Supply chain professionals know that succeeding in their industry means adapting to changes. One recent example is National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Docket 2025-1, which was released on July 19, 2025, by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). NMFC Docket 2025-1 is the first significant update to NMFC methods of grouping goods. Early analyses show it will affect less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, but what specific differences should applicable professionals expect?
1. Implementing a New Classification System
Some of the most notable changes imposed by NMFC Docket 2025-1 require shippers and carriers to change how they classify LTL freight. NMFTA officials say the updated approach streamlines things. Because adjusting to different ways of doing things can take some time, those working with these shipments most frequently should study the differences and assess how they will affect their work.
One of the changes applies a standardized density scale to goods without liability, special handling or stowability requirements. When goods have those characteristics, the appropriate commodity class accounts for them. The new approach also groups similar products, modernizing and condensing the former system. It had 18 freight classes, ranging from 50 to 500 according to density, stowability, liability and handling needs. In such cases, lower-classed items cost less to ship and vice versa.
The NFTMA’s website explains that the organization reclassified more than 2,000 items, and thousands now have the full density-based system applied to them. NMFC Docket 2025-1 also replaced the previous 11-tier density scale with a 13-entry one, adding two classes to enhance classification accuracy and granularity. Items with stowability, liability or special handling needs have system flags applied to them, making them easier to identify and facilitating correct billing.
2. Increasing Potential Costs
Many supply chain professionals consider rising expenses inevitable, knowing they must behave proactively to mitigate adverse effects. Reading contracts thoroughly prevents hidden surprise charges, and optimizing shipping routes reduces fuel costs. Costs per shipped unit also increase due to underutilized container space. That reality could become even more evident for some LTL shippers as they abide by NMFC Docket 2025-1.
These parties charge clients according to the space occupied in their trailers and the goods’ handling requirements. Shippers must now calculate rates based on items’ weight, density and dimensions and collaborate with LTL freight carriers to facilitate accurate data-sharing practices.
Due to consolidating some categories, shippers may discover that goods formerly assigned to one group now belong to a different group associated with higher costs. Becoming familiar with the new classification system is one of the best ways to reduce risks through better awareness and preparedness.
The NMFTA’s operations director advises shippers to control what they can by packing goods and pallets for maximum efficiency to increase their capacity. Reducing package sizes and filling air pockets inside boxes also helps, especially for people who regularly deal with high LTL freight volumes.
3. Introducing New Tech Tools
Remaining flexible during changes may mean exploring purposeful tools to enhance largely manual tasks. The NMFTA introduced its NMFC Item Lookup Tool as a complementary resource to help industry professionals transition to the docket’s specifications. The organization only offered it briefly. It now encourages parties to use its official ClassIT+ interface.
It is a premium product that allows people to search for NMFC classifications in seconds by inputting historical data, product attributes or keywords. Shared notes, saved searches and alerts encourage collaboration across companies and teams, giving all authorized parties access to the most current information. Freight-auditing tools also lower costs by minimizing reclassification disputes and creating document trails for convenient reference.
ClassIT+ pricing starts at $215 per seat annually, although specifics vary based on the chosen plan and number of users. Because NMFC Docket 2025-1 opened a market niche for professionals eager to classify LTL items correctly, other companies offer alternatives. One is an artificial intelligence agent. Its provider says it identifies freight classes and codes for approximately 2,000 orders daily, displaying the information in about three seconds.
A company representative explains that manually finding this information for LTL tenders can take about 10 minutes per instance. Automating the process frees up people’s time. Some users also use a bulk-lookup feature that simultaneously determines the relevant information for hundreds of shipments. Streamlining administrative necessities gets goods on the road faster. Supply chain specialists can then spend more time on tasks requiring expertise and real-world experience, such as resolving disruptions.
4. Tailoring Employee Training and Workflows
Supply chain managers should learn about available tools to help them navigate NMFC Docket 2025-1 to determine if they could accelerate their workflows and improve accuracy. Even if using these tools requires budgeting for subscriptions, the benefits may prove worthwhile for entities handling large volumes of LTL shipments.
Successful logistics professionals thrive when they develop data and shipment analysis capabilities. Doing well in their roles may also involve completing continuing education modules that explain the basics of the new classification system. The NMFTA holds periodic webinars and archives past events on its website. That content could help training leaders customize training to specific LTL situations most applicable to individualized workplaces.
The organization also offers a classification interpretation service so customers can get advice from its Freight Classification Development Council experts about specific commodities. Although not legally binding, these answers support people seeking guidance beyond general content. The NMFTA charges $50 per query, or $220 for five.
Because responders need particular details—such as a product’s packaging, manufacturer description, and applicable photos or diagrams—those using this service should review the requested information and gather it to optimize their productivity and get the best results. Depending on the volume of monthly submitted requests, some LTL shippers may assign specific workers to spend most or all of their time on that task, requiring workflow adjustments.
5. Emphasizing Continued Adaptability
Despite the NMFTA introducing NMFC Docket 2025-1 in July, some companies have yet to enforce it. FedEx is one such brand. Because it is a leading LTL carrier, this decision has far-reaching effects on current and potential customers. The entity’s freight division will begin operating under the new requirements as of December 1, 2025, but customers don’t have to wait until then.
The FedEx website also mentions customers may incur inspection surcharges when bill-of-lading information contains inaccuracies or omissions. That stipulation shows why shippers must carefully fill out everything, even in the early transition phases.
They should also prepare for more changes in NMFC Docket 2025-2, which the NMFTA will publish following a comment period that closes on September 23, 2025, and a subsequent public meeting. Flexibility and responsiveness increase resilience as supply chain representatives assess potential or known changes to their processes and expenses.
Preparedness Brings Responsiveness
Even if supply chain professionals cannot predict the long-term impacts of NMFC Docket 2025-1 on their operations, they should stay informed through insights from peers, industry organizations and other reputable sources. Those insights help them act quickly to minimize unwanted effects.
