The countdown is on for one of the most significant shifts in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping in decades. On July 19, 2025, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will roll out Docket 2025-1, a sweeping update that will modify nearly one-third of the 7,000 National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) commodity listings. This overhaul—the most substantial since carrier discounts emerged—could reshape transportation costs for shippers, carriers, and logistics professionals alike.
At Freight SideKick, we’re here to help you understand these changes and prepare for their impact. In this article, we’ll break down what Docket 2025-1 entails, how it could affect your LTL shipping costs, and the actionable steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve.
Understanding the NMFTA Changes
The NMFTA, a nonprofit representing LTL motor carriers, oversees the NMFC system—a standardized framework for classifying commodities based on four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability. These classifications assign freight classes (ranging from 50 for dense items to 500 for low-density ones), which directly influence shipping rates.
Docket 2025-1 introduces a new density-based classification system, expanding the existing 11-subprovision density scale to 13 subclasses. This includes new classes—50 and 55—for highly dense items. The update will affect up to 3,500 single-class commodities, simplifying classification for items where density is the primary factor.
Here’s the new density scale:
| Density Range (lbs/cubic ft) | Freight Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 50 or greater | 50 |
This scale applies to commodities without special handling, stowability, or liability concerns, potentially reducing disputes between shippers and carriers. The NMFTA is also introducing unique identifiers for freight with special requirements and streamlining commodity listings for better usability.
How Will These Changes Impact Your Costs?
The shift to this new density scale could significantly alter your shipping expenses. Denser items may move to lower classes (e.g., 50 or 55), potentially reducing rates, while less dense items could shift to higher classes, increasing costs.
Examples:
- A commodity with a density of 25 lbs/cu ft, previously class 70, would now fall into class 65.
- An item at 0.5 lbs/cu ft remains at class 400, but broader pricing adjustments by carriers could still affect rates.
Even small changes in freight class can lead to substantial cost differences, especially for high-volume shippers. Understanding these shifts is critical to managing your transportation budget effectively.
Getting Ready: Steps to Prepare
With July 2025 approaching, proactive preparation is essential. Here’s how you can get started:
- Identify Affected Commodities: Review the NMFTA’s list of impacted items at NMFTA Docket 2025-1 Information. Categorize your shipments as "In Scope" or "Out of Scope" to pinpoint which commodities will be reclassified.
- Calculate Densities: For each affected commodity, compute the density (weight ÷ volume in lbs/cu ft). Accurate measurements are key, as density will dictate the new freight class.
- Determine New Classes: Match your calculated densities to the new scale to identify the updated freight class for each item. This step reveals how classifications—and costs—may shift.
- Assess Cost Impacts: Use tools like SMC3’s BatchMark® XL (learn more) to analyze the financial impact. By simulating rates with the new classifications, you can forecast cost changes and plan accordingly.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to NMFTA updates at NMFTA Docket 2025-1 Information for bi-weekly newsletters and resources.
Strategic Actions to Optimize Your Transportation Spend
Once you’ve evaluated the changes, take these steps to optimize your shipping strategy:
- Analyze the Potential Impact: Leverage BatchMark® XL to rate or rerate thousands of LTL freight bills. Analyze costs by lane, region, or carrier, and run "what-if" scenarios to assess the effects of reclassifications and General Rate Increases (GRIs).
- Collaborate with Carriers: Partner with your carriers to review shipments and explore packaging optimizations. Improving density could qualify you for lower classes and better rates. Strong relationships can also pave the way for strategic negotiations, shifting from transactional shipping to long-term partnerships.
- Consider Rebidding LTL Freight: If costs rise significantly, use SMC3’s Bid$ense® (learn more) to put your freight out to bid. Compare rates from nearly 30 carriers, potentially saving an average of $150,000 per $1 million in freight spend. This is also a chance to resolve challenging lanes and explore new carrier options.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The 2025 NMFC changes mark a pivotal moment for LTL shipping, with density reclassifications poised to redefine transportation costs. By acting now—educating yourself, assessing impacts, and leveraging tools like BatchMark® XL and Bid$ense®—you can safeguard your bottom line and maintain a competitive edge.
At Freight SideKick, we’re dedicated to guiding you through this transition. Tap our resources, industry tools, and expert support to ensure your shipping operations remain efficient and cost-effective. Let’s navigate this new landscape together.
Key Resources
- NMFTA Official Website
- NMFC Codes & Freight Classification
- SMC3 BatchMark® XL
- SMC3 Bid$ense®
- NMFTA Docket 2025-1 Information
Note: Freight SideKick is not affiliated with or endorsing the above resources; they are provided as a courtesy for your convenience.
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