Classification Frequently Asked Questions FAQs – NMFTA Help Center

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)®

We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about Classification. To help you quickly find the information you need, see the following:

Where can I find the Docket?
Where can I find a version of the Disposition Bulletin in spreadsheet format?
How do I find a rule in the NMFC?
Is NMFTA a government body?
Who is the classification available to?
What does the handling, stowability, and liability symbol mean for the application of an item?
Can I propose changes to the NMFC?
What is a freight class?
How do I avoid freight class mistakes?
Why does using the correct classification codes matter?
What factors determine NMFC codes?
How to determine freight classification and NMFC codes?

Where can I find the Docket?

The most recent docket can be found on our website on the public docket files page, along with the Disposition Bulletin when that becomes available. https://nmfta.org/public-docket-files/

See Accessing the Public Docket and Public Disposition Bulletin for more information on accessing the Public Docket and the Public Disposition Bulletin through ClassIT+.

Where can I find a version of the Disposition Bulletin in spreadsheet format?

One is available on our website on the public docket files page. https://nmfta.org/public-docket-files/ However, that version contains only a list of the items that appear on the bulletin.

See Accessing the Public Docket and Public Disposition Bulletin for more information on accessing the Public Docket through ClassIT+.

How do I find a rule in the NMFC?

See Accessing NMFC Book Rules and Specifications for Numbered Packages for information on accessing, bookmarking, and downloading NMFC rules or specifications.

Is NMFTA a government body?

No. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ is a membership-based non-profit organization. We publish and manage the NMFC, which provides a freight classification standard for participants. The NMFC is a voluntary standard.

Who is the classification available to?

Classification data is available to all ClassIT+ subscribers and NMFC Book purchasers.

What does the handling, stowability, and liability symbol mean for the application of an item?

The symbol indicates that the classes provided by an item are predicated on unusual or significant handling, stowability, and/or liability characteristics. The symbol has no effect on the application of an item or its classes.

Can I propose changes to the NMFC?

Yes. Anyone can propose that amendments be made to the NMFC. You can find more information on how it works on our website here: https://nmfta.org/nmfc/amending/

What is a freight class?

A freight class is provided by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)®, which is a classification used by transportation companies for less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipments. Freight classes range from 50-500, and classification levels are determined by four transportation characteristics. Those characteristics are handling, stowability, liability, and density. Generally, denser and easier to handle and stow loads receive lower classification numbers, while less dense and more difficult-to-handle loads are classified with higher numbers. Cargo with liability concerns can also receive higher classification numbers.

Why does using the correct classification codes matter?

It is important to identify and label the correct freight class when shipping cargo to ensure the transportation process is safe and efficient. If cargo is labeled as the wrong freight class, this can interfere with a carrier’s ability to estimate the difficulty of moving a shipment.

In general, lower freight classifications equal lower shipping costs, while higher classifications result in higher shipping costs. If you accidentally use a lower freight class and your less-than-truckload carrier determines that the class should be higher and reclassifies the freight, the shipper may incur additional charges.

Using the correct classification codes is also important to ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of the freight. NMFC codes identify cargo based on a number of criteria. For example, refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, and delicate electronics are three types of freight that need to be handled differently than most cargo. If they are mislabeled, the result could be spoilage, other damage to the goods, or danger to the personnel handling them.

What factors determine NMFC codes?

The NMFC assigns a freight class based on four criteria:

Density
Handling
Stowability
Liability

Based on a combination of these characteristics, a freight shipping class is assigned, ranging from 50 to 500. There are 18 separate classes ranging within these values, with lower numbers indicating cargo that is relatively easier to ship. Freight that is in a higher freight class is typically more difficult to ship.

How to determine freight classification and NMFC codes?

With all of the commodity types that are shipped every day, it is important to know how to determine the freight class of your cargo. NMFTA tools such as ClassIT+ contain all the freight classification codes, where you can look up any commodity you might be moving. To get the most accurate freight class, be sure to search for specific words in the database to find your product.

You can measure your item’s density on your own if your NMFC item number provides different classes based on the final density of the shipment. ClassIT+ also provides calculators to help with this.

How do I avoid freight class mistakes?

Use a trusted, comprehensive source to determine your specific freight classes to avoid unintentional freight classification mistakes. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association's ClassIT+ tool helps users determine the correct NMFC item number and associated freight class. When calculating density, it's important to make sure the freight's weight and dimensions are accurate and not based on estimates alone.