ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has welcomed Nate Ripke as director of commodity and standards development.
In this newly created role, Ripke, a former employee of NMFTA, “will lead the strategy on simplifying the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and enhance the user experience of ClassIT,” according to a news release.
“His return to NMFTA is a testament to the positive environment we’ve cultivated here at the association,” said Debbie Sparks, executive director for NMFTA. “We’re eager to leverage his
insights to drive our success forward and anticipate the valuable contributions he’ll make. Ripke will make a positive impact on NMFTA’s continued growth with his unique skill set and
expertise. He is a leader who we can rely on for the most up-to-date industry knowledge, and due to his familiarity with our products, services, and goals, Ripke is the best fit for the
position.”
In his first stint at the association, from 2011-2017, Ripke was heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of classification development and interpretation. He was also responsible for internal and external training on classification products.
“With more than 17 years of experience with industry-leading businesses, such as Holland, and his own company, Handy Movin’ & Haulin’, Ripke has acquired an extensive skill set to help propel NMFTA forward,” according to the news release. “While at Holland, he served as the manager for weighing and inspection, and during his previous NMFTA role, he served as a member of the Commodity Classification Standards Board. His in-depth expertise in classification, which includes weighing and research, will serve the organization well as NMFTA continues its mission to modernize further and improve the existing NMFC system.”
In Ripke’s recent role at Old Dominion, he served as regional manager of weights and inspections and focused on the industry’s less-than-truckload (LTL) sector. He served as a regional
expert in business process analysis, operational improvement, and freight classification.
“There is nothing quite like the LTL freight environment,” Ripke said. “I have been mentored by some of the best classification minds in this industry, and I have also experienced the pain
points as a classification user myself. Part of reimagining the classification is taking a step back and looking at the entire process. The goal is not just to make it easier to find your NMFC and
freight class; it’s to streamline the classification products with the existing digital initiatives driven by the NMFTA.”
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
