Now What? How to Audit and Adapt Your LTL Shipments Post-NMFC Reclass
On July 19, the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) officially shifted to reinforce density-based pricing, changing how carriers classify and bill LTL freight. This isn’t just an industry trend — it’s operational reality.
For SMBs, the first 30–60 days after rollout are critical. This is the window to spot billing discrepancies, optimize packaging, and put systems in place to avoid costly reclassifications.
Amware is already working with customers to stabilize post-change operations. Here's how you can stay ahead:
1. Run a Packaging Audit
Oversized, half-filled, or irregularly shaped packaging is now a direct cost liability. Under the density-based model, every cubic inch counts.
How Amware Helps: Our packaging audits benchmark your current cube efficiency and provide actionable recommendations to reduce dimensional weight charges.
2. Verify All Dimensions — Before the Truck Arrives
Carriers are using automated dimensioners. If your freight gets remeasured and re-rated, expect a higher invoice — and possibly accessorial fees.
Best Practice: Measure every shipment with certified tools. Record dimensions and weight inside your TMS or WMS.
Amware Advantage: Amrate, our proprietary TMS, supports dimensional data capture and validation before quoting, reducing surprise adjustments.
3. Recalibrate Your Quoting Process
Old habits — like quoting solely by freight class — can lead to inaccurate estimates and profit erosion.
Post-NMFC Tip: Move to quoting by weight and dimension. Class may still exist on the rate sheet, but it no longer drives price.
Amware Solution: Our platform allows you to quote across carriers using updated dimensional logic. We also alert clients to any mismatches between estimated and invoiced data.
4. Monitor Your Bills for New Charges
Watch for trends in accessorials: reweigh fees, reclassifications, dimensional adjustments. These are signs your freight specs aren't aligned with carrier requirements.
Action Step: Set a recurring monthly audit — or let Amware do it for you.
5. Educate Your Internal Teams
Warehouse and shipping teams must understand how small mistakes (like using the wrong pallet or overhanging product) can now have major pricing consequences.
We Can Help: Amware clients get documentation, examples, and 1-on-1 reviews to help operational teams stay compliant.
The shift to dimensional pricing isn’t over — it’s just beginning. Rates, rules, and systems will keep evolving. SMBs who take this time to fine-tune their freight operations will protect margins now and set the foundation for long-term savings.
Let’s make sure you’re not just reacting — but optimizing.
Talk to us about a post-NMFC audit or dimensioning upgrade