Actions Distributors Can Take to Prepare 1. Engage With Carriers and 3PLs
Dealers can mitigate the impact of freight class changes by working closely with motor freight carriers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to ensure a seamless transition. Proactively communicating about potential changes in freight classification can help avoid billing disputes and unexpected rate adjustments. For years, LTL carriers have been utilizing dimensioning equipment at their terminals to check the size, weight and classification of shipments. This information can be invaluable for dealers trying to determine what products fit into the new freight classifications. Distributors are encouraged to reach out to carriers or 3PLs and request insight from their dimension equipment to analyze affected items and understand how freight class and costs might change. 2. Audit Your Current Freight Classifications Now is a good time for dealers to review current NMFC classifications — whether stored in internal systems or based on institutional knowledge — to identify how each commodity will be impacted by the new density- based system. Certain commodities will shift to new classes, which will have both a cost implication and an administrative impact.
3. Optimize Packaging and Density Since density plays a more significant role in classification under the revised NMFC, optimizing packaging to increase density can result in cost savings. To take advantage of this opportunity, dealers can evaluate ways to increase dimensional weight and to maximize pallet space efficiency.
4. Invest in Additional Resources Although not required, purchasing a dimensioning machine or dimensioning technology can help dealers mitigate and organize the applicable changes to the NMFC. This would help not only with the changes coming this summer but also as the NMFC continues to adjust freight classifications in the future. 5. Update Internal Systems and Processes Warehouse management systems, transportation management systems (TMS) and other logistics software should be updated to align with the new NMFC changes. Dealers are encouraged to coordinate with their information technology and freight auditing teams to ensure a smooth data transition and compliance with the revised classification framework.
6. Train Staff and Educate Teams Freight teams, customer service representatives and logistics personnel should be trained on the NMFC updates. Dealers may consider hosting internal training sessions led by trusted partners who are experts in the field.
7. Monitor and Adjust After the new freight classifications are implemented on July 19, 2025, FEDA members would benefit from closely monitoring freight classification results and costs. Regularly reviewing freight invoices and working with carriers and 3PLs to resolve discrepancies will help ensure accurate classification and pricing.
Final Toughts Preparing for the NMFC changes requires a proactive
NMFTA/NMFC Implementation Timeline:
• Jan. 30, 2025: Release of Docket 2025-1, detailing the proposed changes • March 4, 2025: Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) public meeting to review and discuss the proposed changes • July 19, 2025: Effective date for the approved changes from Docket 2025-1
approach. Although July may seem far off, these proposed complex changes will take quite a bit of time to manage and implement. By understanding the new classification system, optimizing packaging, updating systems, and engaging with industry stakeholders now, FEDA members can minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition. Remaining informed and adaptable is essential to maintaining cost-effective and efficient freight operations in 2025 and beyond.
About the Author Kevin Brink is the vice president of LTL solutions for Kuehne+Nagel, a FEDA business services member that provides sea freight, airfreight, road, and rail logistics in more than 100 countries. Learn more at https://
us.kuehne-nagel.com/en/.
30 FEDA News & Views
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