Decoding the Future: Navigating Upcoming NMFC Code Changes in Logistics
New Changes are coming to the NMFC codes… more details are coming shortly.
Unlocking the Power of NMFC Codes: Optimizing Freight Classification for Efficiency and Savings
Effective freight classification is essential for streamlining shipping operations and maximizing cost savings. One of the key tools in this process is the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. NMFC codes provide a standardized way to classify and price different types of freight, helping shippers and carriers determine the appropriate rates and ensure accurate billing. This article will explore the importance of NMFC codes and discuss strategies for leveraging their power to optimize freight classification, improve efficiency, and achieve substantial cost savings.
Understanding NMFC Codes:
NMFC codes are numerical designations that categorize various types of freight based on their characteristics, such as density, storability, handling requirements, and liability. These codes are crucial in determining the appropriate class for a shipment, directly impacting shipping rates.
Optimizing Freight Classification:
1. Accurate Description: The first step in optimizing freight classification is to provide an accurate and detailed description of the shipped goods. This includes dimensions, weight, packaging, and any special handling requirements. By providing accurate information, you can ensure that the NMFC code assigned to your shipment is appropriate, leading to accurate rate calculations.
2. Understanding Density: Density is critical in determining freight class. Calculating your shipment's density (weight per cubic foot) can qualify for a lower-class rating. This means that if you have a lightweight load that occupies a significant amount of space, you can lower your shipping costs by selecting the appropriate NMFC code based on density.
3. Proper Packaging and Stacking: Efficient packaging and stacking can significantly impact freight classification. By optimizing the use of available space and ensuring proper stacking, you can minimize the overall dimensions of your shipment. This can help you qualify for a lower freight class and reduce shipping costs.
4. Re-evaluating NMFC Codes: It is crucial to periodically review and reassess the NMFC codes you are currently using for your shipments. Over time, changes in packaging, product design, or industry standards might allow you to reclassify certain goods into more favorable freight classes. Regularly staying updated with NMFC code changes can help you identify opportunities for cost savings.
5. Partnering with Freight Experts: Collaborating with freight experts, such as freight brokers or third-party logistics providers, can be immensely beneficial in optimizing freight classification. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of NMFC codes and can help you navigate the system's complexities. They can assist in determining the most appropriate codes for your shipments, negotiate better rates with carriers, and provide valuable insights into cost-saving strategies.
In the world of shipping, accurate and efficient freight classification is paramount. By unlocking the power of NMFC codes, businesses can optimize their freight classification process, improve efficiency, and achieve significant cost savings. Taking steps such as providing accurate descriptions, understanding density, optimizing packaging and stacking, re-evaluating NMFC codes, and partnering with freight experts can all contribute to streamlining operations and reducing shipping costs. By harnessing the potential of NMFC codes, shippers and carriers can gain a competitive edge in the market and maximize their bottom line.
Nmfc changes effective aug. 5
Below is a summary of upcoming classification changes that will be effective on August 5, 2023.
The links below the classifications will give you the details of the change.
Athletic Goods Group
Major changes will be applied to this group. Numerous items are being canceled with all provisions relocated to existing NMFC items.
The following items will be canceled and moved to NMFC 15520 naming Athletic or Sporting Goods, viz.:
15505, 15530, 15535, 15540, 15545, 15560, 15580, 15590, 15600, 15620, 15640, 15680, 15820, 15930, 15940, 16040, 16060, 16100, 16160, 16190, 16200, 16255, 16260, 16270, 16280, 16320, 16330, 16420, 16430, 16440, 16490, 16520, 16530, 16550, 16620, 16630, 16650, 16660, 16810, 16820, 16950, 16985, 17040, 17050, 17056, 17060, 17100, 17110, 17160, 17200, 17260, 17290, 17300, 17310, 17330, 17335, 17340, 17370, 17460, 17465, 17470, 17600, 17660, 17686, 17687, 17688, 17689, 17690, 17691, 17692, 17693, 17694, 17695, 17698, 17740,
NMFC 16080: Cushions, toboggan, etc. will be canceled and moved to NMFC 149265 naming Pads, Padding, Cushions or Pillows, viz.
NMFC 16835: Mats, Cushions or Pads, exercise, gymnastic or jumping pit, etc., will also be canceled and moved to NMFC 149265.
NMFC 17540: Targets, clay, pitch or limestone composition, etc. will be canceled and moved to NMFC 181920 naming Targets, NOI, including Military Targets.
NMFC 17560: Targets or Target Butts or Matts, hay, grass, straw or wood excelsior, etc. will also be canceled and moved to NMFC 181920.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S01_Disposition.pdf
Games or Toys Group
This group will also undergo a facelift.
The following items will be canceled with all provisions relocated to NMFC 84260 naming Games or Toys, viz.:
83985, 83990, 84000, 84020, 84040, 84080, 84100, 84170, 84175, 84270, 84300, 84340, 84360, 84410, 84451, 84470, 84510, 84570, 84600, 84700, 84702, 84705, 84720, 84730, 84750, 84770, 84790, 84810, 84960, 84980.
NMFC 84690 (Sets, children’s paper or paperback and recorded cassette tape, etc.) and NMFC 84710 (Sets, record and book, children’s, etc.) will be canceled as obsolete with no replacements or alternatives named.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S02_Disposition.pdf
Paper Group
The entire paper group general heading will be canceled, with all subordinate NMFC items and their provisions being relocated to a newly established item.
(New) NMFC 150550: Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard or Pulpboard, combined or not combined with other materials, NOI. This new item will have three density-driven subdivisions for classification.
As a result, the following items will be canceled and relocated to the new NMFC 150550:
150620, 150650, 150670, 150690, 150700, 150720, 150740, 150760, 150780, 150805, 150810, 150850, 150890, 150910, 150930, 150950, 150970, 150990, 151010, 151030, 151050, 151070, 151110, 151130, 151150, 151170, 151190, 151210, 151230, 151240, 151250, 151270, 151280, 151290, 151300, 151315, 151320, 151370, 151390, 151395, 151400, 151440, 151460, 151500, 151520, 151620, 151630, 151640, 151660, 151680, 151780, 151800, 151820.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S03_Disposition.pdf
Drugs, Medicines, Toilet Preparations or Personal Care Products Group
(Update/Change) NMFC 58770: Drugs or Medicines, NOI. Classifications of this item will change to the standard eleven subdivisions density scale from the current classification based manner of tender.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S04_Disposition.pdf
(New) NMFC 59413: Tampons, Pads or Sanitary Napkins, feminine hygiene. This new item will carry a single class 150 rating.
As a result of this new item, NMFC 59230 (Sanitary Napkins or Pads, etc.) and NMFC 59415 (Tampons, etc.) will be canceled and relocated to the new NMFC 59413.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S17_Disposition.pdf
Building Materials, Miscellaneous Group
(Update/Change) NMFC 35255: Railings, NOI. Classifications of this item will change from the current eleven subdivision density scale to classes determined by density and packaging.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S05_Disposition.pdf
Adhesives Group
The entire adhesives group will be canceled with a new NMFC established to encompass those items that were canceled.
(New) NMFC 4625: Adhesives, NOI, Adhesive Cements, NOI, Adhesive Glues, NOI, or Adhesive Pastes, NOI. This new item will contain four density-driven subdivisions for classification. Hazardous materials requiring DOT placards and labels may not be shipped using this NMFC item.
The following items will be canceled and relocated to the new NMFC 4625:
4615, 4620, 4635, 4637,
NMFC 4630 (Adhesives or Epoxy Resins, electrically conductive, etc.) will be canceled as obsolete with no replacements or alternatives named.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S06_Disposition.pdf
Office or Store Equipment Group
This general heading is being canceled, as is the entire Stationary Group. All items currently subordinate to these general headings will be canceled and relocated to NMFC 179180 naming Stationary or Office Supplies, viz. As well, there are several items currently subordinate to other general headings that will also be canceled and relocated to this NMFC item.
The following items will be canceled with all provisions moved to NMFC 179180:
142050, 142060, 142085, 142230, 142400, 142440, 142460, 153120, 153730, 178910, 178920, 178930, 178970, 178980, 178990, 178995, 179020, 179050, 179055, 179057, 179065, 179070, 179090, 179120, 179140, 179150, 179160, 179175, 179200.
NMFC 179100 (Parchment or Vellum, etc.) will be canceled and moved to the newly established NMFC 150550 noted above.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S07_Disposition.pdf
Building Metalwork Group
(New) NMFC 37020: Roof Gutters, Eavestroughs or Downspouts, or Fittings therefor, metal. Classifications under this new item will be determined by greatest dimension and density.
The following items will be canceled and relocated to the new NMFC 37020:
36180, 36190, 36210, 36220, 36410, 36450
NMFC 112480 (Eave Troughs or Gutters, roof, wooden, in the rough) will be canceled as obsolete with no replacement or alternative named.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S08_Disposition.pdf
Furniture Group
NMFC items 79110, 79132, and 79135 are being canceled and relocated to NMFC 23700 naming Blackboards or Chalkboards; Corkboards or Tackboards; or Whiteboards, Dry Erase Boards or Markerboards, NOI. Concurrently, additional classifications and provisions will be added to NMFC 23700.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S09_Disposition.pdf
Foodstuffs Group
NMFC items 73360, 73570 and 74490 will be canceled and moved to NMFC 73260 naming Foodstuffs, other than frozen, Group IV, viz.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S10_Disposition.pdf
Polish, Polishing Compounds, Polishing Wax and Related Articles
(New) NMFC 160460: Polish, Polishing Compounds, Polishing Wax and Related Articles, viz. Classification will be determined by three density-driven subdivisions. Shipments requiring DOT placards and labels may not be moved under this item.
The following will be canceled with all provisions moved to the new NMFC 160460:
33430, 33440, 49280, 58400, 58420, 160450, 196840.
NMFC 196640 (Carnauba, etc.): Classification of this item will be determined by intended usage. If used as a polish, NMFC 160460 will be held applicable. As a raw material, NMFC 196880 naming Wax, NOI will apply.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S11_Disposition.pdf
Caps and Covers Group
The Caps and Covers group will be canceled with all currently subordinate items being relocated to a newly established item. This cancelation will also impact plastic articles as noted below.
(New) NMFC 40225: Caps, Covers, Discs, Ends, Bands, Lids, Rings or Tops, NOI, for bottles, cans, cups, collapsible tubes, glasses, jars or jugs. This item will carry the standard full scale eleven subdivision classification determined by density.
The following items will be canceled with all provisions relocated to the new NMFC 40225:
40230, 40235, 40240, 40245, 40255, 40265, 40290, 40300, 40305, 40310, 40320, 40330, 40350, 40360, 40370, 40375, 40390.
(Update/Change) NMFC 156660 (Plastic Articles, viz.) will be amended to remove provisions allowing for plastic items listed in NMFC 40225 to be classified as plastic articles. Items listed in NMFC 40225 that are constructed of plastic will now be subject to NMFC 40225 rather than 156600.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S12_Disposition.pdf
Machinery Group
(Canceled) NMFC 57170: Devices or Converters, catalytic, internal combustion engine exhaust system, etc. All provisions will be relocated to NMFC 125850 naming Mufflers, Exhaust Systems, Automobile Pipe, Surge Suppressors and related articles, viz.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S13_Disposition.pdf
Automobile Parts Group
(Canceled) NMFC 18462: Covers, seat, etc. All provisions of this item will be relocated to NMFC 18460 naming Covers, sear, radiator, spring, steering wheel, tire, top or hood, including Front-End Bras.
(Update/Change) NMFC 18460, noted above, will change from a single class 100 rating to a single class 175 rating.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S14_Disposition.pdf
Pallets Group
The entire Pallets Group will be canceled with all currently subordinate items relocated to a new NMFC item.
(New) NMFC 150400: Pallets, Platforms, Skids or Shipping Racks, NOI, for lift trucks, etc. Classification under this new item will be based on the standard eleven subdivision density scale.
The following items will be canceled and moved to the new NMFC 150400:
150310, 150345, 150370, 150380, 150390, 150430, 150433, 150435.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S15_Disposition.pdf
Fibers
For simplicity, all existing fiber types listed under NMFC 68200 will be canceled and relocated to a new item.
(New) NMFC 68130: Fibers, NOI. Classification will be determined by the standard eleven subdivision density scale.
The following items will be canceled with all provisions relocated to the new NMFC 68130:
68210, 68240, 68260, 68280, 68290, 68300, 68320, 68340, 68360, 68380, 68400, 68420, 68430, 68440, 68460, 68500, 68520, 68540, 68560, 68580, 68600, 68620.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S16_Disposition.pdf
Grain Group
The entire Grain Group will be canceled will all current items canceled and relocated to a new item.
(New) NMFC 89230: Grain, viz. This new item will carry a single class 65 rating. This item is reserved for the grain types listed that are not represented as seed.
The following items will be canceled with all provisions relocated under the new NMFC 89230:
89030, 89050, 89070, 89100, 89130, 89150, 89170, 89190, 89210.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S18_Disposition.pdf
NMFC items 89610, 89670 and 89770 will be canceled with all provisions relocated to NMFC 73150 naming Flour, Meal or Sugar, viz.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S26_Disposition.pdf
Graphite Articles Group
(Update/Change) NMFC 89935: Graphite Articles, NOI. Classifications of this item will be amended from the current released value provisions to the standard eleven subdivision density classification.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S19_Disposition.pdf
Cookware Group
The Cookware Group is being canceled in its entirety.
The following items will be canceled and relocated to NMFC 52880 naming Cookware or Bakeware, metal, NOI, etc.:
52870, 52904, 52910, 52920, 52940, 52950, 52960, 52980, 52990.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S20_Disposition.pdf
Sprinkler Heads
NMFC items 109990, 178080, and 178095 will be canceled with all provisions relocated to NMFC 178090 naming Sprinklers.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S21_Disposition.pdf
Cans, Containers, Dispensers or Tanks
NMFC items 40215 and 40217, both pertaining to fuel storage, will be canceled with all provisions relocated to NMFC 174610 naming Containers, viz.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S22_Disposition.pdf
Carbon Group
NMFC items 40570 and 42450 currently covering charcoal or charcoal briquettes will be canceled and moved to NMFC 42445 naming Charcoal, Charcoal Briquettes or Charcoal Pellets, NOI.
(Update/Change) NMFC 42445 will be amended from the current two subdivision density scale to a four subdivision scale for classification.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S23_Disposition.pdf
Gums Group
The Gums Group will be canceled with all existing items either moved to a newly established item, or rendered obsolete.
(New) NMFC 91650: Gums, natural, NOI, including Chicle. Articles subject to DOT placarding or labeling for hazardous materials may not move under this item. Classification will be based off of two density-driven subdivisions with density breaks at 15 PCF.
The following items will be canceled and relocated to the new NMFC 91650:
91180, 91260, 91300, 91320, 91360, 91380, 91500, 91540, 91560, 91600.
NMFC items 91420 (Karaya, etc.) and 91460 (Manila, etc.) are being canceled as obsolete with no replacements or alternatives named.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S24_Disposition.pdf
Pumice
(Canceled) NMFC 162910: Pumice Stone Bricks or Blocks, scouring or polishing, etc. All provisions of this item will be relocated to NMFC 162920 naming Pumice, including Pumice Stone or Lava Rocks.
(Update/Change) NMFC 162920 will be amended to a three subdivision density scale for classification from the current classification based on manner of tender.
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S25_Disposition.pdf
Obsolete Items
In addition to items noted above, the following items will be canceled as obsolete with no replacements or alternatives named:
56060, 58560, 58920, 59040, 59050, 59270, 62515, 65740, 65930
https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2023/06/2023_2_S29_Disposition.pdf