With the upcoming National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system changes — Docket 2025-1 — poised to boost carrier efficiency and potentially lower shipper costs, this discussion examines past classification challenges and outlines the future benefits, along with crucial preparation resources for shippers.

Host Samantha Jones is joined by two motor freight subject matter experts, Seth Bower, Director of Traffic Services at Old Dominion, and Keith Peterson, the Director of Operations for the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

Why did the NMFTA change to density-based pricing? [5:54]

How will updates to the National Motor Freight Classification system impact shippers? [8:48]

Benefits and challenges of the NMFC Docket 2025-1 changes. [17:11]

Resources and tools that help shippers prepare for the upcoming changes to the NMFC system. [20:31]

“Freight today, a lot of it is on pallets so it makes sense to look at it from a density-base. You need the dimensions and the weight. It just keeps it nice and simple and uniform across the board.” — Keith Peterson, Director of Operations, NMFTA

“Classification has always had density as the largest component.” — Keith Peterson, Director of Operations, NMFTA

“From a classification standpoint, simplification is going to be great. And it’s going to create a better experience for the customer.” — Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services, ODF

“We want a pallet that is composed well. It’s never been incumbent on the shipper in the past to make sure they are stacking their pallets so they are filling all the spaces.” — Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services, ODF

“I don’t know any carrier that doesn’t appreciate getting the dimensions so they know what to plan for as far as picking up.” — Keith Peterson, Director of Operations, NMFTA

“From a carrier perspective, the best resource we have is the Solutions Specialist.” — Seth Bauer, Director of Traffic Services, ODF

NMFCChanges.com

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to marketing@ODFL.com.

Must Arrive By Date (MABD) shipping has become a cornerstone for retailers and supply chains alike. Born out of the need for efficiency and precision, MABD’s mandate that freight must be delivered within highly specific date and time windows. There are strict penalties for non-compliance, presenting challenges for shippers. Understanding and navigating these requirements is essential for those involved in the movement of goods.

Host Samantha Jones of SJ Consulting, is joined by Greg Plemmons, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Chris Kelley, Senior Vice President of Operations at Old Dominion Freight Line to discuss best practices for shippers and carriers to ensure scorecard compliance.

· What is Must Arrive By Date (MABD), and are requirements different from LTL shipments? [2:10]

· How can carriers ensure external challenges do not inhibit MABD shipments? [11:05]

· Scorecards and penalties prompt shippers to engage with trusted partners. [13:28]

· Identifying which shipments require an MABD level of attention. [20:55]

· “Make digital connections with your carrier to streamline the flow of communication.” — Greg Plemmons, COO, ODFL

· “As the economy picks back up, warehouse space at the DC’s will get more constrained and that will continue to push more MABD.” — Greg Plemmons, COO, ODFL

· “We have conversations with customers every day about the improvement in their scorecards after signing on with our MABD program.” — Chris Kelley, Senior Vice President of Operations, ODFL

· “It’s important for these retailers to be careful with what type of inventory they are holding, and how fast they are turning products.” — Samantha Jones, Host of Cargo Shorts Podcast, ODFL

· “Communicate with your carrier early and often and we will do the same.” — Greg Plemmons, COO, ODFL

· “It’s more critical than ever to get the product out there.” — Chris Kelley, Senior Vice President of Operations, ODFL

· Connect with Samantha Jones

· Learn about OD’s MABD services

· OD Outlook

· ODFL.com

· Cargo Shorts podcast

· Shippers can direct freight-related questions to marketing@ODFL.com.

The domestic supply chain has changed in ways few could predict. It has rebuilt itself in new, dynamic ways, with a stronger version of Just-in-Time shipping emerging. It is called “Just-in-Time 2.0.” This new model keeps the best parts of the old system while focusing on shorter, resilient lines of transport with greater redundancy.

Host Jonathan Betz is joined by Dr. Thomas Goldsby, the Professor of Supply Chain Management at Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, and Greg Plemmons, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Old Dominion Freight Line.

Their conversation explores the advantages and challenges of Just-in-Time 2.0, near-shoring options, and the new AI tools companies can access when planning for future demands.

Did Just-in-Case shipping solve Just-in-Time 1.0 supply chain issues? [1:41]

Advantages and challenges of Just-in-Time 2.0 shipping. [8:53]

Current geo-political business challenges and near-shoring opportunities. [12:26]

Has near-shoring improved supply chain resilience and can companies bear the cost? [17:30]

Does 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing lessen dependence on distant suppliers? [22:41]

The data analytics companies can use to predict demand accurately. [24:28]

OD Outlook

ODFL.com

Cargo Shorts podcast

Shippers can direct freight-related questions to marketing@ODFL.com.