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Echo Presents an Essential Guide to NMFC Code Changes 

Author Marty Martin

Two white semi trucks driving down highway.

National Motor Freight Classifications, or NMFC codes, are an industry-wide standard for simplifying the process of balancing different commodities and calculating shipping costs. This numerical system organizes commodities into one of 17 different freight classes, from a low class of 50 to a high of 500 based on four characteristics: 

  • Density – Density is determined by a simple equation: dividing the item’s weight by its cubic feet.  
  • Liability – Liability depends on the value of the freight and the likelihood of freight being damaged or causing damage to other freight around it.  
  • Stowability – How efficiently freight packs into a trailer determines its stowability. This also factors in considerations that need to be made so freight rides safely. 
  • Handling – Handling depends on the ease or difficulty of maneuvering freight as it moves through an LTL network. 

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has announced that in 2025, there will be significant updates to the NMFC system. These changes will impact how freight is classified and are important for shippers to understand. The changes are intended to simplify the NMFC system, enhance the user experience by making it easier to use and understand, and increase efficiency by classifying freight correctly on the first attempt.  

Here’s what you need to know: 

Although the 17-tier classification density scale remains unchanged, the standard density chart, used today, which includes 11 classes ranging from 60 to 400, will be expanded to a 13-tier chart with classes 50 and 55.  Commodities currently classified under the 11-tier chart will be converted to the new 13-tier version. Commodities with custom density tiers (such as 70, 125, 200) and those where stowability, handling, and liability are less impactful will also be converted to the 13-tier.  Lastly, commodity codes or numbers may change as part of this update.   

Here’s how the new density scale will be standardized under the 13-tier system: 

Freight density in pounds per cubic foot  Freight class 
Less than 1  400 
1 but less than 2  300 
2 but less than 4  250 
4 but less than 6  175 
6 but less than 8  125 
8 but less than 10   100 
10 but less than 12  92.5 
12 but less than 15  85 
15 but less than 22.5  70 
22.5 but less than 30  65 
30 but less than 35  60 
35 but less than 50  55 
50+  50 

Also of note, the following classes still exist but are not a part of the current 11-tier or future 13-tier density scales: 77.5, 110, 200, 500. 

NMFTA will be implementing the new system through a phased approach, with the first changes coming in docket 2025-1. The phased approach will follow this timeline: 

  • Docket 2025-1 will be released will be released on Jan. 30, 2025 
  • A public meeting will be held to discuss the changes on March 3, 2025 
  • The final docket will become effective on May 3, 2025 

In anticipation of these changes, Echo is prepared to align our density calculator to the new standard, provide tools for the classification process, and ensure our clients are aware of the changes and prepared to handle them as they come. It’s essential for shippers to know the dimensions and weight of their loads to accurately calculate freight classifications, as many commodities will switch to the new standard density scale.    

Considering these many changes, staying informed helps with navigating freight classification and avoiding unnecessary charges. Count on a logistics expert and trusted transportation management partner such as Echo to help steer you through NMFC codes and freight regulations so every shipment arrives safely, securely, and on time. 

Contact an Echo representative today at 800-354-7993 or info@echo.com or request a quote for a shipment. 

For informational purposes