Discover how the right technology and support can help you navigate NMFC changes with confidence

Shipping less-than-truckload (LTL) freight can feel like playing a game of Tetris. It involves constantly trying to fit different pieces together just right. And lucky for you, 2025 just added a few new pieces. As of July 19th, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) rolled out major changes to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), shaking up how thousands of LTL commodities are classified and priced.

So, what does this mean for you? These changes directly affect your LTL freight costs including rating, quoting, and billing, as well as contracts and how you operate daily. Any misclassifications can leave you stuck with surprise fees, shipment delays, and uncomfortable conversations with your carrier.

The good news is that staying informed and taking the right approach to these updates will help you avoid potential headaches. This blog will break down the recent changes and identify some smart next steps so you can avoid extra fees, keep your shipments on track, and steer clear of extra stress on your day-to-day operations.

What’s Changed? 2025 NMFC Updates

The first step is understanding what changes the NMFTA rolled out and what each of them really mean. While these updates may appear overwhelming, their purpose is to improve accuracy and consistency in LTL classification. Shippers, pay attention. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:

1. The 13-Sub Density Scale: A large portion of freight is classified by the density, or the weight-to-volume ratio, of the shipment. This classification, previously determined by the 11-sub scale, has now been replaced by the 13-sub density scale. This updated scale will increase granularity and improve overall pricing accuracy.

2. Reclassified Items: Thousands of commodities are now classified based on density, and a large group of generic NMFC item headers have been consolidated or updated. This change simplifies identifying the right freight class, but it also means shippers must double-check their current classifications align with these new updates.

3. Special Item Identifiers: New flags have been added to clearly identify items that require unique handling, careful stowage, or extra liability protection. This helps reduce billing discrepancies, prevent damage, improve safety, and ensure carriers handle shipments appropriately.

4. ClassIT+ for Classification Data: The NMFTA has introduced ClassIT+, which replaces the NMFC Lookup Tool. ClassIT+ is your exclusive new platform for NMFC data, providing real-time access to up-to-date, intuitive freight classification information.

The highlight of these new NMFC changes, implemented on July 19th, 2025, is that they are meant to improve the precision and transparency of LTL shipping. However, the key takeaway is how important it is for shippers to review their processes, update their systems, and get on the same page with their staff to ensure compliance and costs are maintained.

How Does This Affect Shippers?

Now that you’ve got an idea of what’s changed, let’s dive into how these updates can make a real impact on your shipping operations. Here’s what freight shippers need to know:

1. Cost Implications: Shippers should keep an eye on any modifications made to freight classifications. However, the recent updates have created a major shift with more freight classified by density and various changes to commodity listings. Have you reviewed your LTL classifications? Failure to stay current with these adjustments leaves more room for misclassified shipments, putting you at risk for surprise fees, billing disputes, or penalties.

2. Operational Adjustments: These changes will also affect your bills of lading (BOLs), shipping labels, and other shipping documentation. If you want to dodge incorrect freight bills, it is crucial that shippers audit their BOLs and ensure transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are updated.

 3. System Integrations: Can your current shipping software handle the updates to the new density-based classifications and special item flags? An integration into your existing system with the new ClassIT+ platform is necessary as the Lookup Tool no longer exists. Doing so will help automate your operations and keep things running smoothly.

4. 3PL and Carrier Communication: Carriers expect freight classifications to follow the new NMFC rules. They use this information to bill the correct amount. Review your classifications and make sure they are correct to avoid strained carrier relationships and reduce disputes, disruptions, and extra fees.

5. Shipping and Logistics Team Training: Your warehouse, logistics, and accounting teams should know about the recent changes, how to apply them, and how the updated classifications affect your shipments. Taking time to properly train your team will help reduce costly errors and boost shipment speed.

The bottom line is that these changes are an opportunity for your business to straighten out shipping processes, stay away from extra costs, and keep your shipments moving without an issue. All it takes is a little planning and communication to ensure these recent 2025 updates remain an opportunity for improvement rather than a massive headache.

Adapting Your Existing Shipping Solution

With a thorough understanding of what’s changed and how it impacts shippers, the next step is getting your shipping technology on the same page. Outdated systems can make it difficult to adapt to new rules, leaving you vulnerable to extra tasks and unexpected costs. Shippers leveraging advanced multi-carrier shipping software are already in a better position to navigate these LTL updates smoothly and efficiently. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Update Your Freight Classification Tools: Make sure your system has access to ClassIT+, as it is the only source for current classification data. Designed for LTL carriers, shippers, and 3PLs, this platform is the key to avoiding misclassifications, disputes, and compliance issues. The best part? You can seamlessly connect ClassIT+ with your existing systems to ensure compliance with the latest NMFC updates across your business.

2. Automate Your Processes: If you still rely on manual entry, you’re leaving the door open to mistakes, especially with these new freight changes. Leading multi-carrier shipping software solutions automate tasks such as rating, quoting, and billing to ensure accuracy and efficient processes. Leveraging automation in your daily shipping operations will help you stay compliant, steer clear of costly errors, and increase your processing speed.

3. Review Your Contracts and Workflows: Discounts and rating agreements may change based on the freight class restructuring. Evaluate your existing workflows and verify your shipping software has the flexibility to align with the contract updates and carrier expectations.

4. Empower Your Team: The truth is, technology can be great, but it’s only as good as the people who are using it. Train your staff and make sure they are comfortable with the 2025 NMFC updates including how it alters your workflows, how to spot red flags, and how to maximize your system’s capabilities. When your team and technology work in tandem, you can handle any freight changes thrown your way with ease.

With the right shipping solution, it should make transforming to NMFC changes a breeze, not a disaster. By utilizing advanced technology like automated multi-carrier shipping software, you can streamline operations, remain flexible, and seamlessly adapt to industry modifications without disruption.

Varsity Logistics: Your Ticket to Freight Shipping Success

When your shipping technology is built to handle complexity, adapting to the recent National Motor Freight Classification changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Varsity Logistics, a leading provider of automated multi-carrier shipping software for parcel and freight, is designed to streamline every step of the shipping process for IBM i (AS/400) shippers.

Varsity operates under one centralized platform that connects seamlessly to your existing IBM i ERP, WMS, OMS and even homegrown and custom systems. Varsity provides a comprehensive suite of both parcel and freight modules that simplify rating, quoting, classification, and billing just to name a few. An unmatched solution, Varsity empowers:

  • Freight Classification and Compliance: With access to an extensive LTL freight rate database, Varsity’s Freightplan streamlines freight classification by automatically applying accurate freight classes to each shipment. Combining real-time NMFC data and intelligent load planning, Varsity helps reduce the risk of misclassification, billing errors, and compliance issues.
  • Automated Workflows: Varsity automates key processes including shipment weighing, rating, and labeling. It automatically generates PRO numbers and ensures crucial shipping documents, like BOLs, are accurate, saving you time and eliminating manual errors.
  • Parcel and Freight Consolidation: Whether you ship parcel, freight, or a combination of both, Varsity enables you to manage your operations under one unified platform. This helps streamline important data, centralize visibility across all shipments, and avoid operational silos.
  • Automated Carrier Selection: Varsity’s ShipSelect module automatically compares carriers across both parcel and LTL based on a variety of pre-defined criteria such as service level, transit time, and cost. It also accounts for tariffs and discounts, backed by an updated database for freight rating. By automating this process, shippers can ensure timely, accurate deliveries at the most cost-effective price.
  • Real-Time Visibility: More than just a tracking solution, ShipTalk™ enhances the customer experience and supply chain visibility by providing real-time communication, updates, and alerts on the status of the shipment. Automated messages to consignees and other partners are sent at the time a package is shipped while customers can independently check the status of their shipments. With better visibility, shippers have an additional safeguard against potential risks with NMFC changes.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Whether you’re managing increased shipping volumes, expanding your carrier network, or adjusting to new industry updates like the recent LTL classification changes, Varsity is built to grow with your business. With the flexibility to adapt to your unique needs, shippers can maintain operations and stay complaint no matter what’s thrown your way.
  • Training Tools and Support: With decades of supply chain technology experience in our back pocket, Varsity is equipped to help your team with hands-on training, technical resources, and consulting services to ensure smooth operations and long-term success. We understand the importance of keeping staff properly trained on the new NMFC changes and Varsity has the tools and knowledge to ensure your team is confident in navigating these updates and maintaining efficient, compliant shipping operations.

Ready to Stay Ahead of LTL Freight Changes?

The fact that major changes to the logistics industry can happen quickly is not new information, and the July 19th NMFC changes are just one example. With Varsity Logistics multi-carrier shipping software, shippers are backed by powerful technology that can adapt just as fast, keeping you efficient, accurate, and compliant.

From smarter workflows to automated tasks and real-time supply chain visibility, Varsity is a long-term partner to help your business handle today’s shipping complexities and tomorrow’s surprises.

To learn more about how Varsity can help you transform your freight operations and navigate the LTL classification and compliance updates, contact our team of shipping experts or schedule a pressure-free demo.