Lots of freight ships out in crates, and NMFC Rule 245 is the rule that sets the requirements for them. Under Docket 2026-2, NMFTA has proposed some updates to that rule.
If crates are part of how you ship, this is worth a look. Take a look at how you’re building and prepping your crates now. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what may need to change if the proposal is approved.
What is NMFC Rule 245 and what changes are proposed under Docket 2026-2?
NMFC Rule 245 sets the requirements for what counts as a crate under the NMFC. In Docket 2026-2, NMFTA has proposed changes to the rule’s definition and crate specifications.
The proposal looks at the requirements a crate needs to meet under the NMFC. So, if you already ship freight in crates, it is worth checking whether the way you build them still lines up with the proposed requirements.
This does not affect every shipment. It is mainly something to review if you ship freight in crates or use an NMFC item that calls for crate packaging.
Why are crate requirements being updated under NMFC Rule 245?
NMFTA reviews packaging rules from time to time to make sure they still match how freight is shipped today. Many of these rules were created years ago, when packaging materials and methods looked different from what shippers use now.
The Rule 245 update is meant to clear up crate requirements and make them easier to apply. For shippers, that clarity means less guesswork when preparing freight that uses crate protection.
And this is not only about the crate itself. If the proposal is approved, it is worth checking how you secure freight, how your packaging instructions are written, and where your current process may need changes.
What crate requirements are proposed under NMFC Rule 245?
The proposed Rule 245 update focuses on how crates are built and how freight is protected inside them. NMFTA has proposed adding more interior packaging requirements for authorized crates and setting a weight limit for wirebound crates.
Under the proposed change, crates must continue to fully enclose and protect the freight. The shipment inside the crate must also be properly secured so the contents do not shift during transportation.
The proposal adds a few areas for shippers to review:
| Proposed requirement | What it means for shippers |
|---|---|
|
Freight must be secured inside the crate |
Products should be positioned and secured so no part extends outside the crate during transportation. |
|
Surfaces that may be damaged must be protected |
Any part of the freight that is vulnerable to damage should have proper coverage and protection. |
|
Movable contents must be blocked or braced |
Items inside the crate should be prevented from shifting while the shipment is handled. |
|
Crates must support the freight placed on top |
Crates must have enough strength and stability to handle evenly distributed loads placed above them. |
|
Wirebound crates have a weight limit |
If the commodity weighs more than 500 pounds, a standard crate must be used instead of a wirebound crate. |
For shippers, this means taking a closer look at the crates you use today and checking whether your current designs and securing methods may need any updates if these changes are approved.
What crate requirements should shippers review under the proposed Rule 245 change?
If you ship freight in crates, this is a good time to look at how your current crates are built and prepared. The goal is not to make immediate changes, but to understand whether your existing process matches the areas covered in the proposed Rule 245 update.
| Area to review | What to check |
|---|---|
|
Crate construction |
How your crates are built now, and if they are sturdy enough to protect freight during transit |
|
Interior protection |
How products are protected and secured inside the crate before shipment |
|
Freight placement |
How products are positioned inside the crate and any areas that need extra protection or clearance |
|
Crate type and weight limits |
Where you currently use wirebound crates and how those shipments align with the proposed weight limit |
|
Packaging instructions |
The steps your warehouse follows for building, protecting, and securing crates before shipment |
Going through this list now gives you a better idea of where your current process may need attention if NMFTA approves the proposed Rule 245 changes. It also helps your operation prepare for any updates after the final decision.
How should shippers prepare for the proposed NMFC Rule 245 changes?
Right now, the best move is to take stock of your current crate process, how you’re building crates, protecting freight inside them, and using them across your operation. Since Rule 245 is still a proposal, there’s no need to rush into changes before NMFTA makes anything official.
That said, it’s a good time to get your records in order. Keep track of the crate designs you use for different products, how you’re protecting freight inside, and the instructions your warehouse follows.
Having all this information in hand gives you a clearer picture of how your current process compares with the final Rule 245 requirements and where any updates may be needed.