Docket 2025-1 is here. As of July 19, the National Motor Freight Classification’s (NMFC) voluntary less-than-truckload (LTL) freight classification standard just got clearer, simpler, and more fleet-friendly—opening the door to operational savings and better freight handling.
For fleets, this is more than a standards update—it’s a chance to tighten up operations. For shippers, density now plays a larger role in classification; well-planned packaging can mean a lower class, better cube utilization, and reduced costs. Denser freight also improves handling and stowability, translating to fewer damages and more efficient loading.
As the VP of operations for the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), I’ve led the cross-functional team that developed the classification updates. Our goal wasn't just refinement, but transformation. We wanted to make NMFC more intuitive, data-driven, and applicable to modern freight realities. Like many IdeaXchange contributors, I’ll walk you through the why and how behind the change—and what it means for your bottom line.
Key NMFC 2025-1 changes: density tiers, commodity updates, and cost impacts
- 2,000-plus commodities shifted to broader, simplified categories.
- 13‑tier density scale replaces 11‑class system—providing finer granularity, including newly added classes like 50 and 55.
- Significant shift in freight cost dynamics: Denser shipments are now rewarded with lower rates, while less dense ones face higher costs—aligning cost more closely with handling and space utilization.
See also: Why classification still matters ... and how Docket 2025-1 moves us forward
ClassIT+: Streamlined LTL classification platform for fleets and dispatch teams
Alongside these classification changes, the NMFTA has launched ClassIT+, a next-generation classification platform designed for today’s LTL freight professionals. Featuring a modern interface, faster search capabilities, and integrated tools, ClassIT+ makes navigating the NMFC simpler—whether you’re behind a desk or on the dock.
If you're using older systems, ClassIT+ is built with your workflows in mind: fast, accurate, and adaptive.
Action steps for fleets: Auditing codes, optimizing packaging, and updating systems
- Audit your current NMFC codes: Use the NMFTA lookup tools to identify which items have changed.
- Re-think packaging strategies: Prioritize compactness to unlock better rates under density-based classification.
- Upgrade your shipment systems (TMS, BOL, ERP): Ensure they reflect new class codes and special handling flags.
- Pilot ClassIT+: Training fleets report notably smoother and more reliable classification workflows.
- Educate your ops team: Your field and desk teams must understand density effects to avoid rate surprises and optimize loads.
What fleets and shippers need to know about Docket 2025-1
The changes in 2025-1 usher in the most comprehensive NMFC update ever. By leveraging density, simplifying commodity listings, and embracing modern tools like ClassIT+, fleets can unlock cost savings, boost operational accuracy, and reduce friction with shippers and carriers. Now is the time to engage, train, and apply these enhancements to drive real results.
We’re grateful for the industry’s engagement throughout this process and proud to see these improvements delivering real results. The NMFTA classification team is committed to keeping the system relevant and accessible, helping fleets stay competitive in a changing freight landscape.
