On July 19, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) launched a major update to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, reshaping how less-than-truckload (LTL) freight is categorized. This comprehensive change, the most significant in decades, affects small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that heavily depend on LTL shipping. The revised NMFC includes new rules for freight density and introduces additional classification categories, potentially leading to confusion and increased shipping costs for SMBs lacking advanced logistics infrastructure. To mitigate these challenges, C.H. Robinson has developed an AI-based freight classification tool that automates the identification of NMFC classes, significantly reducing misclassification risks and associated delays. Accurate freight specifications, such as dimensions and weight, remain crucial for successful classification. The adoption of automation tools, now exceeding 75% for LTL orders, can help SMBs efficiently navigate NMFC updates amidst broader economic pressures, ensuring smoother shipping operations.
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