The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created the Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC), made up of five current NMFTA employees. The FCDC's job is to develop and manage guidelines that help all LTL carriers manage these varying products through a system called the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). The council frequently updates the NMFC throughout the year—three times—with new updates. Shippers should always understand why the NMFC changes occur and how to stay on top of the latest classifications.
For this purpose, tools like the NMFC code lookup tool are invaluable. By utilizing an NMFC code lookup, shippers can easily access the most current NMFC codes and ensure they are using the correct NMFC number for their freight. The ability to quickly perform an NMFC code lookup not only streamlines the shipping process but also helps in maintaining compliance with the latest regulations. Hence, leveraging the NMFC code lookup tool is essential for all parties involved in freight shipping to stay updated and compliant with the latest NMFC codes.
The NMFC, or National Motor Freight Classification, is a system used by the transportation industry to categorize, rate, and price shipments based on specific characteristics. It’s essential to pick the right NMFC code because it determines your load's freight class. On the NMFC code chart, some items have a fixed class, while others are categorized based on their weight, size, or composition
Knowing your NMFC code is vital because it helps you understand the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of shipping a particular item. Let's look at how you can find a specific NMFC code and use various NMFC code lookup tools.
The NMFC system uses four main criteria to classify shipments: Density, Handling, Stowability, and Liability.
Freight is categorized into classes ranging from 50 to 500, with lower numbers indicating easier and cheaper shipping. Higher classes are usually more expensive to ship because they are more challenging to handle. The importance of each criterion varies by the type of cargo. Here’s a breakdown of each criterion with examples:
Density measures how much space your cargo takes up relative to its weight, expressed in pounds per cubic foot. For example, heavy and compact items like nuts and bolts or hardwood flooring usually have lower freight classes because they are dense and easy to stack. On the other hand, bulky and lightweight items like ping-pong balls or kayaks have higher freight classes because they take up more space.
Handling refers to how easy or difficult it is to move and manage the freight. Items that are bulky or oddly shaped, like large car parts or sofas, get higher freight classes because they are harder to handle. Hazardous materials and fragile items also receive higher classes due to special handling requirements. In contrast, items that are easy to handle, like boxed goods, typically have lower classes.
Stowability looks at how well the cargo can be packed into a trailer. Items with uniform shapes and sizes, like boxes of nuts and bolts, get lower classes because they are easy to stow. Items that are irregularly shaped, like sofas or automotive parts, need more space and thus have higher classes.
Liability considers the risk involved in transporting certain items. Hazardous materials and temperature-sensitive goods are classified higher because they carry more risk. Everyday items like tires or furniture, which pose minimal risk, are classified lower.
By understanding these criteria, you can figure out the most efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions for your cargo.
Using an NMFC code lookup tool, you can swiftly search the entire NMFC database to find the correct NMFC number for your load. These tools simplify the identification process for NMFC codes.
First, search for your commodity within the tool. Be as specific as possible to get the most accurate results. Once you find the commodity that best matches your load or material, use a freight calculator to determine its total density. Have the item's precise height, weight, length, and width ready to input. After calculating the overall density, you can select the corresponding freight class.
If you still have trouble determining your freight density after using an online calculator, contact the item's manufacturer or the National Motor Freight Traffic Association for further assistance.
Remember that these calculators provide rough estimates, so always confirm that you're using the correct NMFC code to avoid reclassification and additional charges. The best way to ensure accuracy is to work with an LTL expert who has the knowledge and insight to provide precise information.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns and manages NMFC codes. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the NMFTA primarily consists of members from the freight industry.
The NMFTA assigns each National Motor Freight Classification item number to maintain a universal standardized system for NMFC lookup and freight class organization. These numbers can change quarterly, so it's crucial to use the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Different freight classes are designed to help you get common standardized freight pricing for your shipment when working with different carriers, warehouses, and brokers. Freight classes are defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and made available through the NMFC or National Motor Freight Classification.
Different freight classes (there are 18 of them) are based on weight, length, height, density, ease of handling, value, and liability from things like theft, damage, breakability, and spoilage. For the most part, the lower the NMFC class number, the lower the freight charge.
Each year, the NMFTA releases a revised National Motor Freight Classification guide with an updated NMFC commodity codes list. This chart dictates how much certain classes will cost per pound
There are 18 freight classes, and subcodes range from 50 to 500. Items such as nuts, bolts, and steel rods are more likely to be in Class 50 and do not cost as much to ship. More delicate (and less dense) items such as ping pong balls will probably have a much higher NMFC code.
| Class Name | Cost | Examples | Weight Range Per Cubic Foot |
| Class 50 – Clean Freight | Lowest Cost | Fits on standard shrink-wrapped 4X4 pallet, very durable | over 50 lbs |
| Class 55 | Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring | 35-50 pounds | |
| Class 60 | Car accessories & car parts | 30-35 pounds | |
| Class 65 | Car accessories & car parts, bottled beverages, books in boxes | 22.5-30 pounds | |
| Class 70 | Car accessories & car parts, food items, automobile engines | 15 to 22.5 pounds | |
| Class 77.5 | Tires, bathroom fixtures | 13.5 to 15 pounds | |
| Class 85 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves | 12-13.5 pounds | |
| Class 92.5 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators | 10.5-12 pounds | |
| Class 100 | boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases, caskets | 9-10.5 pounds | |
| Class 110 | cabinets, framed artwork, table saw | 8-9 pounds | |
| Class 125 | Small Household appliances | 7-8 pounds | |
| Class 150 | Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases, | 6-7 pounds | |
| Class 175 | Clothing, couches stuffed furniture | 5-6 pounds | |
| Class 200 | Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts, aluminum table, packaged mattresses, | 4-5 pounds | |
| Class 250 | Bamboo furniture, mattress and box spring, plasma TV | 3-4 pounds | |
| Class 300 | wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup, model boats | 2-3 pounds | |
| Class 400 | Deer antlers | 1-2 pounds | |
| Class 500 – Low Density or High Value | Highest Cost | Bags of gold dust, ping pong balls | Less than 1 lbs. |
Freight class primarily looks at density and the groupings of 18 freight classes between 50–500. NMFC codes get much more specific and take all factors that impact the efficiency of the shipping process into account, assigning a number based on the specific commodity being shipped. For example, an electronic speaker and cellphone may have the same freight class but separate NMFC codes. To better understand these classifications, you can refer to a freight class codes chart which outlines the various freight classification codes.
Using the wrong NMFC code can result in:
Yes. NMFC freight class is typically required while completing the bill of lading. NMFC codes help provide carriers with an understanding of how difficult it will be to move a particular commodity. Respectively, they are just as important to shippers to ensure an accurate quote from the carrier.
For the most part, the lower the NMFC class number, the lower the freight density—which can indicate a lower freight rate. Using tools like the nmfc number lookup can help ensure you are using the correct freight classification codes for your shipment, helping to avoid any reclassification and additional charges.