July 9, 2025
What is the NMFC?
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is a system that categorizes freight for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, assigning a class number from 50 to 400 based on factors like density, handling, stowability, and liability. This classification helps truck carriers determine shipping costs by providing a standardized way to classify freight against the above characteristics.
What’s changing?
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is implementing a significant change to the NMFC standard process of defining freight’s rate class. Changes in shipment class can impact freight costs on Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) size orders tendered to LTL carriers utilized by most shippers. A greater emphasis is being placed on the size and density of shipments, resulting in adjustments to the NMFC classes for many commodities.
Anticipated impacts
Shipper routed freight into Span Auburn, WA may have cost adjustments within your Shipper’s invoices. Shipments from local Seattle/Tacoma area shippers are unlikely to be impacted. Orders with LTL carrier pickup scheduled by Span Alaska primarily utilize density-based charges already and estimate minimal impact.
Connect with your shippers
Shipper freight and product costs may be impacted. Your shippers can provide the best insight into adjustments they’re taking. Shippers relying heavily on expiring commodity classifications may have significant rework to their process.
Span can help!
Our Span Alaska Integrated Logistics Services (SAILS) team can get your shipment routed with a clear cost, please reach out to rate@spanalaska.com for quotes.
Our Pricing team can perform rate analysis or spot quote shipments to ensure you are receiving the best price on your inbound transportation, please reach out to your sales representative to discuss further.
Any concerns or questions related to LTL Classification changes please reach out to your sales representative. Our teams are familiar with the possible impacts and can help review your portfolio.
New classification applying to most shipments starting July 19 is outlined in chart below.
| Pounds for Cubic Foot (PCF) | NMFC 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 or greater | 50 |