National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)

Scope

Under Federal law (49 U.S.C. 13703(f)(1)(B)) participation is required of any carrier that uses or references any provision contained in the National Motor Freight Classification. Only member carriers may use the NMFC for pricing, or use its commodity descriptions, classes, rules, packaging specifications, or bills of lading.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 373.101 — For-hire, non-exempt motor carrier bills of lading
• 49 U.S.C. 13703(f)(1)(B) — Industry standard guides

Key definitions

• Bill of lading: The bill of lading is an agreement between a shipper and a carrier governing their relationship with respect to the transportation of goods. It is the contract of carriage. As a contract, it names the parties involved and locations, defines the specific rate or charge for the transportation, and provides information regarding the limits of the carrier’s liability for damaged or lost goods. A contract carrier that has a specific agreement with a shipper is not required to use a bill of lading under 373.101.
• National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC): A publication containing approximately 10,000 descriptions of commodities transported by motor carriers providing interstate, intrastate, and foreign service.
• National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA): A nonprofit membership organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Its membership is comprised of motor carriers operating in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce.

Summary of requirements

Commodities are grouped into classes using these transportation characteristics:

1. Density, as measured by shipping weight per cubic foot;
2. Stowability, which includes excessive weight or excessive length;
3. Ease or difficulty in handling, which includes special care and attention necessary to handle the goods; and
4. Liability, as measured by value per pound, susceptibility to theft, liability to damage, perishability, propensity to damage other freight with which it is transported, and propensity to spontaneous combustion or explosion.

In addition to commodity classifications, the NMFC also contains rules pertaining to procedures for filing claims, packaging provisions, handling and service requirements, Bills of Lading, and the application of commodity descriptions.

How is it used? The classification is used by carriers in a number of ways:

• To begin negotiations
• To compare freight
• To establish a uniform bill of lading
• To standardize packaging requirements
• To provide shippers with freight classification information
• To quickly identify transportation characteristics of freight
• To identify and track freight in their systems

How do I become a member? Membership in NMFTA is available only to motor carrier participants in the NMFC that complete and sign the National Motor Freight Traffic Agreement. To legally establish membership, the applicant must file a Power of Attorney with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and pay an annual fee, based upon the carrier’s total gross operating revenue for the previous calendar year.

To order the National Motor Freight Classification, or inquire about membership, call (703) 838-1810.

Information and a list of participating carriers is available on the NMFTA website.