FedEx Freight Delays Enforcement of New LTL Classification Rules Until December

Just days after sweeping changes to freight classification went into effect, the nation’s largest LTL carrier, FedEx Freight, has decided to delay enforcement until December 1. The move injects uncertainty into an already complex transition as shippers, carriers, and 3PLs work to adapt to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s (NMFTA) new density-based classification system.

We broke down the changes within the LTL shakeup which you can view here:

A Major Curveball

FedEx’s decision effectively pauses compliance pressure on shippers that had been rushing to align with the revised National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) structure rolled out on July 20. While many carriers are preparing to enforce the new rules immediately, FedEx Freight’s decision to hold off is expected to create ripple effects across the LTL market.

“We have delayed enforcement to help our customers adapt and ensure a smooth transition,” a FedEx spokesperson told FreightWaves.

The NMFTA overhaul is designed to modernize freight classifications by aligning shipment charges more closely with actual handling costs, based on density rather than commodity description alone. That means shippers must now provide detailed, accurate weights and dimensions to avoid misclassification penalties or surcharges.

FedEx’s Delay: What It Means for Shippers

While FedEx is not ignoring the new system entirely, its pause on enforcement changes the immediate compliance landscape for shippers and 3PLs.

Enforcement Pause Through December 1: FedEx Freight will not begin applying surcharges related to misclassified or incomplete shipment information until this date.
Inspection Charges Still Loom: After enforcement begins, inaccurate or missing data on bills of lading may trigger Item 980 or 981 surcharges.
Early Adoption Encouraged: FedEx says shippers are welcome to use the new NMFC rules immediately, but are not required to do so until the December deadline.
Clarity Still Needed: With the largest carrier pausing enforcement while others move ahead, shippers could face different rules depending on the carrier they use.

“Since several commodities are moving to density-based classification, it’s more important than ever for shippers to accurately record shipments’ density, weight, and dimensions,” FedEx said in a statement.

Industry Impact: Confusion, Chaos, and Opportunity

FedEx’s decision complicates what was already a major industry shift. As the #1 LTL carrier, its actions carry weight. With other carriers likely enforcing the NMFC changes now, FedEx’s delay introduces inconsistencies that will affect everything from rate negotiations to software and TMS updates.

Shippers May Prioritize FedEx Temporarily: To avoid immediate compliance pressure, some may shift volume to FedEx Freight.
3PLs Caught in the Middle: With inconsistent application of the new rules across carriers, logistics providers must adapt quickly to each carrier’s enforcement timeline.
Opportunities for Smaller Carriers: Those who adapt quickly to density-based pricing—and communicate clearly—may gain shipper confidence.

Source: FreightWaves