What happened
NMFTA’s Docket 2026-2 contains about 33 proposed changes to the National Motor Freight Classification. The mixed-shipment proposal would revise Item 640. For freight containing articles subject to two or more classes, the bill of lading would need to identify each article separately. When accurate weight and dimensions are supplied for each handling unit, those figures would be used to calculate density, subject to carrier verification.
What drivers should do
If the original bill of lading lacks accurate information, the proposal would allow the carrier, at its discretion, to calculate density from the total weight and overall cube of the shipment or from each package or handling unit. All parties would have to be notified when this rule is used. Certain articles classified by special symbols, packaging, greatest dimension or another factor besides density could still be assessed at the highest applicable class. This is a proposal, not a final change; comments are due by 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 23, and the public meeting is Sept. 29.
Why this matters to our community
Small LTL carriers, dispatchers and shippers should record the exact article description, piece and pallet count, actual weight, length, width and height for every handling unit before pickup. Keep the signed bill of lading, scale or dimension records, packaging details and pickup photos so a reclassification or invoice dispute can be reviewed. Drivers should compare the freight presented with the shipping papers, report discrepancies before leaving and never alter commodity or weight information without authorization. Useful English terms include mixed shipment, handling unit, freight class, density, overall cube, bill of lading, carrier verification and reclassification.