What Are NMFC Codes

There is a lot of excitement surrounding supply chain management and efficiency in the world of transportation, especially with ecommerce such a booming sector.

However, not many are familiar with the technical aspects of the supply chain industry. One such important but overlooked concept is NMFC codes for freight classification.

What are NMFC codes?

NMFC codes started to exist when the transportation industry regulators realized the need for a better standardization process. Therefore, in order to make standardization and freight pricing fairer, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) established a classification system for every type of freight.

This system started dividing all kinds of freight into eighteen different classes under what is known as the National Motor Freight Classification tariff (NMFC).

The 18 different classes of freight are categorized with a number that ranges between 50 and 500. These are the numbers based on which the right shipping tariffs are determined and charged to the customer.

There are various factors on which these codes are based. Different types of items will usually go into different freight class. The determining factors are:

Density: This refers to the amount of space that the freight occupies on the trailer, in relation to its weight. You must have noticed that the heavier a freight, the higher its class. This classification is made based on density.

Stackability: When the freight is too heavy or hazardous or simply takes up too much space in the trailer, it can cause stowability problems. Items such as these have a higher classification, and usually have a greater shipping cost.

Ease of handling: The more difficult it is to handle the freight, the higher the class it will be placed in. This is because difficulty in handling leads to a higher cost, and such items are usually given a higher classification.

Liability: Fragile or perishable freight have additional requirements such as refrigeration, temperature control, and extra protection. Such items also have a higher classification and a higher shipping cost.

These are the main factors that help determine the freight class, letting shippers know the cost. Incorrect classification of freight can lead to damage of goods and other dangerous situations. That is why, along with carriers, customers should also be aware of these codes, so even if the shippers make a mistake, the customers can know better.

Performance Plus Global has years of experience in international shipping and global logistics. No matter what kind of freight you have, Performance Plus Global provides competitive and efficient service.