A National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code is a specific identification number assigned to products and materials transported by truck. Unlike the broader 18 freight classes that categorize cargo by general characteristics, NMFC codes precisely identify what is being shipped, much like a product serial number.
When you’re involved in a truck accident, these codes help determine exactly what was being transported and whether proper safety protocols were followed. Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers explain how these detailed identification codes can impact your truck accident case.
What Is the Difference Between Freight Classes and NMFC Codes?
Freight classes are broad categories that determine shipping rates based on general characteristics. Your accident investigation might reference both freight classes and NMFC codes, but they serve different purposes in establishing liability.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) maintains a detailed directory of NMFC codes and freight classification for virtually every type of product shipped by truck. Each NMFC code connects to specific handling requirements and safety regulations.
Understanding both systems helps us build a stronger case, but NMFC codes provide the detailed evidence we need. Your case may need this level of specificity to prove exactly what was being transported and whether the trucking company was qualified to handle it.
Examples of Freight Class Numbers
Freight class numbers classify items based on density, handling requirements, how well they stow with other cargo, and their cost. Some examples include:
- Class 50: Durable freight that fits on a standard 4’ x 4’ pallet
- Class 92.5: Items from 10.5-12 pounds per cubic foot, including computers, monitors, and refrigerators
- Class 500: Items less than one pound per square foot, such as ping pong balls
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How Can NMFC Codes Help Identify Safety Violations?
Each NMFC code corresponds to detailed handling instructions for that particular product. Your accident investigation uses these codes to determine if the trucking company followed proper procedures for the materials they were transporting. The code leaves no room for interpretation about what was being shipped.
NMFC codes help verify whether the trucking company was authorized to transport specific materials. Your case will be stronger if we can prove that the company wasn’t properly qualified to handle the exact type of cargo it was carrying. Some materials require special certifications or handling procedures.
Every shipment must be documented appropriately with its specific NMFC codes. Your legal team can use these codes to identify where proper protocols may have been ignored. Incorrect or missing NMFC codes often indicate deeper safety violations.
NMFC Numbers and Truck Safety
Improper freight handling based on its NMFC classification can lead to dangerous situations on the highway. You may have been injured because a trucking company failed to follow the proper loading, securing, or weight limits for their cargo. Understanding these classifications helps lawyers identify when cargo may have been loaded improperly.
How Can NMFC Violations Prove Negligence?
Every shipment must have proper documentation showing its NMFC classification and handling requirements. Your case becomes stronger when we can demonstrate that a trucking company ignored or violated these documented requirements. The shipping papers provide crucial evidence of what should have been done versus what actually occurred.
Trucking companies must follow specific protocols based on NMFC classifications. Your injuries may have resulted from their failure to implement the required safety measures for particular types of cargo. We can use NMFC documentation to show exactly which safety protocols were violated.
NMFC classifications specify how different types of freight should be loaded and secured. You may have been injured because the cargo shifted or fell due to improper loading methods that violated NMFC requirements. These violations often provide clear evidence of negligence.
How Do We Use NMFC Evidence in Your Case?
We carefully examine all shipping documentation to establish the proper NMFC classification for the cargo involved. Your case becomes stronger when we can demonstrate clear violations of required handling procedures. This evidence helps establish how a trucker or their employer breached their duty of care.
The link between NMFC violations and accident causation must be clearly established. Your injuries may have resulted directly from improper cargo handling or securing methods. We’ll seek evidence to demonstrate how National Motor Freight Classification violations led to your accident.
Clear documentation of NMFC violations strengthens your position in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies take notice when we present evidence of safety violations because it may show they have a weaker position if their case goes to trial. Systematic disregard for NMFC classifications may indicate gross negligence.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
National Motor Freight Classifications provide crucial evidence in truck accident cases by establishing clear cargo handling and transportation standards. Our investigation of NMFC violations may help your accident claim.
Contact our lawyers and staff at Vaughan & Vaughan today to discuss how we can help you pursue justice and compensation for your truck accident injuries.
