Behind every successful shipment is solid packaging—and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. ® (NMFTA)™ sets the standard. The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC)™ includes internationally recognized specifications, rules, and requirements that help ensure goods arrive safely and securely.
What’s Inside the NMFC Packaging Provisions
The NMFC’s packaging requirements fall into three main categories:
- General Packaging Definitions and Specifications
These cover the essentials—from bags and crates to drums and fiberboard boxes. The NMFC outlines how each package type should be constructed to withstand the rigors of transport.- For example, Item 222 defines standards for fiberboard boxes, including size and weight limits, material strength, and the required Box Manufacturer’s Certificate (BMC).
- Approved Packaging for Specific Commodities
Some products need a little extra protection. The NMFC provides specifications for hundreds of package types designed and tested for specific commodities. Each has its own unique package number and has proven—through lab testing or real-world shipments—to offer the right protection for that item in the motor carrier environment. - Performance-Based Packaging
Need a faster, more flexible solution? Shippers can design and test their own performance-based packaging under NMFC Item 180 (Performance Testing of Shipping Containers) and Item 181 (Furniture Package Performance Testing).
Once a design passes the lab tests, it can go into use after a short certification process—helping shippers quickly solve damage issues or meet unique packaging challenges.- Only labs registered with the Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) are authorized to conduct these tests.
- Successfully tested and approved packages can then be certified under Item 180 or 181 and display the official certification symbol.
Packaging Lab & Shipper Registration
To get started, register your packaging lab or shipping organization with the FCDC:
- Packaging Lab Registration: Complete the form below and email it to customerservice@nmfta.org.
- Shipper Certification Registration: Shippers requesting certification of their packages must also be registered with the FCDC, Simply complete the Shipper Performance Test Registration form and send it to customerservice@nmfta.org.
- FCDC-Registered Package Testing Labs
- FCDC-Registered Shippers
- Shipper Performance Test Registration Form
