Density is no longer a side note in LTL freight classification. It is becoming the deciding factor for a growing list of commodity groups.
NMFC has long used both commodity-specific provisions and density-based classifications. Recent changes have been moving more commodity groups toward standardized density-based classes.
On August 28, 2026, NMFTA released Docket 2026-2. It proposes moving more commodity groups to density-based classification and changing how certain mixed shipments are classified.
For shippers, the real shift isn’t the math behind density. It’s how many more shipments may now be classified based on it. Here’s what’s changing, and what it means for you.
What is changing with density-based pricing under NMFTA Docket 2026-2?
NMFTA Docket 2026-2 proposes using the FCDC’s existing 13-tier density scale for more commodity groups. It also proposes using handling-unit density to classify certain mixed shipments under Item 640.
If approved, more freight classifications will depend on the shipment’s weight and cube instead of relying only on a fixed commodity class.
The Docket does not establish carrier freight rates. NMFTA describes the NMFC as a voluntary classification standard, while carrier tariffs and other rating provisions remain separate.
Which freight classifications are moving further toward density-based treatment?
NMFTA Docket 2026-2 proposes moving several commodity groups from their current classifications into new or existing provisions that use the FCDC’s 13-subprovision density scale.
The proposals include freight such as:
- Glassware
- Building woodwork
- Ladders
- Fish
- Fencing
- Insulators
- Farm equipment
- Shades or blinds
- Vehicle parts
For these groups, NMFTA is proposing to use density as a more direct factor in determining freight class, rather than keeping separate fixed classifications for every commodity.
This does not mean every NMFC commodity is becoming density-based. The changes apply only to the specific items covered by NMFTA Docket 2026-2, so shippers still need to check the NMFC item that applies to the freight they ship.
How does the existing 13-tier density scale fit into NMFTA Docket 2026-2?
In NMFC, the 13-tier density scale is a system that uses a shipment’s density, measured in pounds per cubic foot, to determine its freight class. Lower-density freight generally falls into a higher class, while denser freight falls into a lower class.
The scale already exists in the NMFC. It ranges from Class 400 for freight below 1 pound per cubic foot to Class 50 for freight at 50 pounds per cubic foot or greater, with additional density ranges between them.
NMFTA Docket 2026-2 does not introduce a new density scale. It proposes applying this existing 13-tier structure to more commodity classifications and certain mixed shipments. NMFTA is expanding the use of this scale as part of its effort to simplify and standardize LTL freight classification by using density more consistently.
What shipment data determines density-based freight classification?
Density is based on two shipment factors: weight and cube. Weight shows how heavy the handling unit is, while cube shows how much space it occupies. Both reflect the final shipment being prepared for the carrier.
Shipment weight
The first factor is the weight of the handling unit.
Under proposed Item 640 for certain mixed shipments, if the shipper provides the weight and dimensions of each handling unit on the original bill of lading, those figures are used to determine density, subject to carrier verification.
Once the weight is recorded, the next factor is the amount of space the handling unit occupies.
Shipment cube
Shipment cube is based on the final length, width, and height of the handling unit.
NMFTA uses the greatest straight-line length, width, and height, including any projections, as the freight is handed over to the carrier. Those measurements are converted into cubic feet to get the shipment cube.
The shipment weight is then divided by the cube to calculate density in pounds per cubic foot.
For example:
Pallet size: 48 × 40 × 48 in
Pallet weight: 500 lb
Pallet weight: 500 lb
Space used = (48 × 40 × 48) ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 ft³
Density = 500 ÷ 53.3 = 9.4 lb/ft³
1,728 is used to convert cubic inches into cubic feet.
That density is then matched to the NMFC density scale to find the freight class.
What do the density-based pricing updates mean for shippers?
For shippers, the main impact is that the final weight and size of the shipment become more important when density is used to determine freight class.
If the weight or dimensions are wrong, the density changes. That may place the shipment in a different freight class. In general, a higher freight class may lead to a higher shipping charge, while a lower class may lead to a lower charge.
This is why the measurements stored earlier in the process should match the freight that actually leaves the dock. A pallet may change after it is wrapped, stacked, or loaded, and even a small overhang or protrusion may increase its final size.
For shippers, that means the weight and dimensions used for classification should reflect the final handling unit before it is handed over to the carrier.
What should shippers review before the NMFTA Docket 2026-2 changes take effect?
Before the proposed changes move forward, shippers should first review the NMFC items they use most often and check whether any of their products are included in the NMFTA Docket 2026-2 proposals.
From there, the bigger question is whether their current shipping process is ready for greater use of density-based classification.
Shippers should review:
- How are the final pallet dimensions measured
- Whether those measurements reflect the pallet after wrapping, stacking, overhang, or protrusions
- How accurate is the current dimensioning process
- How is the shipment weight captured
- Whether weight and dimensions are recorded together
- How does that data reach the bill of lading, TMS, WMS, or other shipping systems
- Whether the operation is equipped to capture this data consistently if more freight moves to density-based classification
The October 9 Disposition Bulletin will show which proposals are accepted, changed, or rejected. Approved changes are scheduled to take effect on December 12.
Until then, shippers should treat NMFTA Docket 2026-2 as proposed, while using the time to check whether their current dimensioning and shipping-data process is ready if the changes take effect.
How does a pallet dimensioning system support a density-based freight workflow?
A density-based freight workflow starts with accurate shipment dimensions and weight. Those are the inputs used to calculate shipment cube and density before the freight class is determined.
This is where pallet dimensioning fits into the process. vMeasure Pallet Ultima captures the final pallet length, width, and height, along with shipment images, ID, and timestamp. Weight is also captured when the system is connected to a compatible floor scale.
Once the pallet is measured, that shipment data can be sent directly to the existing WMS, TMS, ERP, rate, or other shipping systems through no-code API integrations or webhooks. Those systems then use the captured dimensions and weight for density calculation, freight classification, rating, or billing.
vMeasure Pallet Ultima captures length, width, height, weight, images, a pallet ID, and a timestamp. That shipment record then moves into the existing WMS, TMS, ERP, or other freight systems through no-code API integrations.