NMFTA Headline Newsletter - August 2024
National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.
Setting standards that empower an efficient, secure supply chain.
We’ve designed this monthly newsletter to be a vehicle to communicate general trucking issues as well as National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)? activities.
For the best experience, read our newsletter here.
Download the 2025 NMFC Changes List
The NMFTA is reimagining the NMFC and docket 2025-1 will be focused on standardizing the evaluation of all commodities when density is the primary transportation characteristic. Download the list so you and your team can start to understand the impact on your operations, costs, and compliance.
Don't forget to subscribe to receive emails to your inbox when the 2025 NMFC Changes are released.
Disclaimer: Please note that the items on the attached list are currently under review and do not constitute an official docket. The inclusion of these items in the 2025-1 docket will be determined upon review by the NMFTA. Importantly, the NMFTA will not release or discuss the specific plan for any item on this list prior to the release of the 2025-1 docket. This list is provided so that interested parties can analyze how the proposed changes may affect them once the 2025-1 docket goes into effect. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all items in the NMFC. Once the 2025-1 docket is released, we will welcome feedback through our normal channels.
NMFC Team Hits the Road to Share Changes
Given the major changes that are set to occur to NMFTA's National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)? system, this will be a recurring topic at several industry meetings, events, and conferences to conclude 2024 and industry professionals are encouraged to participate.
Access LTL Listening Sessions
Lunch & Learn: LTL: Major Changes for the NMFC Classification System in 2025
The NMFTA has partnered with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) to host a Lunch & Learn session on Thursday, August 28. During this session, the classification staff will discuss the significant changes being made to the NMFC in 2025.
Attend Freight Classification Webinar Series 4
NMFTA offers a training program to provide users of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) with the skills necessary to get the most out of the NMFC??and ClassIT???in a convenient four-module webinar series.
For Packaging Pros
Packaging Practices Blog: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Ensuring the safe delivery of your freight in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping isn’t just about choosing the right carrier. While LTL carriers are skilled at handling and loading freight, the journey to its destination often hinges on how well the item was packaged before it even reached the carrier. Read this blog to discover how proper packaging is key to a smooth ride and successful delivery.
2024 NMFC Packaging Webinar Series 2
Get ready for the return of NMFTA’s popular Packaging Webinar Series in 2024! Starting November 12, our expert staff will guide you through the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)? packaging definitions, specifications, and requirements, providing practical insights on how to properly apply these provisions. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot!
Didn't download our latest Packaging Guide? We'll forgive you... get it here.
Help NMFTA Virtually Fill a Trailer
NMFTA is aiming to virtually fill a tractor trailer with 5,000 veterans' wreaths for the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America (WAA). Each $17 sponsorship honors an American hero with a wreath. Through this effort specifically, for every two wreaths sponsored through NMFTA at $34, a third wreath will be provided by WAA for placement. Help NMFTA reach its goal by donating today.
First Look: Spring 2025 Meeting
March 2-March 4, 2025 | Clearwater Beach, FL
Mark your calendars and make plans to attend our upcoming meeting at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, FL. NMFTA will be hosting three days of meetings and social activities offering many forums for discussion of issues important to the LTL motor carrier industry.
Attention W&R Specialists: We Need Your Support
At the June meeting, the W&R Advisory Council raised concerns about a proposed law by the New Hampshire Division of Weights and Measures that could affect our members. We at NMFTA are asking your company to oppose proposal OTH-24.1. While the NMFTA has sent a formal letter on behalf of our members, it's important for individual carriers impacted by the law to also send their own letters in protest. To help, we've created a template letter for you to customize and send to the National Council on Weights and Measures. Your prompt action is appreciated and will strengthen our collective response.
Download the Latest Q3 Economic Update
The disconnect between GDP and trucking demand in recent months has left many puzzled. Download the latest Q3 U.S. Economic Update by NMFTA, in partnership with Donald Broughton, to learn more about the shift in consumer spending, impact of the housing market slowdown and retailer inventory mismanagement.
Trucking Cybersecurity News
Navigating the Impact of Chinese Infrastructure on U.S. Ports and the Supply Chain
September 19, 1:00-2:00pm ET | Online | Complimentary Webinar
As global connectivity continues to expand, so does the risk of integrating systems and technologies from potential geopolitical rivals. Join NMFTA's Ben Wilkens and TAM-C's Eitan Richman as they explore the multifaceted implications of Chinese infrastructure on U.S. logistics, focusing on recent incidents, espionage risks, and the strategic challenges faced by the U.S. and its allies.
ICYMI: Unlocking the Potential of Seed-Key Exchange
Recording
Last week, NMFTA's Ben Gardiner and Joe Ohr unpacked new research on seed-key exchanges, and how it is essential for maintaining data integrity and secure interactions within your connected vehicles. Watch a recording of this webinar to learn the technical landscape of seed-key generation, distribution, and validation, that will help you understand common vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
October 27-29 | Cleveland, OH
View Full Schedule for the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference?
We hope you are just as excited as we are to unveil the full schedule for NMFTA's Cybersecurity Conference. Register to come learn from experts within the field, network with other companies, and learn how to build up your defenses against malicious cyberattacks and threats.
It's the conference all cybersecurity and IT professionals in the industry are attending. Don't miss out. Register now.
Don't Miss These Sessions
Available Tools and Services From CISA
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the valuable tools and services available from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and how they can help safeguard your organization.
Fireside Chat: Present and Future of Cybersecurity in Trucking
In this session, we will explore key aspects of cybersecurity investment and management. Topics include current investments and processes, vendor selection, and best practices to safeguard assets.
Business Continuity Tabletop Exercise
Join us for an interactive and practical session hosted by Johanson Transportation Service's Steve Hankel and Airiam's Art Ocain. This session will explore the critical importance of a well-tested business continuity plan for all teams, including operations, accounting, and executives.
New Free Guide: Unlocking the Potential of Seed-Key Exchange
As cyberthreats evolve, securing the systems keeping your fleet moving is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Download our free guide to discover how to protect your operations using the power of seed-key exchange.
NMFTA Releases Critical Solutions for Securing Legacy Maintenance Software in Latest Whitepaper
The trucking industry's reliance on outdated maintenance software, lacking modern cybersecurity, exposes firms to cyberattacks. These breaches, threatening driver and cargo data, carry severe financial and legal risks for executives.?
Community News
POLARIS TRANSPORTATION GROUP: LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Polaris is celebrating its 30th anniversary by reflecting on its commitment to customers, employees, and communities. Founded by Larry, Geri, and Dave Cox, Polaris has grown while maintaining its core values. As a leading 3PL provider and Top 100 For-Hire Fleet, Polaris is recognized for its service excellence and innovative technology, driven by NorthStar Digital Solutions. The company also prioritizes safety, earning the 2024 Excellence in Border Security Award. Polaris is dedicated to employee development, community support, and sustainability, with plans to continue leading the industry with innovation and positive impact.
Are you an NMFTA Member and have news to share with the community? Contact Marli Hall ([email protected]), Director of Public Relations to be featured.?
Industry News
TAT Wins First Place for DOT Award
In observance of?UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)?announced?the 2024 winners of the Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award, which incentivizes innovative and shareable counter-trafficking solutions in transportation.? TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) won first place for their “Youth on Transportation Initiative” proposal.?
Survey: Stronger Freight Demand May Be Around the Corner
Amidst the industry’s uncertain environment, some are optimistic about freight conditions in the latter half of the year.
Third Party-Vendors, Partners are Potential Weak Points in Cybersecurity
Third-party risk management, a key point of emphasis for the NMFTA, is the process of monitoring and managing interactions with external parties, and it’s an element of cybersecurity that many transportation companies have neglected, according to Joe Ohr, COO of NMFTA.
USDOT Grants $26.5M for Funding Bridge Repair, Replacement
Planning grants, which will fund 28 projects in 18 states, will be used to create a pipeline of future bridge construction projects to improve safety, support economic competitiveness, and make the nation’s highway infrastructure more resilient to the effects of climate change.
ICYMI: FMCSA Warns of Phishing Emails
FMCSA reports phishing scams from practices asking for drivers licenses, or certificate of insurance to "protect against fraud".
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