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NMFC Introduces Unique Identifiers: What This Means for Freight Accuracy?

  • 33 min read
From July 2025, every shipment must have the correct NMFC item code, or you risk penalties.

As part of the sweeping changes introduced by NMFC Docket 2025-1, every commodity must now be tied to a unique NMFC item identifier, a specific number that reflects its physical characteristics, packaging type, and handling requirements.

Get it wrong, and you’re looking at penalties, re-rates, or worse, a denied claim because your freight wasn’t classified the way it actually moves.

What are NMFC Unique Identifiers?

One of the most impactful and often overlooked changes in Docket 2025-1 is the introduction of commodity-specific unique identifiers within the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. These identifiers are detailed, rule-backed codes that link every freight item to a standardized classification based on its actual attributes.
Each NMFC listing now includes:
  • A specific item number
  • A sub-item (or sub-code) indicating variations like packaging or material
  • An assigned freight class
  • And, in many cases, a note about density applicability, stowability, liability, or handling
This structure eliminates the “gray areas” that used to exist, where one product could fall under multiple vague NMFC entries. These identifiers make freight classification:
  • More traceable across carriers and brokers
  • More defensible during audits and disputes
  • Less dependent on legacy tribal knowledge

Why This Matters: Freight Handling, Liability & Billing?

Under Docket 2025-1, each identifier doesn’t just assign a freight class. It also signals how the shipment behaves in transit:
  • How fragile is it?
  • Does it stack well?
  • Does it pose safety risks or liability?
  • Does it require special equipment or precautions?

Each of these factors ties into NMFC’s four classification criteria density, handling, stowability, and liability. And now, instead of relying on subjective interpretation, those details are embedded directly into the NMFC item code.

For example, a stack of books and electronic tablets might have nearly identical dimensions and weight but only one is fragile and high-value. While books fall under a lower NMFC class, tablets require special handling and carry a higher class. Misclassifying them can lead to rate disputes, claim denials, or damaged goods in transit.

Books vs. Electronic Tablets

Attribute Books Electronic Tablets
NMFC Code
48160
116030
Freight Class
70
175
Approx. Density
25–30 lbs/ft³
22–30 lbs/ft³
Why the Difference?
Dense, durable, easy to stack
Fragile, high-value, sensitive to damage
Key Risk Factor
Low
High (liability, handling, packaging needs)
If a shipment is damaged or delayed, carriers will look at the NMFC classification to determine whether it was packaged and declared properly. If the identifier doesn’t match the actual freight, your claim could be denied.

How has NMFC 2025 made freight misclassification a bigger risk?

Under the old NMFC model, a misclassified shipment might lead to a re-rate or minor billing correction. In 2025, it’s a bigger deal because misclassification now means non-compliance.
With unique NMFC identifiers, carriers have a clear reference for what your freight should look like. And with dimensioning tools installed at terminals, they verify it. If your declared NMFC code doesn’t match the freight’s actual traits size, weight, density, or handling needs, it’s not just wrong, it’s reportable.
That’s why carriers are stepping up audits. Many have already deployed automated reweigh and dimensioning systems, allowing them to detect misclassified freight within seconds of arrival. This reduces tolerance for errors, especially repeated ones.
Here’s what you risk:
  • Immediate reclassification (often at a higher class)
  • Back-billed surcharges or penalty fees
  • Increased carrier scrutiny
  • Delayed payment cycles or suspended pricing agreements
What’s more, these errors may not be spotted by your team until it’s too late. If your internal codes or templates are outdated, or if measurements are still entered manually, you’re leaving room for failure and carriers are ready to act on it.

How do pallet dimensioning systems ensure NMFC accuracy?

With more precise classification rules and tighter enforcement, the pressure is on to get NMFC codes right the first time. That starts with capturing the most accurate physical data about your freight: dimensions and weight. This is where automated pallet dimensioning systems like vMeasure come into play.

These systems use computer vision to instantly capture dimensions and weight, then calculate density eliminating human error and guesswork from the measurement process.

Once you have accurate density, your teams can cross-reference it with NMFC classification tools like ClassIT® to select the correct freight class and NMFC code based on not just density, but also packaging, handling, and liability traits.

When this verified information flows into your TMS, WMS, or shipping software, it enables:

  • Accurate freight class application
  • Proper NMFC code entry
  • Precise shipping rate generation and billing

By removing errors at the measurement stage, pallet dimensioning systems help prevent misclassification, reweighs, and costly re-bills keeping your freight compliant and your documentation clean.

Compliance Starts with the Correct NMFC Code

Freight classification is shifting from approximation to precision. The new commodity-specific identifiers mean every shipment must match a clearly defined NMFC code tied to its density, packaging, and handling traits.
Get classification right before July 2025:
  • Auditing your NMFC codes
  • Training teams on proper classification
  • Integrating dimensioning data with TMS and shipping systems
  • Verifying identifiers with ClassIT® or NMFTA resources

One of the most reliable way to stay ahead of these changes?

Adopt a dimensioning system like vMeasure to capture exact dimensions and weight, eliminating measurement errors before they become compliance issues.

And if you’re just starting out or running a low-volume dock?

Start with our Free Mobile Pallet Dimensioning App, ideal for teams who want NMFC-ready accuracy without investing in full-scale automation.

Get started with 100 free scans today → [Download the App]

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