LTL Density Changes Are Coming: What the July 2025 LTL Shift Means for You

Starting July 19, 2025, a major shift is coming to how Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight is classified and priced. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is expanding from an 11-class to a 13-class density-based system. That means your freight costs may change — even if what you’re shipping doesn’t.

At Envoy Logistics, we’re here to help you understand what this means, how to prepare, and how we can work alongside you to optimize costs, avoid surprises, and stay ahead of the change.

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What’s Changing?

The NMFC system determines your freight class and pricing based on:

• Handling (ease or complexity of moving it)

• Liability (risk of damage or theft)

• Density (weight per cubic foot)

• Stowability (how well it fits with other freight)

With the 2025 update, density will take on greater importance in assigning freight classes. More than 40% of commodities will shift under the new scale, and inefficient packaging or inaccurate measurements could push you into higher-cost categories.

Why This Matters for Shippers

• Pricing Adjustments: The revised density regulations will likely shift many products into new classes, adjusting their shipping rates. Understanding your product's density and how it aligns with the new NMFC categories is critical.

• Strategic Packaging: Shippers may need to rethink how they pack and palletize goods to optimize density and avoid falling into higher-cost brackets.

• Enhanced Transparency: The updates aim to create fairer and more transparent pricing across the LTL sector, helping shippers better predict and manage their logistics costs.

• Carrier Operational Efficiency: Carriers will benefit from more accurate load planning and space optimization, driving better efficiency and profitability.

• System Overhauls: Both shippers and carriers will need to update systems, software, and training materials to reflect the new classifications.

• Customer Engagement: Carriers must clearly communicate these changes to customers, offering education and tools to navigate the transition smoothly.

So, what should you do to get ready for July NMFC Changes?

Envoy’s Role: Helping You Navigate the NMFC Density Shift

The July 2025 NMFC update will reshape how your freight is classified, quoted, and billed. Envoy Logistics is here to help you get ahead of the change with:

✔ Full freight audits to identify which products are impacted and how your classifications will shift.

✔ Detailed cost modeling to understand potential price changes and build smart budget plans.

✔ Hands-on team training so your staff knows how to measure, calculate, and quote accurately under the new rules.

✔ System and contract updates to ensure your TMS, ERP, and rate agreements reflect the new classifications.

✔ Ongoing support and updates so you stay informed, compliant, and ready as the industry transitions.

With the right preparation, you can avoid unnecessary costs, prevent re-bills, and keep your shipping operations running smoothly as the July 2025 changes roll out.

Not sure where to start? Envoy can help review your freight and guide your team through the changes.

Quick Check:

How ready is your team for the July shift?

[Take our 30-second survey here]

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Get Ready for the July 2025 Changes

The NMFC update coming this July will impact how your freight is classified, priced, and moved. Envoy Logistics is here to help you prepare — from reviewing your current freight classes to providing hands-on team support and practical tools to keep your shipments on track.

Download the July 2025 NMFC Density Update: Shipper Preparation Checklist

This checklist, along with our Freight Class & Density Guide, will help you review your freight classifications, update your systems, and ensure your team is fully prepared before the July 19, 2025 changes take effect.

Fill out the form below to get your checklist and stay ahead of the July changes.

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Still have questions? We’ve put together answers to some of the most common ones we hear.

Shipper FAQs on the July 2025 NMFC Density Changes

• Q: Will all my commodities be affected by the density-based scale?

  No — only about 40% of commodities will be reclassified under the new density-based scale. Some products will retain fixed classifications due to their nature (like hazardous materials, certain fragile items, or regulated goods).

• Q: How can I find out if my product codes are changing?

  To check if your NMFC item codes are affected, review the NMFTA’s official updates published in their public docket. You can access the latest release here: Check If Your LTL Freight Item Is Changing Under the 2025 NMFC Updates

  Since ClassIT won’t reflect the changes until July 19, 2025, we recommend working closely with your carriers, brokers, or 3PL partners — many have early insights and can help you assess how the changes may apply to your specific commodities.

• Q: Could these changes reduce my shipping costs?

  Yes, potentially! If you ship heavy, dense, compact goods, you may qualify for lower (cheaper) classes. However, if you ship bulky, lightweight, or poorly packed items, you may face higher classes and costs.

• Will the way I package or palletize goods make a difference?

  Absolutely. Packaging efficiency will matter more than ever. Under-filled boxes, poor pallet stacking, or unnecessary void space can push your density down, which raises your freight class (and price).

• Q: Do I need to change how I quote or book LTL shipments?

  Yes — you’ll need to input accurate weight and dimensions when quoting. Rough estimates may lead to misclassifications and costly re-bills. Many shippers will need to update their internal quoting systems or work with partners like Envoy to ensure accuracy.

• Q: Will my current contracts with carriers be affected?

  Potentially. Your rate agreements are tied to freight class structures, so you’ll want to review contracts with carriers and brokers to ensure they account for the July 2025 changes.

• Q: What if my team makes a mistake on the new classifications?

  Mistakes could lead to freight reclassification charges, invoice disputes, or delayed shipments. That’s why team training, precise measurement, and updated systems are critical ahead of July 2025.

• Q: Are carriers updating their systems too?

  Yes — LTL carriers are actively updating their transportation management systems (TMS), rating engines, and training materials to reflect the new classes. But they will rely on you, the shipper, to provide accurate, updated shipment data.

• Q: How can Envoy help me prepare?

  We provide freight audits, cost modeling, system updates, packaging optimization, and full training support to ensure you navigate the July 2025 transition smoothly.

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Resources to Help You Prepare

Use these tools and references to stay informed and ready for the July 2025 NMFC density changes:

1. NMFTA Official Updates → https://nmfta.org/

2. NMFC Classification Tools → https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes/nmfc-item-lookup-tool

3. Envoy Logistics’ Density Calculator → https://envoylogistics.com/density-calculator

4. Envoy Logistics Downloadable Freight Class Guide →

5. Contact Envoy Logistics → https://envoylogistics.com/contact-us

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With the July 2025 NMFC density changes approaching, preparation is key. By staying informed, reviewing your freight strategies, and using the right tools and support, your business can navigate these updates confidently and cost-effectively.

If you have questions or want personalized help, Contact Envoy Logistics Here. We’re ready to help you stay ahead.