Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025:
NMFTA seeks feedback on classification updates
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has announced the release of Docket 2025-1, which includes significant changes to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system used by those who ship less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.
Classifying freight with incorrect NMFC classification codes can result in higher costs, making it essential for all NMFC users – carriers, shippers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) – to prepare for these changes by the go-live date: July 19, 2025.
On Monday, March 3, the Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) will conduct a public meeting, held in conjunction with the NMFTA 2025 Spring Meeting in Clearwater Beach, Florida, to discuss proposals and review feedback for the NMFC as listed in Docket 2025-1.
All NMFC users are encouraged to submit feedback, which should include pertinent information relating to the transportation characteristics – density, handling, stowability, and liability – of the product(s) involved, or relevant to packaging materials or methods in connection with proposed packaging amendments.
Feedback can be submitted in several ways:
- Completing the feedback form online
- Emailing feedback to [email protected]
- Sending a letter to: Freight Classification Development Council, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Attend the FCDC meeting. If you wish to schedule an appearance at the meeting, complete the "Intent to Attend" form here no less than three business days prior to the meeting.
Feedback submitted via form, email, or postal mail, must be received by the FCDC no later than 5 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Feb. 25.
“After consulting with NMFTA’s membership and NMFC users, our primary goal throughout this process is to make the logistics process smoother for supply chain professionals. To do so, we determined the current LTL freight classification system must be simplified,” said Keith Peterson, director of operations for NMFTA. “Of the 7,000 NMFC commodities, we’ve altered nearly one-third of the listings.”
To assist NMFC users in preparing for the changes that will go live July 19, 2025, NMFTA recommends accessing the following resources at www.nmfcchanges.com:
- NMFC Changes: What to Expect Video
- 2025 NMFC Changes List PDF
- 2025 NMFC Changes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- August LTL Listening Session Recordings, and more
Anti-freight fraud legislation reintroduced in Congress
Members of both chambers of Congress last week reintroduced a bill that would restore the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to assess civil penalties against bad actors and more to combat the proliferation of freight fraud.
The Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act was first introduced last year in the U.S. House of Representatives, but it never reached the House floor for a vote. While the title highlights consumer protections with HHG shipments, the bill extends beyond that niche and codifies FMCSA’s authority to act against unauthorized brokers and other fraudulent entities.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Restoration of FMCSA’s authority: Restores FMCSA’s ability to impose civil penalties against unauthorized brokers and other fraudulent entities, enabling the agency to act swiftly against bad actors.
- Stronger regulation enforcement: Mandates that companies operating in the household goods sector and elsewhere must maintain a legitimate principal place of business, ensuring that companies cannot use P.O. Boxes or non-physical address to skirt regulations.
- Identifying fraudulent practices: Directs FMCSA to analyze trend and commonalities among companies apply for shipping authority to identify potentially fraudulent operations before they can cause harm.
- State enforcement and consumer protection: Allows states to use federal funds to enforce consumer protection laws related to household goods transportations, providing a more comprehensive and effective regulatory structure.
With a changeover of Congress, the bill introduced in the Senate, it was introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois). In the House, Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) brought forth the legislation.
“We cannot allow bad actors in the shipping and moving industry to violate consumer trust and harm our nation’s supply chain,” Fischer said. “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration the tools they need to hold these thieves accountable. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to get our bill signed into law.”
The American Trucking Associations noted its support for the legislation.
“When individuals and families begin the stressful process of relocating, the last thing they should have to worry about is being exploited by unscrupulous companies charging exorbitant rates and holding their household goods hostage,” said American Trucking Associations’ Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom and Moving & Storage Conference Executive Director Dan Hilton. “… By creating additional tools to crack down on scammers, their legislation will help Americans have greater confidence that the moving professionals they entrust with their valuable possessions are experienced, honest, and reliable.”
[Related: FMCSA pleads with Congress for more power to punish brokered-freight fraudsters]
Registration open for ATA safety, security conference
The American Trucking Associations has opened registration for its 2025 Safety, Security, & Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition, an event dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration in trucking safety, security and human resources.
“The SSHR National Conference represents the intersection of innovation and collaboration,” said Jacob Pierce, executive director of ATA’s Safety Management Council & Transportation Security Council. “This event equips professionals in safety, security, and HR with the tools they need to address today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’re shaping a safer and more secure future for the trucking industry.”
The conference, scheduled for April 23-25 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky, features four comprehensive educational tracks focusing on critical aspects of the trucking industry. Topics include claims and loss prevention, safety, security and human resources that will offer attendees the opportunity to engage with industry experts, participate in valuable educational sessions and gain insights and best practices for their companies.
Other highlights include:
- A focus on new regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices for company policies and procedures
- Crisis leadership lessons from September 11, 2001, presented by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Darling, U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
- Recruitment and retention strategies, presented by ATA’s Women In Motion
- Interactive sessions, including simulated trainings and benchmarking roundtables
- An exhibit hall featuring trucking’s top manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their latest safety, security and HR offerings
- Numerous networking opportunities, including a dedicated reception for women attendees
- The annual Safety & Security Awards Reception & Banquet
