Everything you need to know about NMFC Codes

– What is NMFC Codes?

When it comes to the transportation industry, special attention is paid towards technology and efficiency. However, we often miss out discussing about technical details, which play a major role within the industry. NMFC Codes can be considered as a perfect example for such a concept.

In simple terms, NMFC Codes are being used for freight classification. Along with time, the transportation industry expanded and the regulators came up with the need to control it in an effective manner. That’s where they thought of coming up with a more effective standardization procedure. NMFC Codes came into play as a result of that.

NMFC Codes were introduced with the primary objective of ensuring faire measures and ensuring standardized freight pricing. This was created by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. It is now being used for all different types of freights.

– When is NMFC codes use?

As of now, there are 18 different freight classes, which are associated with a number that ranges in between 50 and 500. The shippers have to pay special attention towards these numbers. That’s because the numbers play a major role when the carriers and shippers need to define the specific tariffs that are linked with a shipment and set the rates that must be charged from the customers.

-Who determine NMFC Codes?

NMFC Codes are determined based on four important factors. All these factors are determined by the shippers, according to the guide that has been put forward by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. They just need to go through the classification of numbers created by NMFTA and determine what NMFC Code needs to be provided accordingly.

Here is a quick overview of the four key factors, which determine the NMFC Codes.

• Density

The amount of space consumed by the trailer of the freight, with regards to its overall weight can be considered as the density. There is a strong relationship in between the density and the price as well.

• Stowability

When the item is extremely large, hazardous or heavy, it will be difficult to stow efficiently on a trailer. This can increase the expenses. Hence, stowabilty is considered as a key principle when determining the NMFC Codes.

• Ease of handling

The next factor you must consider is ease of handling. If the freight is too difficult to handle, it will be placed within a higher class. As a result, the costs will increase.

• Liability

If the freight is perishable and liable, it will be moved into a higher class. On the other hand, if the freight is in need of refrigerated transportation or temperature controlled transportation, it will be moved to a higher class as well. You should also take a look at this when determining the NMFC Codes.

With the help of these factors, the freight class is determined. Then it will provide the opportunity to shippers to have a clear understanding about the cost to move the freight. If the carriers and shippers fail to understand the freight class properly, a lot of inefficiencies in the process can take place. On the other hand, it will even lead towards dangerous situations.

– How do you determine sub-class of NMFC Codes

Here is a table, which will assist you to get a clear understanding about the sub class of the NMFC codes. You can refer to the table and enhance your knowledge.

– How do you read NMFC codes

When you have a clear understanding about the classification of numbers, you will find it as an easy task to read the NMFC codes. You can also use a NMFC code lookup. The codes are noted along with a dash after the code. You can refer to a table and make sure that you have a solid understanding on how to read the codes. Then the entire process will become a convenient one for you.