NMFC Changes effective August 5, 2023

NMFC Changes effective August 5, 2023

NMFC Changes effective August 5, 2023The Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) has discussed new amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®). These new NMFC changes are effective 08/05/2023.

  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 1 – Athletic Goods Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 2 – Games or Toys Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 3 – Paper
  • Drugs or Medicines, NOI – Item 58770
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 5 – Railings, NOI – Item 35255
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 6 – Adhesives Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 7 – Office or Store Equipment Group and Stationery Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 8 – Roof Gutters, Eavestroughs or Downspouts, or Fittings therefor
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 9 – Blackboards, Chalkboards, Corkboards, Tackboards, Whiteboards, Dry Erase Boards or Markerboards
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 10 – Fruit Juice Powders or Crystals; Juice, fruit or vegetable, including Juice Concentrates, Juice Beverages or Juice Drinks; or Preparations, beverage, NOI
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 11 – Polish, Polishing Compounds or Polishing Wax
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 12 – Caps and Covers Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 13 – Devices or Converters, catalytic, internal combustion engine exhaust system – Item 57170
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 14 – Covers, automobile hood, radiator, spring, steering wheel, tire, top or seat – Items 18460 and 184625 – Pallets Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 16 – Fibers
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 17 – Tampons, Pads or Sanitary Napkins, feminine hygiene
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 18 – Grain Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 19 – Graphite Articles, NOI – Item 89935
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 20 – Cookware Group
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 21 – Sprinkler Heads
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 22 – Fuel Cans, Containers, Dispensers or Tanks – Items 40215 and 40217
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 23 – Charcoal, Charcoal Briquettes or Charcoal Pellets, including Carbon Briquettes – Items 40570, 42445 and 42450
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 24 – Gums, natural
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 25 – Pumice Stone Bricks or Blocks, or Pumice Stone, including Lava Rocks – Items 162910 and 162920
  • Docket 2023-2, Subject 26 – Malt Flour, Gluten Meal or Wheat Germ Meal – Items 89610, 89670 and 89770

Complete details are included in the DOCKET 2023-2 bulletin. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.

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NMFC Changes effective August 5, 2023

NMFC Changes effective April 8, 2023

NMFC Changes effective April 8The Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) has discussed new amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®). These NMFC changes noted below are effective 04/08/2023.

  • Subject 1 – Furniture Group and Furniture Parts Group – Numerous items for furniture or furniture parts are canceled with reference to new item 78400, new item 79300, item 164390, item 178690 or provisions otherwise applicable, as shown.
  • Subject 2 – Plastic or Rubber Articles – Provisions for plastic or rubber articles, as shown, are updated by: reclassifying numerous products; canceling the Plastic or Rubber Articles or Materials, Expanded, Group; canceling obsolete provisions; amending minimum packaging requirements; and making other changes in the interest of clarification, simplification and uniformity.
  • Subject 3 – Dental, Hospital or Medical Supply Group – The Dental, Hospital or Medical Supply Group is updated by canceling numerous items with reference to new items 56570, 56590, 56830 or 56930, or item 188560, as shown. The group is further updated by canceling numbered packages and making other changes in the interest of clarification, simplification and uniformity.
  • Subject 4 – Cabinets, or Parts Named
  • Subject 5 – Pipe or Tubing, or Pipe or Tubing Fittings, metal – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to new item 52200, naming “Pipe, Tubing, or Pipe or Tubing Fittings, metal, combined or not combined with other materials, NOI,” with classes predicated on greatest dimension and density. Note, item 51902 is canceled and reestablished as new Note, item 52201.
  • Subject 6 – Pipe, Tubing or Pipe Fittings, NOI, mineral and resin composition combined – Item 52250 – Item 52250 is canceled with reference to item 156600.
  • Subject 7 – Foodstuffs, other than frozen – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to item 73260, which provides the FCDC’s standard 11-subprovision density scale.
  • Subject 8 – Sugar – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to item 73150, which provides density breaks at 10, 15 and 30 pcf.
  • Subject 9 – Pads, Padding and Related Articles Group – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to item 149265, which provides the FCDC’s standard 11-subprovision density scale.
  • Subject 10 – Brooms Group – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to new item 32800, naming “Brooms, Brushes or Mops, or Parts thereof, NOI,” with classes predicated on the FCDC’s standard 11-subprovision density scale.
  • Subject 11 – Mirrors – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to new item 137390, naming “Mirrors, NOI,” with classes predicated on greatest dimension and density.
  • Subject 12 – Chemicals, NOI – Item 43940 – Item 43940 is amended by assigning classes predicated on density, with breaks at 10, 15 and 30 pcf.
  • Subject 13 – Pesticides, including Insect Paper, and Flypaper – Item 155045 is canceled with reference to item 155050. Concurrently, item 155050 is amended to assign the FCDC’s standard 11-subprovision density scale.
  • Subject 14 – Carts, Wagons or Wheeled Trays, food or beverage preparation, serving or vending – Items 81570 and 188950 – Items 81570 and 188950 are canceled with reference to new item 189000, naming “Carts, Wagons or Wheeled Trays, food or beverage preparation, serving or vending, with or without cooking, cooling or heating devices or equipment,” with classes predicated on greatest dimension and density.
  • Subject 15 – Wheels or Wheel Blanks – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to new item 197230, naming “Wheels or Wheel Blanks, NOI.” As modified, the new item assigns classes predicated on packaging and density.
  • Subject 16 – Radiators, heating or cooling – Items 26800, 26840, 26860 and 26880 are canceled with reference to new item 26820, naming “Radiators, heating or cooling, NOI, or Unit Ventilators,” with classes predicated on greatest dimension and density.
  • Subject 17 – Guards, Screens or Covers, gutter, metal – Item 36650 is amended to read, “Guards, Screens or Covers, gutter, metal,” and to assign classes predicated on greatest dimension and density. The minimum packaging requirements are amended to authorize “in packages,” and new Note, item 36651 is established to provide additional packaging requirements.
  • Subject 18 – Items (Rules) 245 and 680 – Definition of and Construction Requirements for Crates – The requirements in Item 245 are clarified by: stating that crates are six-sided; amending the methods of securement; and specifying the bottom construction requirements. As modified, the requirements are amended to state that openings on sides, ends and tops must not exceed 25 inches in their greatest dimension, which may be the length, width, height or diagonal measurement of the opening. Item 680, Sec. 5(a) is concurrently amended to state that “in packages” also applies on articles tendered in a “crate-like framework not complying with Item 245.”
  • Subject 19 – Feeders, livestock or poultry – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to new item 65300, naming “Feeders, livestock or poultry, including Salt Holders, with or without conveyors or troughs,” with classes predicated on packaging and density.
  • Subject 20 – Bottle Filling, Labeling, Rinsing, Washing, Wiring, Capping or Corking Machines – Items 115220 and 115240 – Item 115220 is canceled with reference to item 115240. Item 115240 is amended to include “Capping or Corking Machines” and to assign classes predicated on packaging and density.
  • Subject 21 – Ice Cream Freezers (Ice Cream Makers) – Item 121400 – As modified, item 121400 is canceled with reference to new item 123135, naming “Ice Cream Makers, including Ice Cream-Making Freezers,” and assigning the FCDC’s standard 11-subprovision density scale.
  • Subject 22 – Peat or Peat Moss – The description of item 154900 is amended to read, “Peat or Peat Moss, NOI,” and class 70 is assigned.
  • Subject 23 – Culverts, Culvert Sections or Culvert Fittings, metal – Numerous items, as shown, are canceled with reference to new item 51015, naming “Culverts, Culvert Sections or Culvert Fittings, metal,” with classes predicated on greatest dimension and density.
  • Subject 24 – Blanks or Stampings, NOI, or Castings or Forgings, NOI, aluminum, or brass, bronze or copper – Items 13260, 13320, 30260 and 30320 – Items 13260 and 13320 are canceled with reference to item 13120, and items 30260 and 30320 are canceled with reference to item 30160.
  • Subject 25 – Dough Sheeters – The description of item 114390 is amended by adding “Dough Sheeters.”
  • Subject 26 – Removal of ‘F’ Packages
  • Subject 27 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
  • Subject 28 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
  • Subject 29 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
  • Subject 30 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
  • Subject 31 – Bicycles, electric (Electric Bikes or EBikes) – Deferred Subject – As modified, new item 190270 is established, naming “EBikes or ETrikes (Electric Bicycles or Tricycles),” with classes predicated on whether the products are shipped without batteries, with batteries installed, or with batteries uninstalled.

Additional detail is included in the DOCKET 2023-1 bulletin. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.

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The World’s Flight Paths and Aviation Hubs

The World’s Flight Paths and Aviation Hubs

A recent article published by Visual Capitalist (written by Adam Symington and Carmen Ang) discusses the world’s busiest aviation hubs. According to the report, there are up to 8,755 commercial flights in the air at any given time of day. These flights transport thousands of people and millions of dollars worth of goods around the world.

You can read the full article on Visual Capitalist here: Mapping Airways: World’s Flight Paths and Airports

The article focuses on three points regarding aviation/airports. They are presented below the map with a comment from Logistics Plus.

aviation hubs

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Busiest Airports by Passengers

Eight of the top ten busiest airports for traffic in 2021 were in America. Topping the list was Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with more than 75 million passengers in 2021. According to the airport’s website, Atlanta is within a two-hour flight from 80% of the U.S. population. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) was second on the list, with 62.5 million passengers. DFW is the central hub for American Airlines, the world’s largest airline by fleet size.

Our thoughts: It’s no shocker to see that U.S. airports make up eight of the top ten busiest airports for passengers. According to CNN, Americans are more likely to travel within the country than abroad. Another factor that most likely affects this list is that the U.S. rolled back on COVID travel restrictions faster than most countries.

Busiest Airports by Cargo

The busiest airports by cargo list is much different than the passenger traffic list. Hong Kong (HKG) takes the top spot on this list after processing more than 5 million metric tons of freight throughout 2021. Hong Kong has been known as the busiest air cargo hub for over a decade, and it maintains this spot. The second busiest cargo airport in the world is Memphis International Airport (MEM), with nearly 4.5 million metric tons of freight in 2021.

Our thoughts: Hong Kong topping the list for ten consecutive years is no surprise. Hong Kong airport has a geographical advantage, being located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific. You might wonder how Memphis International Airport is the top air cargo hub in the United States. Well, Memphis is the home of FedEx, one of the largest air freight carriers in the world. Based on location, it would be easy to assume that Los Angeles or New York would top the list in America.

Covid-19 Impact on Aviation

At the peak of COVID, international travel was down 98% from normal levels. Although the aviation industry is starting to recover, things aren’t fully back to normal yet. ACI World’s General Director, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, stated that last year’s recovery was just the beginning and that we should expect a return to normalcy.

Our thoughts: It will be interesting to check out the numbers over the next few years to see how long it takes the aviation industry to reach its pre-pandemic numbers. Many airlines were forced to lay off staff, cancel trips, and raise prices. As these factors slowly move back to normal levels, the aviation industry will be just fine moving forward.

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NMFC Changes effective August 5, 2023

NMFC Changes effective December 17, 2022

NMFC-Guide-BookThe Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) has discussed new amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC®). These NMFC changes noted below are effective 12/17/2022.

Subject 1 – Chemicals Group
Subject 2 – Cloth, Dry Goods, Fabrics or Textiles Group – Moving ALL to an 11 tier density/class item
Subject 3 – Beds or Cots – Moving ALL to an 11 tier density/class item
Subject 4 – Assemblies, chimney or smoke flue; Duct, flexible; or Duct or Flues, other than flexible, or Fittings therefor – Items 50755, 50920, 51035 and 51045
Subject 5 – Flour or Meal – Moving from individual items with 50, 55 or 60 to ONE item with 125, 85, 70 or 55 based on density.
Subject 6 – Cabinets, Enclosures, Frames or Housings, electrical apparatus Item 61110
Subject 7 – Item (Rule) 680, Note 2(c) – Maximum Allowable Dimensions of Lift Truck Skids, Pallets or Platforms for ‘Potentially Unstable Commodities’
Subject 8 – Abrasives Group
Subject 9 – Baskets or Hampers
Subject 10 – Yarn – Moving ALL to an 11 tier density/Class item.
Subject 11 – Washers (Washing Machines), Dryers (Drying Machines) or Washer-Dryer Combinations (Washing and Drying Machines combined), household laundry – Items 124185, 124065 and 124125 – Moving from Class 85 and Class 100 to 250 and 125 based on density
Subject 12 – Dough Working Machines – Item 114440
Subject 13 – Bicycles, electric (Electric Bikes or EBikes) – Adding NEW Item specifically for E-Bikes – Class 250
Subject 14 – Fishing Tackle, NOI – Canceling Fishing Tackle other than plastic or rubber (Item 16630 for class 125) to 15520 which is an 11 tier density/class item
Subject 15 – Fireplaces or Fireplace Accessory Group – Moves ALL Items into one 11 tier density/class item.
Subject 16 – Pumps, suction or pressure, dental, hospital or medical – Item 56840
Subject 17 – Fenders or Bumpers, boat or dock – Items 68090 and 68095
Subject 18 – Wood Sawing Machines (Saws and Engines combined), portable, including Chain Saws – Item 133250 – Item 133250 is canceled with reference to new item 129060, naming “Saws, power
operated, portable, NOI, including Portable Sawmill Machines or Chainsaws,” with classes
predicated on packaging and density.
Subject 19 – Broilers, Grills or Waffle Irons, electric, other than oven-type – Item 61065 – Cancels item 61065 (Class 85) and moves into 26720 which is 175 and 85 depending upon density.
Subject 20 – Carpets, Carpeting, Carpet Remnants or Rugs – Item 70680 – Packaging
Subject 21 -Furniture Group – Note, Item 79022
Subject 22 – Furniture Group – Notes, Items 79023, 79024, 79026, 79030, 79031 and 79032
Subject 23 – Parts, chair or stool, wooden, finished – Item 83340
Subject 24 – Spreaders, salt or sand, vehicle mounting
Subject 25 – Manikins, medical or rescue training; or Kits, medical training aid – Item 56825
Subject 26 – Firearms or Firearm Parts, NOI – Item 69300 – Separates Firearms and Firearms parts into TWO separate items
Subject 27 – Machines, pneumatic tire changing – Item 124670
Subject 28 – Insulation or Insulating Material, calcium silicate and fiber combined – Item 103080
Subject 29 – Trusses, medical or surgical
Subject 30 – Glass, recreational vehicle (RV), travel trailer or horse trailer
Subject 31 -Item (Rule) 680, Sec. 7(b)(3) – Requirements for Pails Unitized or Secured on Lift Truck Skids, Pallets or Platforms
Subject 32 – Item (Rule) 680, Sec. 9(b) – Strapping Requirements for Articles Exceeding 48 Inches in Height
Subject 33 – Hot Chocolate or Hot Cocoa Mixes
Subject 34 – Fenders, boat-carrying trailer, utility trailer, or snow or ice vehicle
Subject 35 – Miscellaneous Packaging Provisions
Subject 36 – Miscellaneous Packaging Provisions
Subject 37 – Miscellaneous Packaging Provisions
Subject 38 – Beans, castor – Item 23020
Subject 39 – Cancelation of Numbered Packages
Subject 40 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
Subject 41 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items
Subject 42 – Obsolete Provisions – Multiple Items

Additional detail is included in the DOCKET 2022-3 bulletin. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.

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Hawaii: An Ideal Hub for Trade

Hawaii: An Ideal Hub for Trade

hawaii trade hub

(Click the map to enlarge)

Hawaii is home to ten commercial harbors, eleven commercial airports, and roughly 2,500 miles of roads, making it an ideal hub for trade. In 2018, Hawaii exported $660 million of Made-in-America goods worldwide. The top contributors to the state’s economy are real estate, tourism, construction, and government, including the U.S. military. The island is now the commercial and transportation hub for intra-island commerce and the primary link to the United States mainland, the Far East, and the Pacific Rim economies.

The port of Honolulu is located just three miles from Honolulu International Airport and supplements shipping and intermodal transportation of people and products. The port has come a long way since a sunken ship hull was used as a wharf in the early development of the harbor. The port handles roughly 11 million tons of cargo annually and processes dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk cargo, and passenger and fishing ships. The harbor is also a vital passenger destination for leisure, research, and fishing vessels.

Roughly equidistant between the pacific coast on the U.S. mainland and Japan, the Port of Honolulu serves as a refueling hub for trans-Pacific shipping. Hawaii’s importance to these economies has been solidified as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand all maintain consulates on the island.

The 1920 Jones Act requires that all cargo transported between U.S. ports be on U.S. flagged ships, built and mostly owned and crewed by Americans. As a result, only three U.S. flagged carriers with a fleet of twenty combined vessels, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of Hawaii transportation commerce, currently provide regularly scheduled shipping services between the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii.

Hawaii is also home to Foreign Trade Zone #9, which promotes business through on-site services such as customs brokers, shipping agents, tariff reduction programs, warehousing, and offices for the international trade community.

Logistics Plus recently opened a new branch office in Honolulu, Hawaii. The new LP Hawaii branch specializes in the movement of project cargo, international freight, warehousing, FF&E projects, and other supply chain-related projects. If you ship to or from Hawaii, or if you have a supply chain that spans the Pacific Ocean, contact us to learn more.

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