Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 129300.00 | Scales: | |
| 129320.00 | Assayers'; Bullion or Specie; Jewelers'; Laboratory; or Pharmaceutical; or Scales indicating sensitivities of less than one ounce avoirdupois or troy weight; in boxes | 150 |
| 129340.00 | Coin or Currency Operated, in boxes or crates | 100 |
| 129360.00 | Computing, see Note, item 129362, in boxes or in locked shipping cases | 100 |
| 129380.00 | Factory or Warehouse: | |
| 129380.01 | Automatic, see Note, item 129382 | 85 |
| 129380.02 | Other than automatic, NOI, in boxes or crates, see Note, item 129384: | |
| 129380.03 | SU | 100 |
| 129380.04 | KD | 70 |
| 129400.00 | Floor, platform type (Platform Scales, Floor Scales or Floor Scale Bases), industrial or warehouse, steel, other than hand portable, on lift truck skids or pallets | 70 |
| 129440.00 | Livestock, Railroad Track or Vehicle, KD, loose or in packages, scale beams and small parts must be in boxes | 70 |
| 129500.00 | Scales, NOI, in boxes or crates | 85 |
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Verify the weight tier under NMFC 129300 for each handling unit; heavier tiers typically rate at lower classes within 70–150. Document the actual scale weight and any accessories shipped together.
- Match packaging to the build: box small bench or lab scales with dense foam and corner guards; crate floor/platform scales with blocked decks; strap pallet scales to skids with edge protectors. Use loose only when fully secured and protected.
- Protect sensitive parts: immobilize load cells, pad or remove the indicator head and cables, bag electronics against moisture, and pack calibration weights and fasteners in a labeled accessory kit.
- Signal handling needs: apply Do Not Stack or Center of Gravity labels, add tip-and-tell or shock indicators for precision models, and provide forklift clearances or lift points on crates.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Weight-based classification (four tiers within 70–150) lets you consolidate units or ship with accessories as one handling piece to reach a lower class and reduce LTL spend.
- Robust crating and proper blocking minimize reclass and OS&D claims, cutting delays at cross-docks and lowering accessorials like rewrap or special handling fees.
- Non-hazardous machinery avoids hazmat surcharges and paperwork, enabling faster tendering and broader carrier options for time-sensitive projects.
- Clear packaging choice (box, crate, package, or controlled loose) aligns carrier handling with expectations, improving rate accuracy and damage recovery positions.