NMFC Changes 2025: What Shippers Need to Know and How to Prepare

The 2025 NMFC changes are coming fast — is your freight operation ready?If not, you could face higher costs, delays, and compliance headaches starting July 19, 2025.

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is undergoing one of the biggest updates in years, with major changes to how freight is classified, priced, and managed — and if you ship LTL freight, this WILL affect you.

At Easy Logistics Management, we’re helping hundreds of shippers prepare for the 2025 NMFC update so they can avoid surprises and thrive under the new system.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming freight classification changes 2025, including the key changes and new changes that shippers need to be aware of — and how to get ahead of them.

📦 Introduction to NMFC

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is the backbone of the Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping process, providing a standardized approach to classifying freight. Developed and maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), the NMFC system assigns a freight class to each commodity based on key characteristics: density, handling, stowability, and liability. This classification directly impacts shipping costs, as it determines how carriers price and manage shipments. For shippers and carriers, understanding the NMFC system is essential for ensuring accurate pricing, efficient logistics, and compliance with industry standards. With the 2025 NMFC changes introducing a new standardized density scale and updated commodity listings, it’s more important than ever for businesses involved in LTL shipping to stay informed. By keeping up with the latest NMFC changes, shippers can ensure a smooth transition, avoid costly mistakes, and maintain strong relationships with carriers throughout the shipping process.

🚛 What Are the 2025 NMFC Changes?

The NMFTA 2025 update will modernize the freight classification system to better reflect today’s shipping realities. The NMFTA, as the organization responsible for managing and regulating the NMFC system, ensures industry standards and compliance are maintained. The freight classification development council (FCDC) is the authoritative body that proposes and approves amendments to the NMFC. The changes fall into three main areas:

A public meeting was held to discuss and review the proposed changes before final approval.

1️⃣ Handling & Stowability Classifications

• 165 NMFC codes will now include new handling and stowability indicators.

• Freight that requires special handling or presents unique liability risks will now have distinct identifiers, specifically to address liability issues related to proper classification and handling.

• If your current NMFC freight codes are outdated, you could face inspection delays or added costs.

2️⃣ Standardized Density-Based Freight Classification

• The density scale is changing from an 11-sub class to a 13-sub class system.

• 84 NMFC codes are being canceled and replaced with full density based freight classification. The new standardized density scale will be used to determine freight classes for different types of cargo.

• Accurate dimensions and weight per handling unit are now critical — many items that weren’t density-based before will be now.

3️⃣ Streamlined Commodity Listings

• The NMFC update 2025 is eliminating redundant codes and condensing categories, specifically removing redundant categories to streamline the classification system.

• Your commodities list will need to be reviewed to ensure proper classification under the new system.

🌟 Benefits of the 2025 NMFC Changes

The 2025 NMFC changes are designed to bring greater clarity, accuracy, and efficiency to the freight classification process. By introducing a standardized density scale, the new NMFC system will enable more accurate pricing for shipments, helping shippers and carriers avoid billing disputes and unexpected charges. The addition of unique identifiers for special handling, stowability, and liability will make it easier to communicate specific requirements, reducing confusion and streamlining the shipping process. Updated commodity listings will be more concise and user-friendly, making it simpler to find the correct classification and reducing the risk of errors. Enhanced data management capabilities will allow businesses to effectively manage their shipping costs and optimize logistics operations. Overall, the 2025 NMFC changes will help shippers and carriers increase efficiency, ensure accurate data, and adopt a standardized approach based on density, handling, stowability, and liability—leading to fewer costly mistakes and smoother operations.

⚠️ Why Shippers Must Act Now

If your NMFC data is not aligned with the 2025 NMFC changes, you could face:

🚫 Unexpected freight charges
🚫 Re-class, reweigh, and inspection fees
🚫 Shipment delays caused by misclassification
🚫 Miscommunication with carriers and 3PLs

Incorrect classification can also result in inaccurate freight rates, which directly affect your shipping costs and overall profitability.

👉 Carriers are already tightening inspection processes in advance of the July 19 deadline.

🏗 Why Packaging & Dimensional Accuracy Matter More Than Ever

Many carriers now use laser dimensionalizers to scan pallets and validate shipment data. If your dims or weights are ballparked or inaccurate:

• You will be re-classed (and re-billed).

• Loose packaging (plastic, shrink wrap, uneven pallets) can trigger incorrect scans.

• Your costs will go up — and transit time may suffer.

👉 Now is the time to optimize:

• Commodity list accuracy

• Packaging practices

• Dimensional entry processes

• Scale calibration

Implementing these optimization steps will help ensure a more cost effective shipping process under the updated NMFC system.

🧩 Potential Challenges for Shippers

While the 2025 NMFC changes promise significant improvements, shippers may encounter several challenges during the transition. The introduction of a new density scale means many commodities will need to be reclassified, which could affect shipping costs and require budget adjustments. Reviewing and updating current commodity listings to align with the new classifications can be time-consuming and may necessitate additional resources. Shippers might also need to invest in new technology or provide training to ensure their teams are using the correct classifications and density calculations. Without proper preparation, there is a risk of shipment delays, billing disputes, or compliance issues. To navigate these significant changes, it’s crucial for shippers to stay informed about the upcoming changes, seek expert guidance, and proactively update their processes to ensure correct classifications and a smooth transition.

🏆 Best Practices for Navigating NMFC 2025

To ensure a seamless transition to the new NMFC system, shippers should adopt a set of best practices focused on accuracy and efficiency. Start by staying informed about the 2025 NMFC changes, including the new commodity listings and density scale. Invest in training and education for your team so everyone understands the new freight classifications and how to apply them correctly. Review your current freight classifications and update them as needed to ensure compliance with the new system. Leverage technology, such as the ClassIT tool, to streamline the classification process and minimize errors. By following these steps, shippers can ensure accuracy, avoid costly mistakes, and maintain compliance as the new NMFC system takes effect.

🛠 How Easy Logistics Management Can Help

We’re making it EASY to prepare for the NMFC changes 2025.

Here’s how we’re helping shippers get ready:

✅ Free NMFC Audit — We’ll review your commodities list to ensure compliance with the 2025 updates.
✅ Dims & Weight Review — We’ll help your team enter precise data and avoid common pitfalls.
✅ Packaging Optimization Tips — We’ll show you how to package for optimal density-based classification.
✅ Training & Support — We’ll educate your team on how to ship accurately under the new system.
✅ Ongoing Monitoring — We’ll proactively update your profile as NMFTA releases additional guidance.

📅 Deadline: July 19, 2025 — Act Now

Don’t wait for re-class fees or shipment delays to hit your business this summer.

By preparing now, you’ll:

✅ Control your freight costs
✅ Ensure smooth carrier relationships
✅ Stay ahead of the competition

✅ Final NMFC 2025 Preparation Checklist

As the July 19, 2025, deadline approaches, use this checklist to ensure your business is ready for the NMFC changes:

1. Review the updated commodity listings and new density scale.

2. Update your current freight classifications to align with the new NMFC system.

3. Provide training and education for your team on the new classifications and processes.

4. Utilize technology, such as the ClassIT tool, to simplify and improve the classification process.

5. Update all shipping documentation to reflect the new classifications and requirements.

6. Communicate with your carriers and logistics partners to confirm they are prepared for the changes.

7. Stay informed about any further NMFC updates or adjustments as the implementation date approaches.

By following this checklist, shippers can ensure they are fully prepared for the 2025 NMFC changes, minimize disruptions, and confidently navigate the new system.

🚀 Request Your Free NMFC 2025 Audit Today

We’re offering free NMFC audits to help shippers prepare for this critical change.

👉 [CTA Button: Request My Free NMFC Audit]
or call us at 📞 866-854-5341 x3

Final Word

Freight class changes 2025 will impact thousands of shipments.
Many companies haven’t reviewed their NMFC codes or packaging practices in years — and they’ll pay for it if they don’t act now.

Let Easy Logistics Management be your trusted partner.
We’ll handle the heavy lifting — you’ll stay compliant and competitive.

👉 Ready to get started? Click here to request your free NMFC 2025 audit now.

Helpful References:

• NMFTA Official 2025 NMFC Changes Overview

• NMFC Item Lookup Tool Registration