On July 19, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) introduced an updated version of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, which categorizes various types of LTL freight using thousands of codes.
This marks the most significant update in decades, and for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that depend on less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, it could lead to confusion, delays, and added cost. But even for companies that weren’t 100 percent prepared, it’s not too late to catch up.
How we’re helping: C.H. Robinson, which moves more LTL freight than any other 3PL in North America, has launched a proprietary AI agent that automates freight classification, helping shippers—especially SMBs—adapt to the new NMFC standards with speed and accuracy.
Why it matters: LTL shipping depends on the NMFC system to classify freight based on factors like size, weight, density, handling and liability. The new system changes the rules about density and introduces new classes. Misclassifying freight can lead to inspections, reinvoicing and additional charges and delays.
With fluctuating demand, rising costs, unpredictable tariffs and other supply chain disruptions, SMBs are already facing unprecedented challenges in the current economic environment. The NMFC changes add another challenge.
Many SMBs don’t have the tech infrastructure of larger shippers. They often submit LTL orders via email, without the correct freight class or code. That’s where the AI agent comes in.
How it works
- C.H. Robinson’s new AI agent is designed to meet shippers where they are and eliminates the need to adopt a whole new process.
- You don’t have to do anything differently. There’s no need to sign up or “turn on” anything. Just email us your order as always.
- The AI agent reads emailed tenders and determines the correct NMFC class and code in seconds.
- It then passes that information to another AI agent that completes the order entry.
By the numbers
- The AI agent is already handling about 2,000 shipments per day.
- For first-time freight types, classification takes about 10 seconds. After training, it drops to just 3 seconds.
- Before the AI agent, only 50% of LTL orders handled by C.H. Robinson were automated. Now, over 75% of LTL orders are processed automatically.
What SMBs should do now
- Know your freight specs: Make sure you gather the right numbers. Just like a human, the AI agent needs accurate dimensions and weight to classify shipments correctly.
- Ask about discounts: Not sure about your numbers? Contact us. C.H. Robinson is offering exclusive discounts on dimensioners, devices that allow you to confidently determine the size and density of your parcels.
- Use email confidently: Once you have the correct information, send us your order. The AI agent handles things from there.
The bottom line: This AI agent is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a practical solution that levels the playing field for SMBs. You don’t need a big tech stack to ship smarter. With automation now accessible through something as simple as an email, SMBs can adapt to the NMFC changes without missing a beat. For you, this means fewer disruptions, fewer unexpected fees, and more time to focus on growing the business.
