Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1050.00 | Show more | |
| 1050.01 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1050.02 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 1050.03 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 1050.04 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 1050.05 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 1050.06 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 1050.07 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 1050.08 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 1050.09 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 1050.10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 1050.11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 1050.12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 1050.13 | 50 or greater | 50 |
Notes
Note 1051: NOTE-Applies on Alundum, corundum, emery or other natural or synthetic abrasive material consisting chiefly of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, as well as other articles made from, or having abrasive surface(s). Alundum is a registered trade name of Norton Company.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Calculate density before you quote: weigh the boxed abrasives and measure the outer carton. Example: 36x24x24 in at 180 lb = 12 cu ft, 15 pcf → choose the matching class per Item 170.
- Box abrasive grain or flour in lined, sealed cartons to control dust. Use a heavy poly liner inside double‑wall boxes and tape all seams to prevent leaks during cross‑dock transfers.
- Protect fragile wheels and bonded blocks from edge impact: face guards, foam sheets, and dividers. Do not mix loose grain with wheels in the same box; separate SKUs by carton.
- Palletize tight: interlock boxes, add corner boards, and 4‑way stretch wrap. Mark orientation and ‘Do Not Stack’ for wheels. Put NMFC 1050 and calculated PCF on the BOL for clean auditing.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Lower freight spend with accurate density: heavier, compact cartons of grain or blocks can rate toward Class 50–70, while avoiding costly reclass charges.
- Damage reduction on fragile wheels yields fewer claims and returns, protecting margins and preventing production delays at customer sites.
- Faster, cleaner quotes: a single NMFC item for belts, paper, pads, wheels simplifies rating and reduces billing exceptions across carriers.
- Packaging tuned to PCF lets you right‑size cartons and pallets, improving cube utilization and trailer fill without triggering higher classes.