What if two new density classes could completely shift your LTL shipping costs? Spoiler: they can
The 2025 overhaul of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system — known as Docket 2025-1 — marks one of the biggest changes in freight shipping in decades. With the transition from an 11-tier to a 13-tier density scale, carriers, shippers, and 3PLs will need to rethink how they classify, quote, and audit freight LTL shipments.
But this isn’t just about two extra numbers on a chart. It’s about how your freight’s physical characteristics — weight, and density — will directly influence your bottom line like never before. Inaccurate measurements could mean penalties, disputes, or surprise charges.
What are the key differences between the new 13-tier NMFC density scale and the old 11-tier scale?
For years, the NMFC relied on an 11-tier density scale to classify freight — a system that worked, but often left room for ambiguity, especially as freight types and packaging evolved. Now with Docket 2025-1, that scale is expanding to 13 tiers, marking a major step toward more accurate, data-driven NMFC classification.
Old Density Scale
| Item | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
|
Sub 1 |
Less than 1 |
400 |
|
Sub 2 |
1 but less than 2 |
300 |
|
Sub 3 |
2 but less than 4 |
250 |
|
Sub 4 |
4 but less than 6 |
175 |
|
Sub 5 |
6 but less than 8 |
125 |
|
Sub 6 |
8 but less than 10 |
100 |
|
Sub 7 |
10 but less than 12 |
92.5 |
|
Sub 8 |
12 but less than 15 |
85 |
|
Sub 9 |
15 but less than 22.5 |
70 |
|
Sub 10 |
22.5 but less than 30 |
65 |
|
Sub 11 |
30 or greater |
60 |
New Density Scale
| Item | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
|
Sub 1 |
Less than 1 |
400 |
|
Sub 2 |
1 but less than 2 |
300 |
|
Sub 3 |
2 but less than 4 |
250 |
|
Sub 4 |
4 but less than 6 |
175 |
|
Sub 5 |
6 but less than 8 |
125 |
|
Sub 6 |
8 but less than 10 |
100 |
|
Sub 7 |
10 but less than 12 |
92.5 |
|
Sub 8 |
12 but less than 15 |
85 |
|
Sub 9 |
15 but less than 22.5 |
70 |
|
Sub 10 |
22.5 but less than 30 |
65 |
|
Sub 11 |
30 but less than 35 |
60 |
|
Sub 12 |
35 but less than 50 |
55 |
|
Sub 13 |
50 or greater |
50 |
So, what’s actually changing?
The addition of two new low-end classes — Class 50 and Class 55 — built specifically for super-dense freight. These new freight classes make it easier to rate shipments more accurately, especially those that used to get pushed into higher classes simply because there wasn’t a better option.
For shippers of heavy, space-efficient products, that could translate into lower freight classes — and better rates. By tightening the class brackets, the new scale reduces confusion for both shippers and carriers — making freight classification more transparent and consistent.
How will the new NMFC density classes affect LTL freight rates?
LTL freight rates are directly tied to the density of the shipment, and with the new system in place, shippers will see some changes in how their shipments are rated.
For example, a shipment that previously fell under a lower-density class may now fall into a higher class under the new scale. This could result in increased costs for shippers who deal with lighter, bulkier shipments.
On the other hand, shipments that are denser than before may benefit from the addition of the new, lower-density classes (50 and 55). These shipments could experience a decrease in freight costs as they are reclassified into a lower freight class.
As a result, shippers who primarily handle dense freight may see more favorable rates, while those who ship low-density items may need to adjust their budgets to account for possible rate increases.
In either case, understanding how the new density tiers affect rates is essential. Shippers will need to carefully assess the impact of the density shift on their typical freight and adjust their strategies accordingly. The best way to ensure that freight is classified correctly—and that no surprises occur at billing time—is to provide accurate measurements for every shipment.
What happens if you misclassify freight under the new NMFC rules?
Incorrect density classification or misclassification of freight under the new NMFC rules can lead to significant penalties, including billing disputes, reclassification fees, and shipment delays. For shippers, failing to provide accurate dimensions or weight will result in freight class adjustments after pickup, leading to unexpected charges, financial headaches, and strained carrier relationships.
In worst-case scenarios, repeated misclassification may trigger:
- Surcharges from carriers and logistics providers
- Refusal to move freight if accurate measurements aren’t provided
- Escalating costs due to continued non-compliance
Why should shippers use automated dimensioning systems in 2025?
Shippers must ensure that their freight is properly measured before it leaves their dock to avoid misclassification risks. Manual methods are no longer enough in an era where precision and speed are non-negotiable — and that’s where automated dimensioning systems come in.
Automated dimensioning systems use computer vision technology to quickly and accurately capture the dimensions and weight of shipments in real-time, ensuring consistent, high-accuracy data with every scan.
Automated dimensioning solutions integrate with TMS, WMS and shipping software, allowing shippers to input precise measurements directly into their freight documentation. This reduces the chances of human error and streamlines the overall shipping process.
As the industry prepares for the Docket 2025-1 changes, shippers and carriers alike are investing in pallet dimensioners to ensure they stay compliant, operate smarter, faster, and with fewer costly surprises.
How should shippers, carriers, and 3PLs prepare for the NMFC 2025 changes?
The implementation of the 13-tier density scale in July 2025 will require significant preparation from all parties involved in the LTL freight shipping process.
Shippers should:
- Update internal systems and rating tools with the NMFC codes
- Audit current freight profiles to assess class changes
- Invest in pallet dimensioners to capture accurate data
Carriers should:
- Implement updated policies and procedures for classification enforcement
- Ensure teams are trained on the new NMFC freight class standards
- Upgrade terminal tech to support automated dimension capture
3PLs should:
- Integrate the new NMFC data into TMS and quoting platforms
- Educate shipper clients on how the new tiers affect pricing
- Test systems to ensure accurate freight rating under the new rules
The shift from an 11-tier to a 13-tier density scale under Docket 2025-1 marks a major evolution in how freight is classified — and the margin for error is shrinking. That’s why more shippers are turning to automated pallet dimensioners like vMeasure.
If you’re a high-volume shipper, vMeasure static pallet dimensioners ensures accuracy at scale with seamless integration into your existing TMS or WMS.
For lower-volume operations, you don’t have to miss out.
You can start today with our Free Mobile Pallet Dimensioner App — perfect for smaller warehouses or teams that handle limited shipments but still want to stay NMFC-compliant.
Get started with 100 free scans → [Download the App]
Whether you’re scanning one pallet a day or hundreds, the tools are ready. Now’s the time to act — before Docket 2025-1 goes live.
