NMFC 104460 - Steel Billets, Blooms & Ingots | Class 50

Note 104462: NOTE-(a) Provisions for billets or blooms apply on unfinished material, rough hot-rolled, rough hot-pressed or rough hot-hammered or rough hot-cast and not smooth nor surface finished, commercially known as billets or blooms, to be reheated for purposes of rerolling, forging or hammering, which can be transported on open vehicles without damage from weather and which is of the following description: billets or blooms, square or rectangular-shaped in cross-section and round cornered, the combined measurement of the four sides of the cross-sectional area of each being 14 inches or over; also billets of smaller sizes, provided they are square shaped in cross-section, and round cornered, 1 1/2 inches square or over, weighing each 150 pounds or over. (b) Provisions also apply on unfinished material, rough hot-rolled or rough hot-cast and not smooth nor surface finished, commercially known as round billets, to be reheated for purpose of rerolling, forging, hammering or piercing, which can be transported on open vehicles without damage from weather and which is of the following description: billets, round shaped, in cross-section, the diameter of which is 3 inches or over. (c) Provisions also apply on iron or steel billet or bloom crop ends, if cropped from iron or steel billets or blooms as described above, provided no further work has been done on same. (d) Provisions provided herein will not apply on billets or blooms manufactured true to gauge as to dimensions.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Confirm the material fits the scope: iron or steel billets, blooms, or ingots that are not copper clad; if uncertain, review the Note referenced at item 104462.
2. Bundle tight and square on sturdy runners or skids; use steel strapping and edge protectors. Example: 20 ft billets stacked 3–4 high, three straps minimum per bundle.
3. Mark the BOL with NMFC 104460 and Class 50, and list piece count, bundle count, and total weight. This prevents reclass and speeds terminal handling.
4. Plan handling for extreme weight and length: specify forklift capacity, request side-loader if needed, and add dunnage to keep crane forks clear and protect surfaces from rust staining.

Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.

• Predictable pricing with a fixed Class 50—no density math and fewer surprises on your LTL quotes.
• Lower cost per pound for dense, solid metal stock compared to higher classes, improving landed cost on bulk steel shipments.
• Reduced reclassification risk when clearly described as billets/blooms/ingots (non–copper clad) and packaged in secure bundles.
• Operational efficiency: consolidated bundles load faster, cut touch points, and reduce claims tied to shifting or abrasion.