NMFTA aims to simplify freight classification with new tool

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association knows many shippers find the LTL classification process — and the changes it will undergo this summer — daunting.

That’s why the trucking industry association will release an upgraded version of its digital tool, called Class IT+, on July 15, a few days before the July 19 shift to the new National Motor Freight Classification system.

The NMFTA demonstrated the tool’s capabilities for carriers, logistics providers and shippers at its 2025 Spring Meeting in Clearwater Beach, Florida, last week. NMFTA COO Joe Ohr and Director of Product Holly Taylor talked to Trucking Dive this week about its top features.

1. Better user interface

Perhaps the most noticeable difference from the previous ClassIT tool is an improved user interface: It doesn’t require shippers, carriers or 3PLs to have a classification expert on standby to navigate it, Ohr said.

During the demos last week, the new tool was already helping educate people on how the new system works, he said.

“It’s very intuitive, very easy to use,” Ohr said. “So you’re going to see shippers be able to use it.”

2. Improved search performance

The current ClassIT tool is far slower than the upgraded version and doesn’t offer auto-fill suggestions based on search history the way many search engines do today, Taylor said.

Class IT+ addresses both issues. 

“As you’re typing, you’re going to get suggestions,” Taylor said. “Those suggestions are based off of various factors. Those factors are your recent search history and also what best fits the criteria that you’re entering.”

3. Email and in-system alerts

Not all shipment types will be affected by the initial changes to the LTL classification process this summer. To keep carriers and shippers updated, the Class IT+ platform allows users to sign up for notifications about changes affecting the goods they frequently ship — either by email or in the new system.

Taylor described the reaction to the alert system as “almost off the charts.” 

“Other than the improvements to search, it’s those ‘What’s New’ notifications that people are looking forward to the most,” she said.

4. API connectivity and security

In a world where companies prize their websites and mobile apps, the new tool will offer application programming interface connections.

“As you look at the industry, a lot of people are going towards APIs,” Ohr said. “They just want to tie things together, whether its bill of lading, whether it’s billing itself, or what have you. The APIs that are coming out are really going to not only support classification, but it’s going to support integration within the back office.”

The addition is designed to provide seamless integration for carriers looking to feature ClassIT+ on their platforms, as well as improved data security.

5. Bookmarks and collaborative spaces

Another pair of upgrades were inspired by sticky note reminders about how to classify certain shipments that NMFTA staff noticed on computer monitors at many shipping facilities.

Users can bookmark items as favorites in the new tool so they can more quickly identify classification requirements. 

“You have a favorite item that you constantly search for? Mark it as a favorite so you can easily find it,” Taylor said. “You don’t have to constantly search for it.”

ClassIT+ also offers collaborative spaces on the platform and the ability to share comment threads within an organization, negating the need to provide physical reminders to employees.

 “Those comments become a conversation. It’s a thread, back and forth, and it’s just an easy way for you to collaborate with your team,” Taylor said.