New Freight Rules for Beverages: What Every Trucker Needs to Know 🍻

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Starting July 19, 2025, the U.S. is cracking open a fresh set of freight classification updates — and if you haul beer, soda, or even fancy coconut water, this affects you. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is changing how beverages are categorized and charged for transport. Translation? Freight rates, liability, and how you load that trailer might all be about to shift. Let’s pop the cap on what’s really going on.

What’s Actually Changing?

The NMFTA is updating the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system for beverages. It’s basically a re-labeling of what counts as what — and how much you get paid (or pay) to move it.

Key update: The old classification was based on product type alone (beer vs. juice). The new version includes packaging, stacking ability, and handling characteristics.

That means canned beer might get one class, but bottled beer in glass with tricky stacking? Whole different rate.

Why Does This Matter to Truckers?

1. Rate Negotiations Will Shift:
If you’re an owner-operator or small fleet negotiating loads, your rate-per-mile might get impacted based on how beverage loads are classified now.

2. Freight Liability Is Changing:
You break a pallet of bottles under the new classification? Higher risk = higher liability. Make sure your insurance knows what you’re hauling.

3. Load Planning Gets Tricky:
Shippers will now want to stack more efficiently to fit new class requirements. That means you might need tighter securement, fewer mixed pallets, or different loading times.

How Will It Affect Beverage Carriers?

LTL Carriers:
Expect new paperwork, updated rate sheets, and the chance that beverage shippers will haggle more or start jumping carriers. If you haul mixed freight, this adds another layer of admin.

OTR Carriers:
You might see more full loads of specialty beverages as shippers try to control class-specific charges. Also, watch for pickup and delivery times changing to sync with retail schedules.

Reefer Units:
If you run temperature-controlled, this update could work in your favor. Beverages that can’t tolerate heat may be upcharged — and shippers may be willing to pay more for reliable reefer hauls.

Multiple Perspectives

Shippers: Some beverage companies are panicking. Higher rates = tighter margins. Expect pushback on pricing or requests for volume discounts.

Drivers: Many are annoyed. More rules, more paperwork, and not enough pay bump to make it worth the hassle — unless you play it smart.

Freight Brokers: Most see it as a chance to pad margins. Watch for shady contracts, and read the fine print on new loads like your next paycheck depends on it. (Because it might.)

Smart Trucker Moves

Re-negotiate contracts BEFORE July 19.

Update your cargo insurance. Some policies might not reflect new freight class liability.

Watch your stacking game. Avoid mixed pallets unless the shipper pays for it — and check for new tie-down or load bar requirements.

Learn the new NMFC classes. Knowledge = leverage. Know what Class 70 vs. 85 means for beverages.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t just some office paper shuffle — this change hits the road hard. If you haul beverages, your whole pricing structure could shift overnight. Some drivers will eat the cost. The smart ones? They’ll negotiate better, lock in smart freight, and maybe even start offering beverage-hauling “specialist” services.

Be the second type.

Call to Action
Ready to future-proof your hauling game? 👉 LifeAsATrucker.com has all the tools and guides to help you adapt and win — not just survive changes like this.

Thinking long-term? Don’t wait till these changes roll you over. Build your exit plan now at 👉 RetireFromTrucking.com. When freight shifts, be the driver who already saw it coming.