Is there an alert that gets sent out for freight classification changes?
Yes, alerts go out to anyone signed up for alerts from NMFTA. You can sign up for alerts here: Sign-Up for NMFC Changes.
Additionally, you can find information and updates by following us on social media:
What is a subprovision? Freight classes used today contain classes 50 and 55, so I don't know if these are being added to a subprovision list and how that differs from standard classes.
Subprovisions are used within NMFC item descriptions to evaluate a commodity’s transportation characteristics further. To determine whether your freight class is changing, you will first need to understand how to classify your freight properly. We recommend reaching out to our Interpretations department to verify the proper classification of your product(s).
Once you have identified your NMFC item number, you will be able to track potential changes to it when
Docket 2025-1 is issued on January 30, 2025.
If you have a Freight All Kind (FAK), will that protect you against some of the changes?
FAKs are not addressed in the NMFC. Therefore, those impacts should be discussed with your
transportation provider.
What does it mean that the NMFC is a voluntary standard?
NMFC participants are neither constrained nor compelled to use or abide by these provisions, as they
always have the free and unrestrained right of independent action.
NMFC simplification will likely be well-received by most, but some shippers have expressed concerns that the change to more variable items will lead to more reclass events by carriers. Any comments on that issue?
It is important that shippers understand how to properly classify their freight and capture accurate
handling unit dimensions and weight when freight classes are dependent on density. Doing so will help
reduce classification changes.
We are communicating the planned changes as early as possible so that all parties can evaluate the
impact it may have on their organization and begin to implement necessary changes.
When calculating the class for a multiple skid shipment, will you determine class by pallet or by total shipment density?
NMFC rule changes are not within the current scope of Docket 2025-1.
Item 110 Sec. 8. (d) states:
“Unless otherwise provided, where a shipment consists of multiple handling
units the density shall be calculated on each handling unit, except that where shipping papers show only
a total weight for all handling units tendered the density may be calculated by using the total weight and
the total cube.”
Will there be any changes as it relates to mixed NMFC commodities on one pallet, or will it be handled as it is today?
NMFC rule changes are not within the current scope of Docket 2025-1.
Could you speak to a specific density calculation?
To determine the density of a handling unit, first determine the cubage of the handling unit by
multiplying the greatest straight-line dimensions of length, width, and height (depth) in inches, including
all projections, if any, as tendered to the carrier for shipment, and dividing the total by 1,728 cubic inches
(one cubic foot).
The density is the result of the division of the weight of the handling unit as tendered for shipment by
the cubic feet. For instance, the density of a handling unit consisting of boxes unitized on a lift truck
pallet measuring 48” x 40” x 45” and weighing 450 pounds is determined as follows: 48” x 40” x 45” =
86,400 cubic inches; 86,400 ÷ 1,728 = 50 cubic feet; 450 lbs. ÷ 50 = 9.00 pounds per cubic foot (pcf).
Will the class change depending on how it’s packaged?
Minimum packaging requirements are specific to the commodity description and outline how to pack or
protect the articles for shipment. It is important to understand how to classify your freight to assess how
packaging may affect your freight class.
We recommend reaching out to our Interpretations department to verify the proper classification of your
product(s). Once you have identified your NMFC item number, you will be able to track potential changes
to it when Docket 2025-1 is issued on January 30, 2025.
Can you share with us the density and class breaks for the new 13 sub-structure?
As a part of the Docket 2025-1 strategy, the Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) 11-sub
density scale would be expanded to 13 subprovisions.
Sub 11 would be amended to apply to densities ranging from 30 but less than 35 pcf. It would be
assigned class 60.
Sub 12 would apply on densities ranging from 35 but less than 50 pcf at class 55.
Sub 13 would apply on densities of 50 pcf or greater and be assigned class 50.
How do you define “no handling, stowability, and liability issues”? What are your criteria for each?
Handling
The majority of shipments tendered to general commodities carriers are
comprised of packaged freight that is readily handled by dock personnel, often with the aid
of mechanical handling equipment. Some articles, however, due to their size, weight,
configuration, hazardous nature, fragility, etc., pose additional handling difficulties, whether
or not mechanical equipment is used, and may necessitate special care or attention.
In evaluating the classification of a particular commodity or commodity group, the FCDC must consider the ease or difficulty of handling and the impact of such on the transportability of the involved commodities. Unusual or significant handling characteristics may be a contributing factor in the assignment of classes.
Stowability
As with handling, most freight tendered to general commodities carriers
does not present substantial stowability problems. Some articles, however, present
additional stowability considerations, including, but not limited to:
- Loading restrictions necessary to comply with government regulations or carrier policies, such as
coloading prohibitions in connection with the transportation of hazardous materials; - Loading restrictions arising from practical considerations, such as excessive weight or excessive
length; - Difficulty in loading other freight adjacent to the commodity due to protrusions or the lack of lateral support;
- The inability to tier the commodity in carriers’ equipment; and
- The inability to load other freight on top of the commodity due to the absence of regular load-bearing surfaces.
In evaluating the classification of a particular commodity or commodity group, the FCDC must examine
stowability and its impact on the transportability of the involved commodities. Unusual or significant
stowability considerations may be a contributing factor in the assignment of classes.
Liability
The liability characteristic includes susceptibility to damage, the propensity to damage other freight with which it is transported, perishability, and hazardous nature.
As with handling and stowability, unusual or significant liability characteristics may be a contributing
factor in the assignment of classes.
If the commodity description item is canceled, what provisions will exist for packaging requirements?
On Docket 2025-1, the commodity descriptions and minimum packaging requirements from the
canceled items would be retained and listed within a 13-sub-density item.
Will there be a consolidation of NMFC codes?
Yes, the total number of NMFC items would be reduced on Docket 2025-1. NMFC items (commodity
descriptions) that are grouped within generic headings and do not present any known handling,
stowability, or liability concerns would be canceled and referenced within a 13-sub-density item within
that generic heading.
Will the density across all 13 sub-provisions be consistent with the density of the items? Or will different items have different density breakdowns based on the commodity?
Items identified as having no handling, stowability, or liability characteristics would reference the same
13-sub density progression. When handling, stowability, or liability characteristics are identified, classes
would be assigned based on the commodity’s unique characteristics. These items may have density
breaks, but they would not be based on the 13-sub density progression.
Will the docket be available in Excel?
The docket is a document that contains the language that will be part of the description of the items. As
such, it will be in protected PDF format.
Is there a full list of NMFCs that are being eliminated?
The proposed changes will be in the 2025-1 docket, which will be released on January 30, 2025. We will
collect feedback and review the feedback in the FCDC public meeting on March 3, 2025. Then, the FCDC
will meet to determine if any changes or alterations should be made to the proposals. The results will
be released in a disposition bulletin by March 21, 2025. This will be the final list of changes in 2025-1.
Will the 2025 NMFC book still be available?
The 2025 NMFC book will be available for purchase at the NMFTA store.