Freight reference
NMFC Code Lookup Guide
An NMFC lookup identifies the commodity item, packaging rules, notes, and class provisions that govern a shipment. For density-based provisions, divide total packaged pounds by total packaged cubic feet, then apply the applicable item rule. This guide is anchored to NMFTA's scale effective July 19, 2025; dated source records are listed below.
An NMFC code lookup identifies the National Motor Freight Classification item that describes a commodity and the rules attached to it. This independent reference explains the lookup process, the difference between an NMFC item and freight class, and the 13-tier density scale introduced through Docket 2025-1. Authoritative lookup remains in NMFTA's proprietary NMFC and ClassIT+ tool.
What an NMFC code is
An NMFC code, commonly called an NMFC item number, points to a commodity description in the National Motor Freight Classification. The item can contain packaging requirements, notes, references, subprovisions, density breaks, and assigned freight classes. The number is not itself a freight class. Two products can share a class while having different NMFC items, and one item can assign different classes through density or other subprovisions.
NMFC is proprietary to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Freight Totals is independent of NMFTA and does not reproduce the proprietary commodity database. This page is a process and density-scale reference. Use NMFTA ClassIT+ for the authoritative current item, description, notes, rules, and class.
How to find an NMFC code
- Describe the commodity precisely. Record what the product is made from, what it does, how it is packaged, and whether it is new, used, assembled, knocked down, hazardous, fragile, or especially valuable.
- Measure the complete packaged handling unit. Record gross weight and the greatest outside length, width, and height, including pallet, overhang, wrap, and projections.
- Search the current NMFC in NMFTA ClassIT+ using the specific commodity terms and likely synonyms. Do not choose an item only because its wording appears close.
- Read the complete item, subitems, notes, referenced rules, and packaging requirements. Determine whether density or another provision selects the class.
- Place the correct item and class information on shipping documents and retain the measurements and classification basis. Ask the carrier or a classification professional when the description is ambiguous.
A density calculation can narrow a density-based subprovision, but it cannot confirm the correct commodity item. Classification evaluates density, stowability, handling, and liability, and the governing item can override a generic density estimate.
What changed in Docket 2025-1
NMFTA Docket 2025-1 led to broad changes effective July 19, 2025. The Freight Classification Development Council's 11-sub density scale expanded to 13 subprovisions. The added high-density bands are 35 to under 50 pcf at class 55 and 50 pcf or greater at class 50. The prior 30 pcf and above band was split so 30 to under 35 pcf remains class 60.
The restructure did not turn the NMFC into a density-only system. It standardized density treatment across many affected items while keeping commodity descriptions, packaging, rules, and the four transportation characteristics relevant. The full current scale is shown below.
| Sub | Density in pcf | Freight class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 2 | 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 | 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 5 | 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 6 | 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 7 | 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 | 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 9 | 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 10 | 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 11 | 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 12 | 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 13 | 50 or greater | 50 |
Docket 2026-1 context
NMFTA announced Docket 2026-1 for February 2026 and made it available in ClassIT+ on February 5, ahead of the February 6 public posting. A docket presents proposed classification changes for public review. It is not enough to see an item in a docket and assume the proposal is effective. Review the public disposition bulletin, supplement, effective date, and current ClassIT+ record.
The continuing docket cycle is one reason a copied spreadsheet or undated code list can become unreliable. A shipment process should record when the classification source was checked and should recheck items when the commodity, packaging, density, or NMFC version changes.
Use and limitations
This page does not provide a searchable copy of the NMFC, assign an item number, or make an official classification. It does not determine whether a Docket 2026-1 proposal was approved or became effective for a particular item. Confirm the current proprietary record in NMFTA ClassIT+, including all linked rules and notes, before tendering freight.
Frequently asked questions
Is an NMFC code the same as freight class?
No. An NMFC item number identifies a commodity entry and its governing rules. Freight class is a rating category assigned by that item or by an applicable subprovision.
Where can I perform an authoritative NMFC code lookup?
Use NMFTA ClassIT+, the NMFTA-owned current NMFC lookup product, or obtain guidance from the carrier or a qualified classification professional.
Did every commodity become density-based in 2025?
No. Docket 2025-1 expanded a standardized density scale and changed many listings, but handling, stowability, liability, packaging, and commodity-specific provisions still matter.
What did Docket 2026-1 do?
NMFTA made Docket 2026-1 available in ClassIT+ in February 2026. A docket contains proposed changes, so users must review disposition and effective material before treating a proposal as current law or classification.
Sources
The newest source record below was captured 2026-08-13. This date identifies the stored record, not currentness; follow the link before purchasing, rating, or loading.