Significant Changes Are Coming to LTL Freight Classification in 2025—Here’s What You Need to Know

If your business relies on Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, you need to be aware of major changes to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) coming in July 2025.

The NMFC is a standard system used to classify freight based on weight, size, and handling characteristics, which directly impacts your shipping rates. These upcoming changes will affect how freight is classified, how shipping costs are calculated, and how LTL carriers handle different types of cargo.

To help you avoid unexpected rate increases, billing disputes, or shipping delays, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about these changes and how to prepare your business ahead of time.

Table of Contents

1. What is the NMFC & Why Does It Matter?
2. The Biggest NMFC Changes Coming in 2025
   • Standardized Density-Based Classification
   • New Unique Identifiers for Special Freight
   • Simplified & Condensed Commodity Listings
   • Enhanced Freight Classification Tools
3. How These Changes Will Affect Your Shipping Costs
4. What You Need to Do to Prepare
5. How to Stay Informed

1. What is the NMFC & Why Does It Matter? 

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is the system that determines how LTL freight is categorized and priced.

Every product shipped via LTL is assigned an NMFC class based on:

• Density – How much space it takes up in a truck
• Handling – Whether it requires special equipment or precautions
• Stowability – How easily it fits with other shipments
• Liability – The risk of damage or theft

Your freight class determines your shipping rates, so any change to the NMFC can impact your costs.

2. The Biggest NMFC Changes Coming in 2025

Density-Based Classification is Becoming the Standard

What’s Changing?

• Freight classes will be determined primarily by density (weight-to-volume ratio) instead of a fixed category.
• The density scale is expanding from 11 to 13 subcategories, which means more precise classifications.

Why It Matters to You

• If your freight is denser (heavy but compact), your costs may decrease.
• If your freight is lightweight but bulky, your costs may increase.
• Misclassifications will be reduced, which could prevent unexpected billing adjustments or disputes.

Unique Identifiers for Special Freight

What’s Changing?

• Some freight types will receive unique identifiers to indicate special handling, liability, or storage needs.
• This applies to:
  • Fragile items (glass, electronics)
  • Hazardous materials
  • High-value shipments (luxury goods, medical supplies)
  • Odd-shaped or oversized freight

Why It Matters to You

• More accurate shipping classifications = fewer rate adjustments.
• Carriers can better prepare for special freight needs = fewer damages and claims.
• Better pricing transparency for specialty freight.

Simplified & Condensed Commodity Listings

What’s Changing?

• The NMFC is eliminating outdated, redundant categories, reducing the number of commodity listings from 5,000+ to a more manageable set.

Why It Matters to You

• Faster, easier freight classification.
• There is less room for misclassifications and billing surprises.
• More accurate pricing for your shipments.

Enhanced Freight Classification Tools 

What’s Changing?

• The ClassIT Tool, used by carriers and 3PLs to classify freight, is being redesigned to be more user-friendly and accurate.
• New automation tools will help ensure shipments are classified correctly before they are picked up.

Why It Matters to You

• Fewer unexpected reclassification fees.
• More transparency in LTL freight pricing.
• Faster shipping processes with less back-and-forth on paperwork.

3. How These Changes Will Affect Your Shipping Costs

Potential Cost Increases:

• Bulky, lightweight freight may see rate increases under the new density rules.
• Specialty items with unique identifiers may have higher handling fees.

Potential Cost Decreases:

• Dense, compact freight may qualify for lower rates.
• Fewer misclassifications mean fewer unexpected upcharges.

The Bottom Line: If your business ships a variety of products, some costs may go up, and others may go down. The key is to understand your freight’s density and classification ahead of time.

4. What You Need to Do to Prepare

 Review Your Freight Classifications Now

• Work with your Gebrüder Weiss representative to review your current NMFC classifications.
• Identify which shipments may be affected by the new density-based rules.

Optimize Your Packaging & Freight Density

• If possible, repack lightweight or bulky items to increase density and lower costs.
• Consolidate shipments to reduce wasted space.

Update Your Shipping & Rate Agreements

• Speak with your Gebrüder Weiss representative about how carrier pricing will change.
• Adjust your freight cost estimates and budgets based on the new NMFC structure.

Train Your Team on the New Rules

• Ensure your logistics, procurement, and warehouse teams understand the new classifications.
• Use the enhanced ClassIT tool to correctly classify freight before booking shipments.