LTL carriers push for deeper shipper education on NMFC density-based classification changes

Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers are calling for increased shipper education after a year of density-based National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) updates, which replaced the previous commodity-based system on July 19, 2025. The shift introduced a 13-tier density scale, reclassifying over 2,000 NMFC items to better reflect shipping costs tied to freight density rather than commodity type. While carrier executives describe the transition as smoother than anticipated—comparing early fears to Y2K concerns—many shippers continue to submit incorrect bills of lading or incomplete freight details, leading to rebilling and operational inefficiencies. R+L Carriers Senior Vice President of Sales Jason Cox highlighted ongoing issues, noting that some shippers remain unfamiliar with LTL-specific requirements despite broader transportation knowledge. Cox emphasized that accurate freight descriptions and dimensions enable carriers to optimize trailer space and reduce costs. Dayton Freight Lines Chief Operating Officer Anthony Rocco reported that 15% of its bills of lading are still handwritten, underscoring manual process challenges in a segment where 85% of freight delivers next-day. The carrier has invested in over 60 dimensioners since 2011 to automate measurements of length, width, height, and weight. FedEx Freight, the largest LTL carrier, delayed enforcement of the NMFC updates by 150 days until December 1, 2025, to ease the transition. XPO Logistics Chief Strategy Officer Ali Faghri praised the smooth rollout, crediting proactive customer communication. Despite progress, Rocco urged shippers to verify packaging, bill of lading accuracy, and NMFC classifications against the new 13-tier density scale to avoid costly rebilling. The NMFC system standardizes freight comparisons for interstate and international LTL shipments, with each load’s class determining shipping costs based on transport difficulty.