The less-than-truckload (LTL) freight classification process has long been a complex puzzle for shippers, carriers, and logistics professionals alike. With its intricate rules, frequent updates, and critical impact on pricing, mastering the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is no small feat. Recognizing this challenge, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is stepping up with a solution: an upgraded digital tool called Class IT+, set to launch on July 15, 2025. This release comes just in time for the NMFC system overhaul scheduled for July 19, 2025, promising to streamline a process that many in the industry find daunting. At Gain Consulting, we see this as a game-changer for supply chain efficiency—here’s why it matters and how it could transform your operations.
The Complexity of Freight Classification
For those unfamiliar, the NMFC system is the backbone of LTL shipping in the United States. Managed by the NMFTA, it assigns classification codes to commodities based on four key factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. These codes—ranging from Class 50 (low-value, dense items like steel) to Class 500 (high-value, fragile goods like electronics)—directly influence freight rates. A misclassification can lead to costly re-bills, delayed shipments, or disputes between shippers and carriers. And with thousands of items in the NMFC database, keeping up with the rules is a full-time job.
This summer’s update to the NMFC system, effective July 19, 2025, will introduce changes to these classifications, potentially affecting how goods are rated and priced. While the specifics of the update are still unfolding, the NMFTA has acknowledged that the transition could overwhelm shippers already stretched thin by day-to-day operations. Enter Class IT+, the NMFTA’s answer to simplifying this critical yet convoluted process.
Class IT+: A Digital Lifeline for Shippers
According to a March 14, 2025, report by Colin Campbell in Trucking Dive, the NMFTA is rolling out Class IT+ as an enhanced version of its existing digital classification tool. Launching just four days before the NMFC overhaul, the timing couldn’t be more strategic. While details about the tool’s features are still emerging, the NMFTA has made its intent clear: Class IT+ is designed to ease the burden of freight classification, particularly for shippers navigating the upcoming changes.
So, what can we expect? Based on the NMFTA’s track record and the needs of the industry, Class IT+ is likely to offer a user-friendly interface, real-time updates to NMFC codes, and possibly even automated classification recommendations. The current Class IT tool already allows users to look up codes, calculate density, and access NMFC guidelines. An upgraded version could take this further—think integrations with transportation management systems (TMS), enhanced search capabilities, or tutorials tailored to the July 19 changes. For shippers, this could mean fewer hours spent deciphering classifications and more time focused on moving goods efficiently.
Why This Matters for Your Supply Chain
At Gain Consulting, we’ve seen how freight classification errors ripple through the supply chain. A pallet of machinery misclassified as Class 70 instead of Class 85 might save a few dollars upfront—until the carrier issues a re-bill that wipes out those savings and delays delivery. Conversely, over-classifying fragile goods can inflate shipping costs unnecessarily, eroding margins in an already competitive market. With LTL shipping accounting for a significant portion of freight spend—over $50 billion annually in the U.S., according to industry estimates—accuracy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a financial imperative.
The NMFC update on July 19 adds another layer of urgency. Shippers who fail to adapt risk misaligned pricing, carrier disputes, or even lost business if delays frustrate customers. Class IT+ promises to be a lifeline, offering a way to stay compliant without drowning in the details. For small and mid-sized shippers without dedicated logistics teams, this tool could level the playing field, giving them access to the same precision as larger players.
The Bigger Picture: Technology’s Role in Supply Chain Evolution
The release of Class IT+ is part of a broader trend: technology is reshaping how we manage freight. From AI-driven route optimization to blockchain-based tracking, digital tools are replacing guesswork with precision. The NMFTA’s investment in Class IT+ reflects this shift, acknowledging that the old ways—manual lookups, paper charts, endless phone calls—aren’t sustainable in a fast-moving, data-driven industry. For carriers, accurate classifications mean fewer billing disputes and smoother operations. For shippers, it’s about cost control and reliability.
At Gain Consulting, we’ve long championed the power of technology to unlock supply chain potential. Whether it’s integrating tools like Class IT+ into your workflow or analyzing classification data to spot cost-saving opportunities, we’re here to bridge the gap between innovation and execution. The NMFTA’s move isn’t just about a single tool—it’s a signal that the industry is ready to simplify complexity without sacrificing accuracy.
Preparing for July and Beyond
With Class IT+ debuting on July 15, shippers have a narrow window to get ahead of the NMFC changes. Here’s how Gain Consulting recommends preparing:
Audit Your Current Classifications: Review your most-shipped items against the existing NMFC database. Identify any discrepancies now, before the July 19 update takes effect.
Test Drive Class IT+: When the tool launches, explore its features early. Familiarity will give you an edge as the new system rolls out.
Train Your Team: Ensure your staff understands the NMFC changes and how Class IT+ can streamline their work. A little training upfront can prevent headaches later.
Partner with Experts: If the process feels overwhelming, lean on Gain Consulting. We’ve guided countless clients through classification challenges, saving time and money along the way.
The NMFTA’s commitment to simplifying freight classification is a win for the industry, but success depends on execution. At Gain Consulting, we’ll be watching closely as Class IT+ rolls out, ready to help our clients harness its potential.
Your Partner in a Changing Market
The supply chain doesn’t stand still, and neither do we. The NMFC overhaul and the launch of Class IT+ are just the latest examples of an industry in flux—one where adaptability and insight are the keys to staying competitive. Whether you’re a shipper looking to master classification or a carrier aiming to align with new standards, Gain Consulting has the expertise to guide you through.
As July approaches, let’s turn complexity into opportunity. Contact our team today to discuss how Class IT+ and the NMFC changes fit into your strategy. Together, we can build a supply chain that’s not just compliant, but optimized for what’s next.
Stay tuned to Gain Consulting for more updates on freight trends and tools shaping the future of logistics.
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