Bill of lading field
What is an NMFC item number on a bill of lading?
The NMFC item number identifies your specific commodity within the National Motor Freight Classification and maps it to a class. It is the precise citation behind the class number. It comes from the NMFTA's classification or from your carrier.
Why it matters
It removes the argument. A class number on its own is an assertion; a class with the item number behind it points at the published entry both sides are working from.
The mistake that costs money
Copying an item number off an unrelated shipment because the goods sound similar. The item number is specific, sub-provisions split on packaging and density, and a wrong citation is a re-class waiting to happen.
Worth knowing
- Blank is acceptable on most domestic LTL shipments. The class is what the carrier rates on.
- The classification is licensed NMFTA data, so we do not reproduce the commodity lookup here — ask your carrier or your NMFTA subscription.
- Many item numbers carry sub-provisions that change the class by density band.
- If your rate agreement names an item number for your regular product, use that one every time.