National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) FAQ
What is the NMFC?
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) guide is a list of all items that, in theory, could possibly be transported by a common carrier. The guide has a class associated with each item. The class is determined by storability, density, handling characteristics and value of the item being shipped. Class (along with distance and weight) is used by the common carrier of the goods to determine the rate of the shipment.
If you don’t know the classification of your shipment, call your local Con-way Service Center with the following information:
- The description of the item.
- The value of the item.
- How it’s packaged.
- The density of the item, calculated by comparing the weight of an item with the space it takes up (pounds/cubic feet).
- Whether the item is new or used.
Who uses the NMFC?
All common carriers that determine rates by using a class-rating system use the NMFC. To use the NFMC class in your rating system you must be a registered participant of the NMFC. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) grants certificates of participation to all carriers that meet the guidelines. Carriers must be members in good standing of the NMFTA ,and have paid current dues in order to be awarded certificate of participation in the NMFC. Our certificate is posted on our Web site.
Who determines the classes in the NMFC?
The NMFTA has a full-time staff with specialists in the fields of packaging, classification and interpretation of classes, as well as a committee made up of several carrier representatives. The NMFTA does not make any changes or additions to classes without the consent of the committee. The committee meets 3–4 times a year to act on potential changes to classes, review proposals for new items, and hear testimony from shippers on possible changes or interpretation of classes.
How can shippers access the same NMFC class information that the carriers use?
Copies of the NMFC guide are sold through the NMFTA. They can be reached at 1-703-838-1810.
How can shippers contact the NMFC if they have questions about classes?
You can call them at 1-703-838-1810.
Why can’t a carrier grant access to all the NMFC classification information to a shipper?
The data is licensed to each individual carrier by the NMFTA. That license is for the sole use of the carrier and can only be used in conjunction with its rating systems.
