To establish fair measures and standardize freight pricing, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created a
freight classification system for all types of commodities. This system, featuring well-defined classes, is cataloged with
National Motor Freight Classification tariff, commonly referred to as the NMFC.
Shipping commodities are grouped into 18 freight classes between 50 and 500. Shippers and carriers use the NMFC freight classifications as a common standard when setting shipping rates.