New Feature: Hazardous Materials Classification by Class

What's New

Today we're launching a major update to NMFC Codes: Hazardous Materials Classification by Freight Class. We've created 15 dedicated pages that organize all 123 hazmat NMFC codes by their freight class, making it significantly easier to find and classify dangerous goods for LTL shipping.

If you ship hazardous materials, you know the challenge: you need to find the right NMFC code, but you also need to understand the density requirements and packaging specifications. Previously, you'd have to search through all codes or browse by category. Now you can go directly to the class that matches your material's density.

Why This Matters

Hazardous materials classification isn't just about compliance - it's about safety and cost. The wrong classification can lead to:

• Reclassification fees from carriers (often $75-150 per shipment)
• Shipping delays while inspectors verify your classification
• Safety violations that put handlers and drivers at risk
• Regulatory penalties for non-compliance with DOT and NMFTA standards

By organizing hazmat codes by class, we're making it easier to find the correct classification based on your material's density - which is the primary factor in freight class assignment.

How It Works

We've analyzed all 6,609 NMFC codes in our database and identified 123 codes that are specifically designated for hazardous materials. These codes are now organized into 15 dedicated pages based on freight class:

Each hazmat class page shows:

• All NMFC codes for that specific freight class
• Complete descriptions of each hazardous material
• Category and group classifications for context
• Direct links to detailed code pages with full specifications
• Density ranges that define each class

The pages use a clean card-based layout with 2-column masonry grid, making it easy to scan and compare multiple hazmat codes at once.

The 15 Hazmat Classes

Our hazmat classification system covers freight classes from 50 (highest density) to 300 (lowest density):

High-Density Classes (50-70)

• Class 50 - 10 codes including calcium-silicon compounds, rubber scrap, and bone meal (50+ lbs/cu ft)
• Class 55 - 12 codes including fertilizers, cement mixtures, and metal powders (35-50 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 60 - 12 codes featuring automotive batteries, compressed materials, and dense chemicals (30-35 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 65 - 8 codes with packaged chemicals and industrial compounds (22.5-30 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 70 - 24 codes (our largest hazmat class) including paints, adhesives, and various chemical solutions (15-22.5 lbs/cu ft)

Medium-Density Classes (77.5-100)

• Class 77.5 - 8 codes for mid-density chemicals and compounds (13.5-15 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 85 - 14 codes including cleaning solutions, solvents, and chemical mixtures (12-13.5 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 92.5 - 2 codes for specific chemical formulations (10.5-12 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 100 - 17 codes featuring aerosols, gas cylinders, and lighter-weight chemicals (9-10.5 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 110 - 3 codes for low-density hazmat items (8-9 lbs/cu ft)

Low-Density Classes (125-300)

• Class 125 - 1 code for very light hazardous materials (7-8 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 150 - 6 codes including expanded materials and lightweight compounds (6-7 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 200 - 3 codes for bulky, low-density items (4-6 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 250 - 2 codes for extremely light materials (3-4 lbs/cu ft)
• Class 300 - 1 code for the lightest hazmat category (2-3 lbs/cu ft)

Practical Use Cases

For Shipping Managers

When you receive a new hazardous material to ship, you can:

1. Weigh and measure the packaged material to calculate density
2. Go to the hazmat class page that matches your density
3. Browse the codes to find your specific material
4. Verify packaging requirements and restrictions
5. Generate accurate shipping documentation

For Freight Brokers

When quoting shipments with hazmat, you can quickly:

• Verify the shipper's declared freight class
• Cross-reference density calculations
• Find alternative classifications if needed
• Ensure accurate carrier quotes

For Warehouse Operations

When receiving or storing hazmat, staff can:

• Quickly identify material classifications
• Verify proper labeling and documentation
• Understand segregation requirements
• Reference codes during inspections

Safety & Compliance

This update supports your safety and compliance efforts in several ways:

Accurate Classification

Organizing by freight class helps ensure you're using the correct NMFC code based on actual material density, reducing the risk of misclassification.

Quick Reference

During shipping prep or inspections, you can quickly verify that hazmat codes match the material specifications and packaging requirements.

Training Tool

The pages serve as educational resources for training new staff on hazmat classification principles and the relationship between density and freight class.

Documentation Support

All information needed for shipping documentation is readily accessible, helping you maintain compliant records.

Important Reminder: While our database provides accurate NMFC code information, always verify current codes with your carrier before shipping. Freight classifications can change quarterly, and carriers have final authority on classification acceptance.

What's Coming Next

This hazmat classification update is just the beginning. We're working on:

• Enhanced search filters to find hazmat codes by specific criteria (packaging type, material category, etc.)
• Comparison tools to help you choose between similar codes
• Carrier-specific guidance on hazmat acceptance policies
• Packaging requirement summaries for each code
• DOT hazard class cross-references linking NMFC codes to DOT classifications

Have suggestions for hazmat features you'd like to see? Email us at support@freightclass.org - we're actively listening to user feedback.