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Data Sources & Methodology

Transparency in freight classification data

Primary Data Source

All NMFC codes in our database are sourced directly from official publications by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)

Publisher of: National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)

Authority: Industry-recognized standard for freight classification in North America

Publications: NMFC 100-series tariff and supplements

NMFTA is the official publisher and maintainer of the NMFC classification system. Their publications serve as the authoritative source for freight classification across the LTL industry.

Supplementary Authoritative Sources

We cross-reference NMFC data with additional authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and context:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Purpose: Federal regulations governing motor carrier operations

Relevance: Hazardous materials classifications and transportation regulations

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

Purpose: Industry standards and best practices

Relevance: Logistics industry terminology and classification practices

Data Collection Methodology

1. Source Acquisition

We obtain NMFC classification data from official NMFTA publications, including:

  • NMFC 100-series tariff (baseline classifications)
  • Quarterly supplements and amendments
  • Classification updates and revisions
  • Item-specific tariff entries

2. Data Extraction

Our team extracts classification data including:

  • Article ID: NMFC article number (e.g., 6085)
  • Sub-Article: Specific item within article (if applicable)
  • Description: Commodity description as published by NMFTA
  • Freight Class: Classification (50-500 range)
  • Freight Group: Category grouping
  • Category: High-level commodity classification

3. Verification Process

Each entry undergoes a multi-step verification process:

  • Initial Review: Data entry is verified against source documents
  • Cross-Reference: Articles are checked against NMFTA index
  • Quality Assurance: Random sample audits for accuracy
  • User Feedback: Community-reported errors are investigated and corrected

4. Database Update Cycle

We maintain currency through regular update cycles:

  • Quarterly Reviews: January, April, July, October
  • NMFTA Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of NMFTA publications
  • Supplement Integration: New supplements reviewed within 30 days
  • Change Documentation: All updates logged with effective dates

Database Scope & Coverage

6,609
NMFC Articles
21
Categories
126
Freight Groups

Category Coverage

Our database covers all major commodity categories including:

  • Agricultural products and implements
  • Automotive parts and vehicles
  • Electronics and equipment
  • Furniture and household goods
  • Industrial machinery and hardware
  • Chemical and petroleum products
  • Food and beverage items
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • ...and 13 additional categories

Update History

January 15, 2025
Q1 2025 Update
  • Database updated to reflect Q4 2024 NMFTA supplements
  • 15 articles updated with classification changes
  • 3 new articles added
  • Verified all 6,609 articles for accuracy
October 15, 2024
Q4 2024 Update
  • Integrated NMFTA supplement updates from Q3 2024
  • 12 articles reclassified
  • Updated freight group assignments for electronics category

Next Scheduled Update: April 15, 2025

Quality Assurance

Accuracy Measures

We implement multiple quality controls to ensure data accuracy:

  • Double-Entry Verification: Critical data fields verified by two team members
  • Automated Validation: System checks for formatting errors and invalid values
  • Random Audits: 5% of database randomly audited each quarter
  • User Reporting: Community feedback investigated within 48 hours
  • Version Control: All changes tracked with timestamps and source documentation

Error Correction Process

When errors are identified:

  • Investigation: Error verified against source documents within 48 hours
  • Correction: Database updated immediately upon verification
  • Documentation: Correction logged with date and source
  • Notification: Reporter notified of correction (if contact provided)

Report Errors: corrections@freightclass.org

Data Limitations

While we strive for complete accuracy, users should be aware of the following limitations:

  • Update Lag: Up to 30-day delay between NMFTA publication and our database update
  • Carrier Exceptions: Individual carriers may have specific classification exceptions not reflected in NMFC
  • Context Dependency: Classification may vary based on packaging, density, or handling not specified in NMFC description
  • Interpretation: Some commodity descriptions require professional interpretation
  • Human Error: Despite verification processes, data entry errors may occur

Always verify classifications with your carrier before shipping.

Questions About Our Data

If you have questions about our data sources, methodology, or verification process: