Upcoming NMFTA meeting will address proposals for amending the National Motor Freight Classification

Earlier this week, the Alexandria, Va.-based National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), a global organization representing the interests of less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, said its Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) will host an upcoming public meeting on March 11 in Colorado Springs, CO. NMFTA said that industry professionals are invited to attend the FCDC meeting or submit a written statement sharing comments on proposed changes.

NMFTA said that the objective of the meeting is to discuss proposals for amending the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and ClassIT, listed in FCDC Docket 2024-1.

The organization describes the NMFC as a system for classifying less-than-truckload (LTL) freight based on its ‘transportability’ and has been in existence since 1936 when it was created from the classification used by freight railroads. And it added that the examines a commodity or commodity group’s density, handling, stowability, and liability and provides one or more of 18 classes for those provisions.

“Shippers becoming familiar with classification and having confidence in placing the correct item number and freight class on a bill of lading is vital to avoid accessorial charges from reweighs or damage,” said NMFTA. “Thereby reducing costs and providing predictability in overall shipping costs. In addition to shippers avoiding extra fees, the NMFC provides minimum packaging requirements for different commodities. When the correct item is identified, and the packaging requirements are met, potential freight damage can also be avoided.”

For more information on the upcoming NMFTA meeting on March, 11, please click here.