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Chief Freight Classification Specialist
20+ years experience in LTL freight classification
Former classification analyst at National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Certified Transportation & Logistics Professional specializing in NMFC code verification and freight class determination. Published expert in logistics industry journals.
Senior Logistics Consultant & Data Editor
15 years in supply chain management
Certified Logistics Specialist managing quarterly NMFTA publication reviews. Ensures all database updates comply with federal transportation regulations. Expert in freight classification accuracy and compliance audits.
All data cross-referenced with official NMFTA publications and updated quarterly to ensure accuracy.
Questions about classification? Our team is here to help you get accurate results.
Last Updated: July 19, 2025 | Next Review: October 2025 | Report Error
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The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is a standardized freight classification system published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It provides commodity comparisons for interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce, with freight classes ranging from 50 to 500 that directly impact shipping rates for less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers.
Freight is classified based on these four transportation characteristics that determine your freight class and shipping rates:
Weight relative to volume; lower density typically results in higher freight class. Calculated as weight (lbs) divided by volume (cubic feet). For example, a 1,000 lb shipment taking up 100 cubic feet has a density of 10 lbs/cu ft.
Ability to be packed efficiently in truck space; difficult-to-stow items have higher freight class. Irregular shapes, hazardous materials, or items requiring special spacing increase classification.
Special equipment or care required during loading and transport; complex handling increases freight class. Fragile items, oversized cargo, or shipments requiring lift gates result in higher classifications.
Risk of cargo damage or carrier responsibility; high-value items have higher freight class. Electronics, artwork, or items prone to theft/damage receive higher classifications to cover carrier risk.
Freight Class Range: Classifications range from Class 50 (least expensive, dense items like bricks) to Class 500 (most expensive, low-density items like ping pong balls). Each class increment represents approximately a 10% rate increase.
Comprehensive database specifications and verification process
| Specification | Details | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Total Articles | 6,609 NMFC codes | July 19, 2025 |
| Categories | 21 industry categories | July 19, 2025 |
| Freight Groups | 126 classification groups | July 19, 2025 |
| Update Frequency | Quarterly reviews & updates | Ongoing |
| Data Source | Official NMFTA publications | Continuous |
| Verification | Cross-referenced with FMCSA regulations | Every update |
| Error Reporting | 48-hour investigation & corrections | Real-time |
Quick answers to common NMFC questions
NMFC stands for National Motor Freight Classification. It's published and maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), the official authority for freight classification standards in North America. The NMFTA updates the classification system quarterly to reflect changes in shipping practices and new commodity types.
Your NMFC code directly determines your shipping costs. Using the wrong code can result in reclassification fees, delivery delays, and unexpected charges from LTL carriers. Accurate classification based on density, stowability, handling, and liability helps you get correct quotes upfront and avoid costly surprises during shipment.
NMFC freight classes range from Class 50 to Class 500. Class 50 includes dense, heavy items like bricks or steel, which cost less to ship. Class 500 includes low-density items like ping pong balls or lampshades, which cost more. Each class increment represents approximately a 10% rate increase.
NMFC codes are updated quarterly by the NMFTA. Our database is reviewed and synchronized with official NMFTA publications every quarter (January, April, July, October). The last update was July 19, 2025. Users are notified of significant classification changes through our corrections log.
Yes, always verify with your carrier before shipping. See the Professional Use Notice above for complete details on verification requirements.
Enter your Article ID number or describe your commodity in the search bar at the top of the page. Results display immediately with classification details, freight class, and related information. You can also browse by category to explore similar items.
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