The 1964 National Master Freight Agreement: A Brief History and Its Impact on the Freight Industry

The National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) of 1964 is a landmark agreement that shaped the freight industry in the United States. This agreement was made between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and the National Association of Freight Traffic Controllers (NAFTC).

The purpose of the agreement was to standardize the conditions of employment for workers in the freight industry across the country. The agreement established uniform wages, hours of work, and working conditions for employees. It also created a framework for resolving disputes between employers and employees.

Prior to the NMFA, the freight industry was organized into a patchwork of regional agreements, each with its own terms and conditions. This made it difficult for employers to operate across state lines and for workers to move from one region to another. The NMFA created a national system of labor standards that made it easier for employers to operate on a national scale and for workers to move freely between regions.

The NMFA was also significant because it marked a shift in labor relations in the freight industry. Prior to the agreement, the relationship between employers and employees was often adversarial and marked by frequent labor strikes. The NMFA established a framework for cooperation between employers and employees, which helped to reduce labor unrest and improve productivity in the industry.

The NMFA has been revised several times since its inception in 1964, most recently in 2018. These revisions have reflected changes in the freight industry and in the broader economy. For example, the 2018 revision included new provisions related to electronic logging devices, which are now required by law for all commercial drivers.

Despite its significance, the NMFA has not been without controversy. Critics have argued that the agreement has made it difficult for employers to compete on a global scale by raising labor costs. However, supporters of the agreement argue that it has helped to create a stable and efficient freight industry in the United States.

In conclusion, the 1964 National Master Freight Agreement was a landmark agreement that helped to establish a national system of labor standards in the freight industry. The agreement brought about a shift in labor relations and helped to create a more stable and productive industry. While the NMFA has not been without controversy, it remains a significant achievement in the history of labor relations in the United States.