Docket 2025-1: July 19, 2025
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), which publishes the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), put Docket 2025-1 into effect on July 19, 2025. It was the largest overhaul of LTL freight classes in years:
- Density for more commodities. Many items that had one fixed class now take their class from the density of each handling unit.
- A longer density scale. The scale grew from 11 to 13 steps. The bands up to 30 lb/ft³ did not change; the old top band (30 lb/ft³ and over, class 60) was split: 30 to under 35 lb/ft³ stays class 60, 35 to under 50 is class 55, and 50 or more is class 50.
The scale, old and new
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class | Before July 19, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 | 400 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 | 300 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 | 250 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 | 175 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 | 125 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 | 100 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 | 92.5 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 | 85 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 | 70 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 | 65 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 | 60 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 | 60 |
| 50 or more | 50 | 60 |
Highlighted: bands whose class changed. Work out yours with the freight class calculator.
Docket 2026-1: May 23, 2026
NMFTA issued Docket 2026-1 on February 6, 2026, and its Disposition Bulletin 1373 set the supplement for April 24, 2026 with an effective date of May 23, 2026. It continued the move to the density scale for more commodity groups, among them drugs, medicines, toilet preparations and personal care products, and business or office machines, and it removed obsolete provisions.
The 13-step scale listed in Docket 2026-1 is the same as the one from 2025. Not every proposal in the docket was adopted: Disposition Bulletin 1373 lists which subjects were approved and which were not.
What it means for shippers
- Measure every pallet. Length, width and height at the widest points, pallet included; the class follows from the density.
- Put dimensions on the bill of lading. A carrier that measures more cube than declared corrects the class and adds a fee (XPO's tariff: a $47.85 correction fee).
- Dense freight may now ship cheaper, at class 55 or 50 instead of 60.
- Light, bulky freight that used to have a fixed class may now rate higher if its density is low. Packing tighter or shorter can bring it back down: the calculator shows by how much.
Questions
When did the new freight class rules take effect?
NMFC Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025. The next docket, 2026-1, took effect on May 23, 2026.
Do I need to reclassify my freight?
If your commodity moved to the density scale, its class now depends on the density of each handling unit, so measure and weigh each pallet and look the density up on the scale. Check your NMFC item, or ask your carrier or broker, whether it moved.
Is freight class now per pallet?
Density is measured on each handling unit as tendered, pallet included, so pallets of different density can fall in different classes. How a carrier rates a shipment that mixes them depends on its tariff and on your NMFC items; ask before you book.