What is an NMFC code?
What is an NMFC code? It is the item number in the National Motor Freight Classification, the published rulebook that tells LTL carriers what class a commodity belongs to.
What is an NMFC code actually doing
Freight class is the output. The NMFC is the rulebook that produces it. Every commodity has an item number, and that item either fixes the class outright or sets it by density band.
Fixed-class items are things the industry decided do not need measuring: a specific machine part, a particular chemical, a category of furniture. Density-based items are the common case for packaged goods, where the class moves with pounds per cubic foot.
Why the description matters as much as the number
Carriers inspect. When the freight in the trailer does not match the description on the bill of lading, they reclassify it to the item that does, and rebill the difference.
So describe the commodity the way the classification does, not the way your warehouse does. "Auto parts, packaged" survives an inspection. "Stock" does not.
Related terms
Quick answers
Where do I look up an NMFC number?
The classification is published and licensed by the NMFTA, and carriers and brokers reference it under licence. Tell us what the freight actually is and we will confirm the class before it ships.
Does every shipment need an NMFC number on the bill of lading?
Not strictly, but including it removes the argument. A bill of lading with a class and no item number is easier for a carrier to reclassify.
Not sure of the class?
Tell us what the freight is and we work out what is an NMFC code question before the truck arrives, not after the invoice does.