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NMFC
Definition
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is the standard, published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, that LTL carriers use to assign freight classes to commodities.
What it means
Each commodity has an NMFC item, and the item sets the class, from 50 to 500, based on density, handling, stowability and liability.[1] Many items are classed by density; others are classed on handling or liability, which is why a density calculation alone is not an official class.[2]
The NMFC changes through dockets. Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025, adopted a standard 13-subprovision density scale and amended many items to use it.[3] Shippers confirm the current item and class with their carrier or the NMFTA before relying on it.
Example
A shipper of plastic storage bins looks up the NMFC item for its product before booking LTL. The item uses the density scale, so the shipper measures a pallet, calculates its density and puts the matching class on the bill of lading.
Related
Related terms
- Freight ClassFreight class is the category from 50 to 500 that the National Motor Freight Classification assigns to a...Glossary
- Freight DensityFreight density is the weight of a handling unit divided by the space it occupies, usually stated in pounds...Glossary
- Less-Than-TruckloadLess-than-truckload (LTL) is freight shipping in which several shippers' shipments share one trailer, each...Glossary
Related questions
Sources
- NMFTA Help Center, “Classification FAQ: What factors determine NMFC codes?,” Industry standards body. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- National Motor Freight Traffic Association, “What is Freight Class? (NMFC),” Industry standards body. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- National Motor Freight Traffic Association, “Disposition Bulletin 1371, Notice of Disposition: Docket 2025-1,” Industry standards body. Published March 21, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.