube.”
Will FAKs protect me from these changes?
FAKs (Freight All Kinds) agreements, negotiated between TLI and carriers, are not affected by the NMFC updates. TLI actively monitors FAK agreements to ensure continuity of the FAK for clients. If a carrier seeks to change an existing FAK agreement, or reformat their existing class structure we will promptly discuss this request with you.
How can I avoid reclassification charges?
Simply entering accurate dimensions and weights is key. ViewPoint TMS automates this process, minimizing the risk of errors and reclassification fees.
Do I have to use NMFC codes?
TLI has alternative contract types that can be used to route LTL freight with carriers, however this is largely determinant around the shippers historical data. If for example you are routing freight to a consistent destination than we can acquire
point-to-point pricing, and we also have shippers using strictly
density based pricing, and
linear feet contracts as well. Please let us know if you would like to explore an alternative LTL option.
The TLI Advantage: Technology Makes Shipping Easy
2025 NMFC Changes List (v7)
