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The short answer

Current NMFC items and classes are published by NMFTA, the organisation that maintains the National Motor Freight Classification, through its ClassIT+ tool; your LTL carrier's or broker's rating process can also confirm them. To classify correctly, identify the commodity and how it is packaged, measure and weigh it, calculate density, then check the current item for any handling, stowability or liability provisions. An old BOL is a starting point, not proof the class is still current.

Verifying a current item and class

  1. Identify the commodityAccurately, not "parts" or "goods".
  2. Note how it shipsPackaging and handling units as tendered.
  3. Measure and weighThe freight as the carrier will receive it.
  4. Calculate densityWhere the item is density-based.
  5. Check the current NMFCThrough ClassIT+ or your carrier's or 3PL's process.
  6. Check the provisionsHandling, stowability, liability or commodity-specific rules.
  7. Retire old recordsDo not rely on a pre-2025 item or class without re-checking.

What is an NMFC number?

The National Motor Freight Classification organises LTL freight under item numbers and classification provisions. An NMFC item number identifies the commodity entry or rule that applies. It is not another name for "class 70" or "class 125", and one item can carry several subs, each with its own class.

What is freight class?

A rating classification used in LTL. Lower-numbered classes generally go to freight with more favourable transportation characteristics; higher classes to freight that is less dense or harder to handle, stow or protect. The class feeds the carrier's rate, which is why it changes the price. See how LTL pricing works.

Where do I find the current NMFC item?

NMFTA maintains the authoritative NMFC, and ClassIT+ is its tool for current item data. Other practical sources are your carrier's classification or rating tools, your broker's or 3PL's classification process, and a previous BOL as a starting reference. Treat the old BOL with care: the 2025 changes altered item numbers, subs and classes for a great deal of freight.

Can I look it up from the product name?

Sometimes a description gets you to the right item family, but the final answer can depend on material, packaging, density, handling, stowability, liability and commodity-specific rules. "Machine parts" is rarely enough to classify correctly.

How do I calculate freight density?

Density is weight in pounds divided by cubic feet. With dimensions in inches: multiply length × width × height, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight by the cubic feet. The Freight Density Calculator does the arithmetic and shows the class on the current density scale.

Density can set the class where the NMFC item is density-based. It does not identify the correct NMFC item by itself.

What changed in 2025?

NMFTA's Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025. It introduced a standardised density scale for LTL freight, expanding the full-density scale from 11 subs to 13, added identifiers for freight with special handling, stowability or liability needs, and condensed and modernised the commodity listings. A product master built before July 2025 should be reviewed rather than assumed current.

Where can I find my freight class on existing paperwork?

On the BOL, the LTL quote or rate confirmation, the carrier invoice, the carrier's shipment details or your product shipping data. Verify it still applies to the freight as tendered: a carrier inspection can show the billed class differs from the one entered.

Why did the carrier change my freight class?

Usually because the measured dimensions, weight or density differed; the commodity description was wrong or incomplete; the NMFC item or sub was wrong; packaging or handling changed which provision applies; the saved class was out of date; or a carrier tariff rule applied differently. Before disputing, compare the carrier's measured facts and the rule it cites with your original shipment record. See freight reclass and LTL invoice changes.

Do I need freight class for truckload?

Usually not. NMFC is primarily an LTL classification system, and a normal full-truckload shipment is typically priced on the lane and equipment rather than class. Even within LTL, carrier tariffs and contracts decide how rating works. Do not force an NMFC workflow onto a shipment where it does not apply.

What should I put on the BOL?

For LTL, where the carrier or process requires it: the commodity description, NMFC item, sub where applicable, freight class, and actual dimensions and weight where required, all verified as current. Do not invent an item or class because the form has an empty box. See how to fill out a bill of lading.

Need an LTL quote built from the actual shipment?

Send the commodity, packaging, dimensions and weight, and say if you do not know the class.

Request a Freight Quote