On Saturday, July 20, 2025, a major update to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system officially took effect—introducing new rules that are poised to significantly impact how Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipments are classified, rated, and billed. With more than 250 commodities reclassified and a structural shift in how freight classes are calculated, shippers across industries are being urged to re-evaluate their strategies now to avoid cost surprises later.

As a trusted partner in global supply chain technology, Freightgate is here to break down what these changes mean—and more importantly—how to respond with agility.

What’s Changing in LTL Freight Classification?

Historically, freight class determination hinged on four key factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. While these elements remain relevant, the new rules emphasize a simpler, more data-driven structure with density at the forefront.

Key changes include:

  • Redefined density thresholds for hundreds of commodities
  • More granular classification across product types to reflect real-world freight characteristics
  • Broader consideration of spatial efficiency, with “distance, time, and space” being used to rationalize the classification process
  • Consolidation of ambiguous or outdated classifications, allowing carriers to price more precisely and enforce rules more strictly

The result? A more consistent system—but one that requires tighter compliance and greater attention to detail.

Why This Matters to Your Business

These changes aren’t just administrative—they directly impact your freight costs, operations, and customer satisfaction.

  • Misclassifications will cost you. Incorrectly classed freight may incur reclassification fees, surcharges, or delays.
  • Your freight invoices may look different. Even without any operational changes on your end, costs may increase (or decrease) depending on how your products are now classified.
  • Previously optimized packaging or routing strategies may be outdated. This is particularly true for shippers with high cube-to-weight ratios or mixed commodity pallets.

Freightgate’s Technology Advantage: Your Shield Against Disruption

At Freightgate, we’ve built our platform with change in mind. Regulatory updates like this one are exactly why we prioritize real-time data integration, flexible optimization tools, and proactive alerts—so you’re always prepared, never surprised.

Here’s how Freightgate supports your team through the NMFC changes:

1. Real-Time Freight Class Verification

Automatically validate NMFC codes as you book, ensuring accuracy before tendering shipments.

2. Impact Modeling & Scenario Planning

Run “what-if” simulations to evaluate how new classes affect routing, rates, and profit margins—without guesswork.

3. Smart Rate Comparison

Leverage live contract and spot rates to see how class changes influence total landed cost and choose the most economical option.

4. Integrated Compliance

Stay ahead of reclassification penalties with seamless documentation tools and freight audit support.

5. Alerts for High-Impact Changes

We notify you when frequently used SKUs or commodity types shift in class so your team can act quickly.

What Should You Do Next?

Now is the time to:

  • Audit your top 50 shipped commodities for reclassification
  • Review your packaging configurations to ensure density optimization
  • Train your operations and documentation teams on the updated NMFC criteria
  • Use Freightgate’s platform tools to identify exposure and opportunities

Final Thoughts

While change often brings complexity, it also creates opportunities. With the right technology and a proactive approach, these new rules can serve as a catalyst for smarter, more strategic freight operations. Freightgate is here to help you navigate this change with confidence.

If you’d like a personalized review of how these LTL changes may impact your business, contact us here to speak with a Freightgate logistics strategist.

Stay ahead of supply chain disruption.
 Leverage the Freightgate platform to track, predict, and optimize every freight decision—especially when the rules change.