NMFC Docket 2026-1: What LTL Shippers Need to Know
Two weeks after release and most shippers still don't know what changed. Here's a plain-English breakdown of Docket 2026-1, what it means for your freight classification, and exactly what to do before the March 10 public meeting.
Feb 6
Release date
Mar 10
Public meeting
1000s
Items refined
3rd
Major docket since July 2025
The Big Picture: Where the NMFC Is Heading
Before diving into Docket 2026-1 specifically, it helps to understand the direction of travel. The NMFTA is executing a multi-year transition from commodity-based classification — where what you ship determines the class — to density-based classification — where how much space it takes up determines the class.
Docket 2025-1 (July 19, 2025) was the first major move: the 13-tier density scale, 2,000+ commodity consolidations, and special handling flags. Docket 2025-2 (December 6, 2025) continued item-level refinements. Docket 2026-1, released February 6, 2026, pushes further in the same direction — thousands more items moved into the density-first structure.
Key context: If you haven't updated your systems for Docket 2025-1 yet, that's the more urgent fix. The 13-tier density scale is already live and affects every density-classified shipment. Docket 2026-1 builds on top of it. Read our Docket 2025-1 explainer first if you haven't already.
What Docket 2026-1 Changes
1. Thousands More Items Moved to Density-First
The core work of 2026-1 is continuing the commodity consolidation started in 2025-1. Thousands of NMFC item listings that still had commodity-specific classes have been revised to use density as the primary classification driver. For most of these items, the practical effect is that density now determines the class — your specific product description matters less than the PCF calculation.
For shippers of these affected commodities, this can be either good or bad depending on how your freight density compares to the old commodity-assigned class. Dense shippers of previously high-classed items may see significant savings. Light, bulky products that had favourable commodity classes may see increases.
2. Expanded Special Handling Flags
Docket 2026-1 expands the digital flag system introduced in 2025-1. Items with unique characteristics — fragile, hazmat, non-stackable, high liability — that can't be accurately represented by density alone are now more consistently flagged. These flags sit alongside the density class and instruct carriers on handling requirements without requiring commodity-specific NMFC codes.
For shippers: if your freight has any special handling requirement, check whether a flag now applies. A flagged item may be assigned a higher class than its density alone would suggest, and that affects your rate.
3. Further Item Cancellations
Continuing the pattern from 2025-1 and 2025-2, Docket 2026-1 cancels additional legacy NMFC item numbers — mostly redundant, narrow, or outdated commodity descriptions that can now be handled by the density-based structure. If you reference a specific NMFC item number on your BOLs, this is the docket most likely to invalidate it.
⚠️ Action required if you use NMFC item numbers
Check every NMFC item number you reference on BOLs against ClassIT+ or the NMFTA's public docket files. If your item was cancelled, you'll need to switch to density-based classification or find the replacement item number. Shipping on a cancelled NMFC item number risks re-classification at delivery.
The March 10, 2026 Public Meeting
The NMFTA has scheduled a public meeting for March 10, 2026 specifically to discuss Docket 2026-1 refinements. This is not just informational — it's an opportunity to submit feedback on changes that affect your operation before they are finalised.
NMFTA is also running live "Ask Us Anything: Docket 2026-1" Q&A sessions ahead of the meeting. These sessions are specifically for shippers, 3PLs, and carriers who have questions about how the changes apply to their freight. If you rely heavily on specific commodity codes, these sessions are worth attending — the NMFTA team will answer classification questions directly.
The Docket Timeline So Far
| Docket | Date | Key Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-1 | July 19, 2025 | 13-tier density scale, 2,000+ consolidations, special handling flags introduced |
| 2025-2 | December 6, 2025 | Additional item cancellations, continued commodity consolidation |
| 2026-1 ← You are here | February 6, 2026 | Thousands more items density-first, expanded flags, further cancellations |
| 2026-2+ | TBC | Transition continues — more commodity-to-density conversions expected |
Who Is Most Affected by Docket 2026-1
Three types of shippers need to pay closest attention:
- Shippers using specific NMFC item numbers — the most exposed group. If your BOL template, TMS, or carrier EDI defaults have hardcoded NMFC item numbers, there's a meaningful chance one of them was cancelled or changed in 2026-1. Every item number needs to be verified in ClassIT+.
- Shippers of commodity-classified freight — furniture, apparel, food products, electronics, metal goods. These categories have historically had commodity-specific classes that override density. Many are being converted to density-first in the 2026 dockets. Run a density calculation on your top shipment types and compare to your current declared class.
- High-volume LTL shippers with negotiated rates — if your carrier rates are tied to specific freight classes, class changes affect your actual cost even if you have a contract. Audit now, before the March 10 meeting, to understand your exposure.
What You Can Ignore (For Now)
If you ship standard palletized general freight and classify entirely by density, Docket 2026-1 changes very little for you. The 13-tier density scale from Docket 2025-1 still applies unchanged. Your freight class calculator still works. Your process doesn't need to change — the density-first system you're already using is where the entire industry is heading.
Verify Your Freight Class Under the Current Rules
Our calculator uses the July 2025 13-tier density scale — the same standard Docket 2026-1 builds on. Free, no signup, no ClassIT+ subscription needed for density-based classification.
Calculate Freight Class Now →4-Step Checklist: Preparing for Docket 2026-1
Confirm your Docket 2025-1 compliance first
If your systems still reference the old 11-tier density scale or output Classes 77.5, 110, 150, or 200 from density — that's the more urgent fix. See our 2025 changes guide.
Audit every NMFC item number you use
Pull a list of every item number in your TMS, BOL templates, and carrier portals. Cross-reference each against ClassIT+ or the Docket 2026-1 public files. Flag any that were cancelled or changed.
Re-calculate density on commodity-classified freight
For any item that had a commodity-specific class, calculate its actual PCF density and check if the new density-based class is higher or lower. Use our freight class calculator — enter dimensions and weight for an instant result.
Attend or submit feedback before March 10
If any Docket 2026-1 change negatively impacts your operation, the public meeting on March 10 is your window to raise it. Register at nmfta.org. The NMFTA's "Ask Us Anything: Docket 2026-1" sessions are also open for questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NMFC Docket 2026-1?
The first NMFC update of 2026, released February 6, 2026. It continues the density-first modernisation by refining thousands of commodity items, expanding special handling flags, and cancelling additional legacy item numbers. A public meeting to discuss it is scheduled for March 10, 2026.
Does Docket 2026-1 change the 13-tier density scale?
No — the 13-tier density scale established by Docket 2025-1 remains unchanged. Docket 2026-1 moves more commodity items into that density-first structure but doesn't alter the scale itself. If you classify by density, your calculation process stays the same.
Do I need ClassIT+ for Docket 2026-1?
Only if you use commodity-specific NMFC item numbers. For density-based classification of general freight, ClassIT+ is not required. The public docket files from NMFTA are also a free resource to check whether specific items changed.
My freight class calculator still shows Class 77.5 — is it wrong?
Yes, if it's returning Class 77.5 from a density input. Under the July 2025 13-tier scale, Class 77.5 is no longer a density output — freight in the 12–15 PCF range now maps to Class 85. The CargoTools freight class calculator has been updated to reflect this.
How often will NMFC dockets be released going forward?
The NMFTA has been running two to three dockets per year as part of the density-first transition. This pace is expected to continue until the full commodity catalogue has been reviewed — likely through 2027. Shippers should expect regular updates rather than a single big-bang change.