Some shippers will see a major shift — for example, freight that was previously classified as a single Class 70 might now fall within a 13-tier density scale, potentially increasing to Class 250. Others could benefit from lower classifications — freight that meets higher density thresholds could drop to Class 50, reducing shipping costs.
What you need to know before July 19, 2025
2025 NMFTA Changes
Your Guide to
How This Will Impact You
Why It's Changing
What's Changing
How Carriers Are Preparing
Examples of Changes
2025 KEY DATES
MAR 4, 2025
JUL 19, 2025
FCDC Public Meeting to review proposed changes
Effective Date
© 2025 Kenco Group | 2001 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN | KencoGroup.com
ABOUT KENCO
Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Building lasting customer relationships for over 70 years, our focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Visit Kenco at KencoGroup.com.
The NMFC system is being updated to fix long-standing issues—like confusing classifications, outdated commodity listings, and costly disputes between shippers and carriers. By shifting to a density-first approach and modernizing the structure, NMFTA is making freight classification clearer, faster, and more predictable. Accurate data and streamlined rules will benefit both sides with fewer disputes and more efficient shipping.
Improved Usability of the NMFC Codes
Condensed & Modernized Commodity Listings
Unique Identifiers for Special Freight
Applies to freight with handling, stowability, or liability considerations
Standardized Density Scale
Applies to KTK freight with no handling, stowability, or liability constraints
Codes are being simplified for better readability and fewer errors. This change helps avoid disputes and speeds up BOL creation, bids, and audits.
Outdated or redundant commodity listings are being streamlined. You’ll find it easier to locate the right classification without sifting through confusing categories.
Freight that needs special handling will no longer be grouped by density alone. Instead, it gets its own classification to reduce errors and improve accuracy.
The new system applies a consistent 13-tier density scale
to all qualifying freight. This means simpler, more predictable classifications if your freight doesn’t require special handling.
From Complexity to Clarity: A Breakdown of What’s Changing
What's Changing
Click Card for More Detail
JAN 30, 2025
Docket Issued
Clearing the Confusion: Why the NMFC Is Being Modernized
Why It's Changing
In Policy Terms: Docket 2025-1 Requirements
Make all items (current density scale or current single class items) with no handling, stowability and liability restraints a full 13 tier density-based item.
Expand 11 tier density-based NMFC codes to 13 tiers by adding classes 50 and 55. This will affect all current items that are already at full density.
Old NMFC System
New NMFC System
1 or 2 fixed classes per commodity
Up to 13 density-based tiers for most items
Frequent disputes over class due to subjective factors
Clearer classifications with consistent rules
Handling, stowability, and liability always considered
Only factored in for freight that truly requires it
Hard to find correct class
Easier to locate and apply correct NMFC code
Prone to costly reclasses
Fewer disputes, fewer fees
Old vs. New: Freight Classification at a Glance
From Complexity to Clarity: A Breakdown of What’s Changing
What's Changing
The impact depends on the NMFCs you currently use.
How This Will Impact You
The risks if no action is taken:
Additional touches
Incorrect Carrier Selection
Bad Data
Inaccurate Accruals
Higher Freight Spend
No access to E-BOL
Shippers need to take this time to answer the question. How do I get accurate weight, pallet count, and dimensions on every BOL? Answering this question now will prepare you for the changes and allow you to make the necessary ones.
Now is the time to prepare.
What are the Risks?
Carriers are stepping up by implementing smart tools and tech-forward processes to align with the upcoming NMFTA changes:
Investing in Tech and Process Improvements to Stay Ahead of NMFC 2025-1
How Carriers Are Preparing
3 of 3
Carriers now request detailed NMFC codes, density data, and pallet dimensions in bids.
This ensures freight is priced and classified correctly before pickup.
New Bidding Requirements
2 of 3
Weight & Inspection teams are using better tools and stricter protocols to ensure density-based classifications are spot-on.
These upgrades improve consistency, reduce disputes, and speed up turnaround.
Modernized W&I Processes
1 of 3
Dimensionalizers in terminals automatically scan freight to capture accurate volume data.
Forklift-integrated scales and cameras log weight and condition in real time.
Smarter Freight Measurement
These upgrades help carriers offer:
Fewer reclassifications or delays
Better trailer utilization
More accurate pricing
46% of Kenco customer NMFC codes will see a change to their NMFC codes/class
Examples of Changes
Tier 13 vs. Tier 11
Classification
Density vs Single Class Change
Updating an outdated system to make freight classification faster and fairer.
Pallet
If Product is currently DENSITY based
NMFC
Weight
Cube
Density
Prior Class
Post July Class
A
B
C
D
E
13120
13120
13120
13120
13120
80
2750
450
1120
800
12.22
56.66
70
73.33
53.33
6.66
48.53
6.42
15.27
15
125
55
125
70
70
125
55
125
70
70
If Product is currently SINGLE CLASS item
Pallet
NMFC
Weight
Cube
Density
Prior Class
Post July Class
A
B
C
D
E
13140
13160
13140
13180
13140
80
2750
450
1120
800
12.22
56.66
70
73.33
53.33
6.66
48.53
6.42
15.27
15
60
60
55
300
60
125
55
125
70
70
Density PCF (Pounds per Cubic Foot)
13-Freight Class
Density PCF (Pounds per Cubic Foot)
11-Freight Class
Sub 13
Less than 1
1 but less than 2
2 but less than 4
4 but less than 6
6 but less than 8
8 but less than 10
10 but less than 12
12 but less than 15
15 but less than 22.5
22.5 but less than 30
30 but less than 35
35 but less than 50
50 or greater
400
300
250
175
125
100
92.5
85
75
65
60
55
50
Sub 11
Less than 1
1 but less than 2
2 but less than 4
4 but less than 6
6 but less than 8
8 but less than 10
10 but less than 12
12 but less than 15
15 but less than 22.5
22.5 but less than 30
30 or greater
400
300
250
175
125
100
92.5
85
70
65
60
Shipment Comparison
, Picture
Pallet A: Length = 48 inches // Width = 40 // Height = 11 // Weight = 80 lbs // Cube = 12.22 // Density (PCF) = 6.66
&
Pallet B: Length = 48 inches // Width = 40 // Height = 51 // 2,750 lbs // Cube = 56.66 // Density (PCF) = 48.53
Pallet C: Length = 40 inches // Width = 42 // Height = 72 // Weight 450 lbs // Cube = 70 // Density (PCF) = 6.42
Pallet D: Length = 48 inches // Width = 40 // Height = 66 // Weight = 1,120 lbs // Cube = 73.33 // Density (PCF) = 15.27
Pallet E: Length = 48 inches // Width = 40 // Height = 48 // Weight = 800 lbs // Cube = 53.33 // Density (PCF) = 15.00
TOTAL SHIPMENT: 6 pallets, Weight = 4,800, Cube = 320, Density (PCF) = 15
Density vs Single Class Change
Classification
Tier 13 vs. Tier 11
Examples of Changes
