Ready for New LTL Freight Classes? TQL Has You Covered
National Motor Freight Classification system undergoing changes in 2025
By Shannon Russell
Changes are coming to Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight in 2025 as part of a streamlined National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. Classing freight correctly reduces rebills from LTL carriers and saves time and money – and TQL is here to help guide shippers through the NMFC transition.
The simplification, known as Docket 2025-1, aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in LTL shipping by modernizing the NMFC’s approach to classifying stowability, liability, ease of handling and density. These four factors are used to determine the class of freight. The lower the class assignment, the more manageable the freight.
A quick primer on these terms:
• Stowability is the ease of storing cargo alongside other freight on a trailer.
• Liability is the coverage of the product being shipped (the higher the class, the higher the reimbursement).
• Ease of Handling is a measure of how easily freight can be managed.
• Density is the weight of a shipment per cubic foot.
The current NMFC system has codes for 18,000+ commodities and 18 classes ranging from 50 to 500 based on the above four factors.
More: Reach out to a TQL LTL expert today
The new system will streamline NMFC items and freight classes to be more user-friendly, allowing for more accuracy for shippers, carriers and 3PLs. The NMFTA estimates up to 3,500 single-class items will be moved to 13 subcategories as part of the 2025 changes.
What are the NMFC changes?
The changes will:
• Create a standard density scale for freight that does not have handling, stowability, and liability issues.
• Implement new ways to identify freight with unique handling, stowability, or liability requirements.
• Simplify and update commodity listings.
Simply put, the goal is to create more accuracy in a notoriously complicated system.
How will the changes impact shippers?
While the NMFC changes are meant to simplify, adjusting to the new system will be a learning curve for many shippers. Shippers are expected to know the weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of the freight.
More details on the exact requirements will become available Jan. 30, 2025, the first opportunity to review Docket 2025-1 proposed changes. The streamlined NMFC system is expected to take effect July 19.
What can TQL do for you?
We’re here to guide you through the NMFC classing transition. Trust TQL to identify the new freight classes, answer all your questions about LTL shipping and reprice contracts to avoid rebilling on inaccurate classifications.
At TQL, we work every day to make quoting, booking and managing LTL shipments simple and hassle-free. Our LTL experts and TQL TRAX proprietary software allow shippers to select the service level, liability and transit time for each shipment, and we proactively track, communicate and resolve issues every step of the way.
TQL’s LTL services are tailored to your business needs. Contact your dedicated Logistics Account Executive today or visit TQL.com/Less-than-truckload to learn more.
