When NMFC Docket 2026-2 was released, several commodity groups were reviewed for possible classification changes. One of those proposals focuses on the Building Woodwork Group and the way certain woodwork products are classified under the NMFC.
The proposal looks at how these products are grouped, described, and classified moving forward. This blog breaks down what is included in the proposed change and what shippers handling these commodities should understand.
What building materials freight class change does NMFC Docket 2026-2 propose?
NMFC Docket 2026-2 proposes a new way to classify certain Building Woodwork products. Instead of keeping these products under several separate NMFC items, the proposal brings them together under a new Building Woodwork item.
The reason behind this change is the current Building Woodwork Group has many individual classifications for different products. NMFTA reviewed these classifications and found that these products do not have unusual handling, stowability, or liability concerns that require separate treatment. The proposal identifies density as the main factor for determining the freight class of the products covered under the new item.
By using density as the basis for classification, NMFTA is proposing a more consistent approach for these Building Woodwork products.
The proposal focuses only on specific Building Woodwork products. It does not change the freight class for all building materials. The next section looks at which products are included in this proposed change.
Which building woodwork products are included in the proposed NMFC change?
The proposed Building Woodwork item covers several products that are currently listed under different NMFC items. If approved, these products would move under the new item instead of continuing under separate classifications.
The products included in the proposed Building Woodwork item are:
- Balusters
- Brackets
- Building woodwork, not otherwise indicated
- Columns
- Door sills or thresholds
- Hardwood flooring
- Sliding door frames
- Grillwork
- Flush-door lights, louvers, or grilles
- Newel posts
- Ships’ joiner work
- Stair components
- Curved or spiral stairs
- Trelliswork or latticework
- Built-in wall seats or wall tables
The proposal does not move every existing Building Woodwork classification into the new item. Some products continue under other NMFC provisions. For example, staircase handrails and certain lawn or garden trellises are referred to separate items instead.
For the products included in the proposed Building Woodwork item, freight class would be determined using the NMFC 13-tier density scale. This means the class would be based on the shipment density of the product covered under the item, rather than a fixed class assigned only from the product description.
The proposed item also follows Item 170, the NMFC inadvertence clause. This means that if a product description accidentally fits another NMFC item, the rules under Item 170 help determine which classification applies.
What packaging requirements are proposed for building woodwork?
The proposed Building Woodwork item also includes packaging requirements for products shipped on lift-truck skids, pallets, or platforms. These requirements explain how these products should be prepared before moving through normal LTL handling.
Under the proposal, building woodwork shipped on pallets, skids, or platforms must:
- Be securely fastened to the handling unit.
- Not extend beyond the edges of the pallet or platform.
- Have exposed edges and surfaces protected to prevent damage during transportation.
These requirements help keep the freight secure during handling and reduce the chance of damage while the shipment is moving.
What packaging Notes apply to specific building woodwork products?
The proposed change also affects the packaging Notes used for some Building Woodwork products. Some of the existing Notes would stay with the new item, while others would be removed if they no longer apply.
The products covered in these changes include ornamental column bases or capitals, certain trellises or trelliswork, and built-in wall seats or wall tables. For shippers, the important part is knowing which Notes apply to the products they handle and what packaging requirements come with them.
What should shippers know about the proposed building woodwork classification change?
If you ship building woodwork products, take a look at the NMFC items you currently use and compare them with the proposed Building Woodwork item.
This can help you see whether the products you move are included in the change. It is also a good time to check your product descriptions, shipment details, and packaging Notes so you have the right information ready if the proposal moves ahead.