# NMFC density-based freight class: what changed in 2025

> Since July 19, 2025, most LTL freight is classed by density on a 13-step NMFC scale. How to measure it, what it means for quotes, and how to avoid reweighs.

URL: https://roadmark.ai/blog/nmfc-density-freight-class
Language: en
Last updated: 2026-09-01

**TL;DR:** On July 19, 2025, NMFC Docket 2025-1 moved most LTL commodities from fixed, commodity-based classes to a 13-step density scale, from class 400 (under 1 lb/ft³) to class 50 (50 lb/ft³ or more). Density is each handling unit's weight divided by its cube at its greatest dimensions, pallet included, so the dimensions on the bill of lading now decide the class, and whether an inspection rebills it.

Since July 19, 2025, the class of most LTL freight comes from its density, not from what it is. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association's [Docket 2025-1](https://www.dtsone.com/breaking-down-the-july-2025-nmfc-changes/) cancelled or consolidated a large share of commodity items (Old Dominion put it at [about 2,000 commodity listings](https://www.odfl.com/us/en/resources/freight-knowledge/odfl-blog/nmfc-class-changes.html)) and pointed them to one 13-step density scale. If you quote, book or bill LTL, the weight and dimensions of each pallet are now the class.

## What changed on July 19, 2025?

Three things changed for most shippers, brokers and carriers:

- **More items rate on density.** Items grouped under a generic heading that "do not present any known handling, stowability, or liability concerns" were cancelled and referenced to a 13-sub density item, according to [NMFTA's own FAQ](https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2024/11/1106-FAQ_Doc-3.pdf). Their packaging requirements moved with them.
- **The density scale got two more steps.** The old 11-step scale ended at class 60 for anything 30 lb/ft³ or denser. The new scale splits that top band into class 60 (30 to under 35), class 55 (35 to under 50) and class 50 (50 and over).
- **Some items kept their own classes.** Freight with real handling, stowability or liability characteristics still carries a class set for the item. These may have density breaks of their own, but not the standard 13-step progression.

The NMFC is a voluntary standard: carriers apply it through their own rules tariffs and pricing agreements. NMFTA notes that freight-all-kinds (FAK) agreements "are not addressed in the NMFC", so whether your FAK still protects a shipment is between you and the carrier.

## What is the 13-step density scale?

This is the scale that density-based items now reference. The right-hand column shows the old 11-step scale for comparison; everything below 30 lb/ft³ is unchanged.

| Density (lb/ft³)      | Class from July 19, 2025 | Class on the old 11-step scale |
| --------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------ |
| Less than 1           | 400                      | 400                            |
| 1 but less than 2     | 300                      | 300                            |
| 2 but less than 4     | 250                      | 250                            |
| 4 but less than 6     | 175                      | 175                            |
| 6 but less than 8     | 125                      | 125                            |
| 8 but less than 10    | 100                      | 100                            |
| 10 but less than 12   | 92.5                     | 92.5                           |
| 12 but less than 15   | 85                       | 85                             |
| 15 but less than 22.5 | 70                       | 70                             |
| 22.5 but less than 30 | 65                       | 65                             |
| 30 but less than 35   | 60                       | 60                             |
| 35 but less than 50   | 55                       | 60                             |
| 50 or more            | 50                       | 60                             |

Sources: [NMFTA FAQ](https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2024/11/1106-FAQ_Doc-3.pdf) for the new top three steps, [DTS](https://www.dtsone.com/breaking-down-the-july-2025-nmfc-changes/) for the full scale.

The scale produces 13 of the NMFC's 18 classes. The other five (77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500) are only assigned to specific items, so if an item says 150, density doesn't override it.

## How do you measure a pallet's density?

Density is weight divided by cube. NMFTA's definition: multiply "the greatest straight-line dimensions of length, width, and height (depth) in inches, including all projections", as tendered, and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Then divide the handling unit's weight by that number.

Measure the finished handling unit: the pallet, the freight, any overhang, the shrink wrap and the top cap. The most common miss is height taken from the freight instead of from the floor, which leaves out the pallet.

Worked example, four pallets of 48 × 40 × 60 in, 600 lb each (the same shipment rated on our [LTL page](https://roadmark.ai/ltl)):

| Step               | Calculation                | Result        |
| ------------------ | -------------------------- | ------------- |
| Cube of one pallet | 48 × 40 × 60 = 115,200 in³ | 115,200 in³   |
| In cubic feet      | 115,200 ÷ 1,728            | 66.67 ft³     |
| Density            | 600 lb ÷ 66.67 ft³         | 9.00 lb/ft³   |
| Class              | 8 but less than 10 lb/ft³  | **Class 100** |

If you'd rather not do it by hand, our [freight class calculator](https://roadmark.ai/tools/freight-class) runs the same arithmetic.

## Is density calculated per pallet or for the whole shipment?

Per pallet, as a rule. NMFC Item 110, Section 8(d), quoted in the [NMFTA FAQ](https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2024/11/1106-FAQ_Doc-3.pdf): "where a shipment consists of multiple handling units the density shall be calculated on each handling unit, except that where shipping papers show only a total weight for all handling units tendered the density may be calculated by using the total weight and the total cube."

That exception matters when pallets differ. Two 48 × 40 × 60 in pallets (66.67 ft³ each), one at 750 lb and one at 450 lb:

| Handling unit     | Weight   | Density                      | Class |
| ----------------- | -------- | ---------------------------- | ----- |
| Pallet A          | 750 lb   | 11.25 lb/ft³                 | 92.5  |
| Pallet B          | 450 lb   | 6.75 lb/ft³                  | 125   |
| Total weight only | 1,200 lb | 1,200 ÷ 133.33 = 9.00 lb/ft³ | 100   |

Per-unit weights on the bill of lading give two classes; a single total gives one. Neither is automatically cheaper. It depends on how the carrier prices each class, so rate both ways before you decide what to print.

Mixed commodities on one pallet are a separate rule (Item 640), and it's the subject of the current proposal in Docket 2026-2, below.

## What does density-based class mean for LTL quoting?

The quote is only as good as the dimensions behind it. In practice:

- **Capture dimensions at order entry**, per handling unit, not only a piece count and total weight. A quote without dimensions is a guess at the class.
- **Rate from the computed class, not last year's item.** Freight that had a fixed class before July 2025 may now land a step or two either side of it.
- **Rate-shop on the same class.** Class is set by the NMFC, but each carrier's discount, minimums and cube or linear-foot rules differ, so compare total cost at the class you computed.
- **Read your FAK and density agreements again.** Contracts written for the old scale may not say what happens to freight denser than 30 lb/ft³, which now reaches classes 55 and 50.

## Why do reweighs and reclasses follow, and how do you avoid them?

Carriers measure freight at the dock, often with dimensioning equipment, and rebill when their numbers give a different class. NMFTA's advice is blunt: shippers need to "capture accurate handling unit dimensions and weight when freight classes are dependent on density."

Here is what an 8-inch miss does to the four-pallet shipment above. The shipper measures the freight but not the pallet, 48 × 40 × 52 in instead of 60:

| Measured as     | Cube (4 pallets) | Density      | Class |
| --------------- | ---------------- | ------------ | ----- |
| 48 × 40 × 52 in | 231.11 ft³       | 10.38 lb/ft³ | 92.5  |
| 48 × 40 × 60 in | 266.67 ft³       | 9.00 lb/ft³  | 100   |

Booked at class 92.5, the illustrative bill, in US dollars, is $293.00 linehaul plus a 22% fuel surcharge of $64.46, or $357.46. After the carrier's inspection it's $336.00 linehaul at class 100, $73.92 fuel and a $25.00 inspection fee: $434.92, which is $77.46 more than booked. The same correction is drawn on our [LTL page](https://roadmark.ai/ltl).

To keep that from happening:

1. Measure at the greatest dimensions, including the pallet and overhang, and don't round down.
2. Print per-unit weights and dimensions on the bill of lading.
3. Photograph each pallet with a tape measure in view before pickup.
4. Ask for the inspection certificate on every reclass, recompute the density from it, and dispute within the carrier's window. Inspection fees and dispute deadlines come from each carrier's rules tariff, so they vary.

## What is still changing in 2026?

The NMFC hasn't stopped moving:

- **Docket 2026-1** took effect on [May 23, 2026](https://www.logisticsplus.com/nmfc-changes-effective-may-23-2026/), moving more commodity groups, including drugs, medicines and personal care products, and business or office machines, to broader descriptions rated by density.
- **Docket 2026-2** was [released on August 28, 2026](https://nmfta.org/news/nmfta-opens-public-comment-period-for-docket-2026-2-proposed-changes-to-nmfc-freight-classification/) with about 33 proposals. It includes a rewrite of the mixed-freight rule, Item 640, under which each article would be listed separately on the bill of lading and most handling units classed by density ([FleetOwner](https://www.fleetowner.com/perspectives/ideaxchange/blog/55407229/nmfc-docket-2026-2-proposes-changes-to-mixed-freight-classification-rules)). The public meeting is on September 29, 2026. Until NMFTA publishes its disposition, treat it as a proposal.

Check items in NMFTA's ClassIT+ before each quarter's pricing review rather than relying on a printed class list.

## FAQ

### When did the NMFC switch to density-based classes?

Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025. Docket 2026-1 moved more commodity groups onto the density scale on May 23, 2026, and Docket 2026-2 (released August 28, 2026) is still a proposal.

### Does all LTL freight now use the density scale?

No. Items with handling, stowability or liability concerns keep classes assigned to the item itself, and classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 are only reached that way. Look up the NMFC item first, then apply density if the item points to the 13-step scale.

### Is density calculated per pallet or for the whole shipment?

Per handling unit. NMFC Item 110, Section 8(d), calculates density on each handling unit unless the shipping papers show only a total weight, in which case total weight and total cube may be used.

### Is NMFC class required by law?

No. NMFTA describes the NMFC as a voluntary standard. It applies because carriers adopt it in their tariffs and pricing agreements, so your carrier's rules tariff and your contract, including any FAK agreement, decide how it is used.

### What should I check on a reweigh or reclass invoice?

Ask for the inspection certificate with the measured dimensions, weight and photos, recompute the density yourself, and compare it with the dimensions on your bill of lading. Inspection fees and dispute windows are set by each carrier's rules tariff.

## Related pages

- [Freight class calculator](https://roadmark.ai/tools/freight-class): Density in pounds per cubic foot for each pallet, and the class the NMFC's 13-sub density scale gives it.
- [LTL](https://roadmark.ai/ltl): Pallets, freight class and linehaul
- [Quoting and CRM](https://roadmark.ai/quoting): Customers, lanes, rates and RFQs
- [EDI X12 integration: 204, 990, 214 and 210 explained](https://roadmark.ai/integrations/edi): What EDI 204, 990, 214 and 210 mean, which way each goes and when it's sent, how trading partners are set up, and how tracking status becomes 214s.

Companies, people and shipment figures in product examples are fictional. They illustrate workflows and are not customer testimonials or measured results.