Beyond the Book: How ClassIT+ is Revolutionizing LTL Freight Classification

As the business world continues to move away from using paper, static PDFs, and manual processes and embraces more digitalized, streamlined information management approaches, the less-than-truckload (LTL) freight sector is going through some exciting changes of its own this year. An industry that’s long relied on thick, paper-bound books filled with current classification data now has a new tool to help it both navigate the changes and drive greater internal efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings.

With the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s (NMFTA) newly-upgraded ClassIT+™ tool in their corners, shippers, and carriers can access real-time, accurate digital classification data that helps reduce disputes and simplify billing. This digital leap will transform how LTL freight is managed, foster greater transparency, and support a more predictable landscape for all stakeholders in the LTL ecosystem.

What’s Changing with LTL Classification Codes?

Understanding, selecting, and using National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC^®) codes has never been easy, and that’s why the NMFTA is introducing classification changes focused on making the process more transparent and easier for shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to navigate. The changes go into effect July 19th, and are expected to simplify the LTL classification process, making it more efficient than ever.

The NMFTA is rolling out the changes in phases, with Docket 2025-1 being the first of several that it plans to introduce. This phase includes the following changes:

• Standardized density scale for LTL freight with no handling, stowability, and liability issues.
• Unique identifiers for freight with special handling, stowability, or liability needs.
• Condensed and modernized commodity listings.

Along with the NMFC changes set to take place on July 19, NMFTA’s online version of the NMFC book, ClassIT^® is getting a complete makeover. The new ClassIT+™ tool will offer both an online web application along with an API (Application Programming Interface) and will go live July 15. This tool will include the most current NMFC data and is more user-friendly than its predecessor. The NFMC also developed ClassIT+ API, which allows users to leverage the upcoming NMFC data changes and reduce reclassification disputes and chargebacks through accurate, automated classifications.

No More Outdated Books & Static PDFs

Holly Taylor, director of product at NMFTA, says the organization will continue to produce books at least for the foreseeable future. It also understands that the majority of companies are already using cloud-based software platforms for knowledge gathering. This made it the perfect time to introduce the revamped and refreshed ClassIT+ tool.

“We know that many companies still use the ‘book’ to find LTL classification data, but that process is very manual and cumbersome,” says Taylor. “It’s hard to automate processes and gain efficiencies when you’re still reliant on manual entry and having to ‘look things up’ all the time.” Paper also doesn’t support good collaboration across shippers, freight brokers, carriers, and customers, all of which at some point may need to find accurate LTL classification data.

Lacking a centralized source to work with, these stakeholders resort to doing a Google search for NMFC classification information, not all of which is accurate or reliable when posted online by others. “They just go in and look for NMFC item numbers,” Taylor says. “Unfortunately, this can create a circle of incorrect information, misclassifications, disputes, delays, and added fees.”

ClassIT+ eliminates these and other problems by putting accurate, reliable LTL freight classification right at the fingertips of the people who need it. The tool is even more intuitive and accessible than its predecessor (ClassIT) and both cloud- and browser-based. “It’s the most up-to-date way to find item numbers and classification details,” says Taylor, “all without the clutter of legacy tools and books.”

Built for the Whole Team

With the rollout of new NMFC changes, the supporting technologies are also undergoing significant upgrades. The enhanced ClassIT+ tool and its new application programming interface (API) will deliver an improved user experience and real-time NMFC data, eliminating outdated information. Pricing analysts, shipping clerks, claims teams, logistics managers, and other users will be able to confidently access precise classification data from anywhere, ensuring consistent accuracy across operations.

With the whole team working from the same digital playbook, users can rest easy knowing that the classification data will be correct the first time, versus worrying about having to revisit the data, reclassify the shipments, and redo the quotes. Having a single, reliable source of data that’s easy to access will become more important than ever in July, when the classification codes change.

“A lot of companies have gotten used to just using the same NMFC item numbers over and over again, without realizing that the numbers—or, the stipulations around the codes—have changed,” says Taylor. ClassIT+ solves the problem with data that always reflects the current classification codes and notifications that alert you of changes. This is something that’s not guaranteed when you use a paper-bound book or do a random Google search.

Taylor says the upgraded tool also helps reduce liability and gives shippers and freight providers an accountability trail they can use to prove that the right steps were taken to arrive at the correct classification codes. Again, these assurances simply aren’t available when codes are determined by Google searches or flipping through a book.

“Our goal is to keep the data accurate and available,” says Taylor, “and to make sure all team members get the latest updates, data, and information they need when quoting, making claims or otherwise using the data to support a streamlined, efficient supply chain.”

Eliminating Guesswork, Providing Consistent Information

This evolution from static, fragmented information to dynamic, centralized data is more than just a convenience; it enables entire transportation ecosystems to operate with high levels of precision, accuracy, and reliability. As LTL freight becomes increasingly complex, and demand for it continues to accelerate, freight providers, and 3PLs need modern tools to stay competitive. ClassIT+ puts the power of standardized, accurate classification data into their hands with an intuitive, cloud-based platform that eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent information across all stakeholders.

Taylor says the decision to align the ClassIT+ upgrade with the introduction of the new NMFC classification codes was intentional. “It was a natural fit because one without the other would have meant the new tool used the code system (and vice versa),” she says. “By aligning the release of ClassIT+ and the classification changes, we can provide an all-in-one solution for handling and preparing for all the changes that are coming in July.”

ClassIT+ incorporates the latest technology and was built with portability, adaptability, and usability in mind. Users get the same performance whether they’re sitting at a desk with a laptop or down on the loading dock with a mobile phone in hand. This commitment to mobility helped shape the foundation for the creation of ClassIT+.

“We know that no one just sits at their desk all the time; they’re out on the dock, walking the warehouse floor and popping in and out of their offices,” Taylor explains. “Knowing this, we set out to make ClassIT+ as mobile and adaptable as possible.” The tool was also designed to help users do a lot more than just search for the right classification code, and intuitively factors in the needs of individual team members. ClassIT+ dashboards can be customized for those users, for example, to ensure fast access to the information that a specific job role requires.

Individual users can also save frequently searched classifications as “favorites,” add comments (e.g., individual customers’ quoting or billing preferences), retain search histories, and store other data for easy access. That way there’s no need to reinvent the wheel every time a new LTL shipment crosses their desks. This saves time and manpower, and allows team members to focus on more strategic work than flipping through books or using Google to find the right classification code.

The new tool also features a “Company Common” space, where everyone can come together to share their favorites, comments, and other important data. Every user who has access to ClassIT+ can feasibly access the Company Common, which can also be divided by department or team. It’s a place where a freight broker can have a running dialogue (either public or private, depending on the individual situation) among team members who are collaborating on a specific customer account, or where a carrier's billing department can share notes on specific product handling requirements with dock employees.

Tools for Managing an Ever-Evolving Marketplace

The LTL logistics community continues to evolve along with the transportation industry that it relies on to get products from origin to destination on a daily basis. The domestic LTL sector is also in the midst of a growth spurt, and is on track to reach nearly $140 billion by 2030—up from a current $114 billion. These are just some of the main reasons why this is a great time to embrace the digital transformation that ClassIT+ brings to LTL freight classification.

By leveraging tools that provide automated and precise classification data, organizations can also proactively reduce misclassifications, eliminate costly reclassification disputes and chargebacks, and ensure compliance. This strategic approach ultimately safeguards revenue, prevents billing complications, and supports sustainable success in an ever-evolving transportation marketplace.

To view all resources, visit www.classitplus.com.