If you hadn’t noticed, the North American logistics industry is currently undergoing a sea change when it comes to our thinking about freight classification. The changes introduced this month to the NMFC aim to transition the NMFC system toward a more density-based classification approach. It’s a change that’s been a long time coming: The old NMFC system was outdated, based on a complex classification structure that led to too many disputes and unexpected costs. Made possible by evolutions in technology, the new density-based classes aim to simplify and standardize freight classification. 

As a modern LTL shipper or warehouse manager, density must now be the central concern in keeping logistics profitable. Understanding the importance of freight density and how to effectively measure it is more crucial to success than ever. Let’s explore how we got here—and how Cargo Spectre makes NMFC freight classification a breeze.

Understanding the NMFC’s Transition to Density-Based Freight Classes

The NMFC’s move to density-based freight classes is a significant change in the logistics industry. This new system focuses on the density of the freight, calculated by dividing the weight by the volume, rather than relying on factors such as stowability, handling, and liability. The transition aims to simplify the classification process and provide a more accurate representation of the space and resources required to transport goods.

Benefits of Density-Based Freight Classification for LTL Shippers

Density-based freight classification offers several benefits to LTL shippers. By aligning freight classes with density, shippers can optimize their space utilization and streamline their packing, storage, and loading. This increased efficiency can lead to cost savings, which can be passed on to customers in the form of more competitive rates. Additionally, a standardized classification system based on density promotes fairness and transparency, ensuring that shippers pay only for the space their freight occupies.

How Cargo Spectre Dimensioning Systems Simplify Freight Classification

In July 2025, Cargo Spectre unveiled a new freight classification tool powered by ClassIT+™, the only classification platform that directly connects to the authoritative NMFC database, developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA™). NMFTA and Cargo Spectre have entered into a partnership to offer ClassIT+ API data to Cargo Spectre’s customers!

Now, Cargo Spectre offers a ClassIT+ plugin for its dimensioning systems, allowing the most up-to-date LTL freight classification right at the warehouse. By combining real-time pallet dimensioning data with the updated NMFC class codes, the software accurately determines the appropriate freight class for each shipment, preventing misclassification fees. 

Thanks to this industry-leading innovation, Cargo Spectre customers can quickly and easily determine the density of their freight, ensuring accurate classification using the new NMFC standards. With instant classification, warehouse personnel can even check and remedy any pallet packing errors or inefficiencies right on the loading dock to achieve a more economical classification. Our systems seamlessly integrate into existing workflows. That allows businesses to maintain high levels of productivity while adapting to the density-based classification system.

Spectre Link: Determining and Displaying NMFC Codes with Ease

With our new NMFTA ClassIT+ plugin, Cargo Spectre’s Spectre Link software takes freight classification to the next level by offering a new capability to LTL shippers: Instant, automated freight classes with every scan! This innovative software update displays a pallet’s density-based NMFC classification using a simple plugin that LTL shippers can opt into. By integrating Spectre Link with their WMS or database of choice, LTL shippers can instantly access the necessary information to accurately classify their freight based on density.

Spectre Link’s user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Cargo Spectre dimensioners make the transition to density-based freight classification a snap. Shippers can quickly and easily obtain the data they need to ensure that every pallet meets its target class, and repack or adjust any pallet that reaches a more expensive classification to ship. It’s why calculating class with a dimensioner on the warehouse floor is a huge boost in cost efficiency: If a pallet is not packed correctly,  it may be class 65 (due to higher cube) rather than class 55. This simple packing error could cost hundreds of dollars per pallet in shipping! By automatically determining a pallet i’s a higher class on the warehouse floor, Cargo Spectre gives your team an opportunity to repack before tendering data to carriers.

Affordable and Accessible Automation

In addition to their ease of use and reliability, Cargo Spectre dimensioning systems offer an affordable solution for businesses looking to adapt to the NMFC’s density-based freight classification. Unlike other dimensioning solutions that require significant upfront investments, Cargo Spectre offers a monthly subscription fee that makes our cutting-edge automation accessible to businesses of all sizes. Our standard pallet dimensioners cost only $8,000 upfront to install and only $6,000 annually in subscription fees paid monthly. If you no longer need Cargo Spectre, you no longer have to pay—simple! 

By choosing Cargo Spectre, you’re giving your warehouse team the benefits of advanced dimensioning technology and accurate NMFC freight classification without breaking the bank. This affordability, combined with the system’s fast installation and space efficiency, makes Cargo Spectre the ideal choice for businesses navigating the transition to density-based freight classification.

Embrace the Future of Freight Classification with Cargo Spectre

As the logistics industry evolves and the NMFC’s density-based freight classification becomes the norm, businesses that embrace change and invest in the right tools will be the ones best-positioned for success. Cargo Spectre dimensioning systems and Spectre Link software provide a comprehensive solution that makes freight classification fast, easy, and affordable.

By partnering with Cargo Spectre, LTL shippers like you can confidently navigate the challenges of this industry shift, unlocking new levels of efficiency and cost savings. With accurate, reliable, and accessible freight classification solutions, start optimizing your operations and dominating this new era of density-based freight classification! Contact us today to begin.