It’s that time again: Docket 2026-2 is now available, and while many of the proposals continue the work of Classification Reimagined by moving more commodities toward full-scale density, one proposal deserves particular attention: the rewrite of the mixed freight provisions in rule 640.

Mixed freight affects carriers, shippers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and technology partners. The concept may sound simple, i.e.: multiple commodities shipped together on the same handling unit; however, determining the proper classification can quickly become more complicated.

As more commodities within the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) move toward density-based provisions, taking another look at how mixed freight is handled has become increasingly important. What makes this proposal particularly noteworthy is not only what it proposes, but also how industry feedback helped shape the path forward.

An earlier rewrite of Item 640 appeared on Docket 2026-1. That version introduced concepts such as “standard” and “non-standard” LTL parcels and proposed different treatment based on factors including the size of a handling unit. The proposal generated significant discussion and ultimately was not adopted.

The current Item 640 proposal was submitted by the NMFTA’s Classification Resource Committee and reflects input from industry participants who work with mixed freight every day.

Under the proposal, when a shipment contains articles subject to two or more classes, the bill of lading would identify the articles separately. In most cases, the handling unit would then be classified using the NMFC’s 13-subprovision density scale. The shipper would then provide accurate weights and dimensions for each handling unit to correctly determine and calculate density, subject to carrier verification.

At the same time, density is not the answer for every type of freight. The proposal recognizes that some commodities have transportation characteristics that require different treatment. If a unitized handling unit contains an article with identified handling, stowability, or liability concerns, a hazardous-material indicator, or a class determined by packaging, greatest dimension, or another factor besides density, the highest applicable class on that handling unit would apply.

That balance is important, and it reflects the practical feedback received from the industry. Classification Reimagined has never been about making density the only consideration. It is about using density more consistently when density is the primary transportation characteristic while continuing to recognize freight that presents other meaningful transportation concerns.

The evolution of the mixed freight proposal from Docket 2026-1 to Docket 2026-2 is also a clear example of why industry participation matters. The earlier proposal was disapproved, and the new version represents a substantial rewrite informed by the concerns, questions, and operational realities shared during the public process.

The Freight Classification Development Center (FCDC) can study transportation characteristics and develop proposals, but those shipping, receiving, handling, rating, inspecting, and moving freight every day bring experience that cannot be replicated on paper. When stakeholders explain how a proposed rule could affect their operations—or bring to our attention something we may not have considered—it gives us the opportunity to improve the final result.

That same feedback is important across Docket 2026-2. There are approximately 33 proposed changes covering rules, packaging provisions, and numerous commodity groups. We want the industry to look closely at them and tell us how this affects the supply chain and your operation and why.

Comments on Docket 2026-2 were accepted through September 23, ahead of the FCDC public meeting on September 29. You can review the complete docket at nmfta.org/standards/classification/public-docket-files and learn how to provide comments through nmfta.org/fcdc-feedback.

The NMFC is strongest when the industry participates in its development. The mixed freight rewrite shows that feedback does more than check a box—it can help change the direction of a proposal. We encourage you to stay involved and help us continue building a classification system that reflects how LTL freight actually moves today.