What this article covers
- → Exactly what changed in NMFC Docket 2025-1
- → The full 13-tier density scale with PCF ranges
- → Which classes disappeared from density outputs (77.5, 110, 150, 200)
- → Who wins, who loses under the new system
- → A 5-step action checklist for shippers
What Is NMFC Docket 2025-1?
NMFC Docket 2025-1 is the official regulatory package that modernised the National Motor Freight Classification system, effective July 19, 2025. It represents the most significant overhaul of LTL freight classification in decades, touching three major areas:
- The density scale — expanded from 11 tiers to 13 tiers
- Commodity listings — approximately 2,000 items consolidated or reclassified
- Special handling flags — digital identifiers for fragile, hazmat, and non-stackable freight replacing older commodity descriptions
The core philosophy shift: freight classification now defaults to density for most general shipments. Only freight with special handling, stowability, or liability considerations gets commodity-specific treatment.
The Old 11-Tier vs. New 13-Tier Density Scale
The previous density scale ran from Class 60 to Class 400 across 11 tiers. The new 13-tier scale extends in both directions — adding Classes 50 and 55 at the dense end, and restructuring the middle tiers to eliminate Classes 77.5, 110, 150, and 200 as density outputs.
| PCF Density | Old Class (11-tier) | New Class (13-tier) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50+ PCF | Not available | Class 50 | ✅ New tier added |
| 35–50 PCF | Not available | Class 55 | ✅ New tier added |
| 30–35 PCF | Class 60 | Class 60 | — No change |
| 22.5–30 PCF | Class 65 | Class 65 | — No change |
| 15–22.5 PCF | Class 70 | Class 70 | — No change |
| 13.5–15 PCF | Class 77.5 | Class 85 | ⚠️ 77.5 removed from density |
| 12–13.5 PCF | Class 85 | Class 85 | — No change |
| 10.5–12 PCF | Class 92.5 | Class 92.5 | — No change |
| 8–10.5 PCF | Class 110 (8–9) + Class 100 (9–10.5) | Class 100 | ⚠️ 110 removed from density |
| 6–8 PCF | Class 150 (6–7) + Class 125 (7–8) | Class 125 | ⚠️ 150 removed from density |
| 4–6 PCF | Class 200 (4–5) + Class 175 (5–6) | Class 175 | ⚠️ 200 removed from density |
| 3–4 PCF | Class 250 | Class 250 | — No change |
| 2–3 PCF | Class 300 | Class 300 | — No change |
| 1–2 PCF | Class 400 | Class 400 | — No change |
Classes 77.5, 110, 150, and 200 still exist in the NMFC but are no longer assigned by density. They can only be reached via specific commodity NMFC codes.
The 4 Classes That No Longer Come From Density
This is the most practically important change for warehouse managers and freight coordinators. If your process, TMS, or calculator was returning any of these four classes from a density calculation, it is now wrong:
Class 77.5 → Class 85
13.5–15 PCF now maps to Class 85. Previously split: 13.5–15 = 77.5, 12–13.5 = 85.
Class 110 → Class 100
8–10.5 PCF now maps to Class 100. Previously split: 8–9 = 110, 9–10.5 = 100.
Class 150 → Class 125
6–8 PCF now maps to Class 125. Previously split: 6–7 = 150, 7–8 = 125.
Class 200 → Class 175
4–6 PCF now maps to Class 175. Previously split: 4–5 = 200, 5–6 = 175.
💡 Key point: In most cases where a class was removed from the density scale, the adjacent lower class absorbed that range. This generally means shipments in those PCF ranges get a lower class number — which means cheaper shipping. The exception is Class 77.5 → 85, which is a class increase for freight in the 13.5–15 PCF range.
Who Wins and Who Loses
Winners — Dense Freight Shippers
If your freight exceeds 35 PCF — machinery, metal components, building materials, coiled wire — you now qualify for Classes 50 and 55 directly from density. Previously those classes were unavailable by density calculation. For high-volume shippers of dense freight this could mean meaningful rate reductions.
Mostly Neutral — Mid-Range Freight (6–15 PCF)
Shipments in the 6–13.5 PCF range that previously fell into Classes 77.5, 110, 150, or 200 now land in the next lower class (85, 100, 125, 175). Lower class = lower rate, so these shippers typically see a modest improvement — industry analysis suggests 2–3% average savings for affected shipments.
Watch Out — Freight at 13.5–15 PCF
This is the one range where the change goes the wrong way. Freight that previously calculated as Class 77.5 (13.5–15 PCF) now calculates as Class 85. That's a class increase — and a higher rate. If you regularly ship tires, bathroom fixtures, or similar items in this density band, audit your existing BOL defaults.
Complex — Commodity-Specific Freight
Approximately 2,000 commodity listings were reclassified, consolidated, or cancelled. Apparel, furniture, food products, metal goods, electronics — all had significant updates. If you rely on a specific NMFC item number rather than density, you need to verify that item number is still valid and maps to the correct class. Use the NMFTA's ClassIT+ tool or GetClassification.com to check.
The New Special Handling Flags
One underreported change: the 2025 update introduced digital flags for freight characteristics that previously required commodity-specific codes. Three flags now apply:
- Fragile flag — replaces many older commodity-specific handling descriptions for breakable items
- Hazmat flag — standardises identification of hazardous materials across carriers
- Non-stackable flag — critical for cubic capacity calculations (see our re-weigh charges guide for why this matters)
Freight with any of these flags may receive a higher class than density alone would suggest, even under the new system. Density is the default, but special characteristics still override it.
What About ClassIT+?
The old NMFC lookup tool was replaced by ClassIT+, a paid subscription system. For most general freight shippers who classify by density, ClassIT+ is not necessary — the 13-tier density scale is a public standard. You need ClassIT+ if you ship commodities with specific NMFC item numbers that may have changed in the 2025 consolidation.
Calculate Freight Class Using the Updated 2025 Scale
Our free calculator has been updated to the July 2025 13-tier density scale. No ClassIT+ subscription needed for density-based classification.
Open Updated Freight Class Calculator →5-Step Action Checklist for Shippers
If you haven't already audited your freight process since July 19, 2025, here's what to do:
Audit your BOL defaults
Any saved freight class in your TMS, WMS, or BOL template may be stale. Check every default class against the new density scale — especially if you regularly shipped Classes 77.5, 110, 150, or 200.
Recalculate your top 10 shipment types
Take your highest-volume freight, measure it accurately, and run it through an updated density calculator. Compare the result to what you've been declaring.
Check your NMFC item numbers
If you use commodity-specific NMFC codes, verify they're still valid at GetClassification.com. Many were cancelled or consolidated in the 2025 docket.
Include dimensions on every BOL
The new system relies on density verification. Carriers will be measuring and weighing more actively. Including L×W×H on every BOL reduces dispute risk and demonstrates compliance.
Review packaging for dense freight
If your freight is close to a tier boundary, tighter packaging to increase density could move you into a lower class. The gap between Class 65 (22.5–30 PCF) and Class 70 (15–22.5 PCF) is significant in cost terms.