NMFC 137150 - Mica Blocks, Sheets, Flakes | Class 50-400

Note 137151: NOTE-Applies only on blocks, pieces or plates which have been subjected only to cobbing by hammer.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Identify the exact mica form before booking: crude/scrap, flakes/splittings, sheets or built-up blocks (see Note item 137152), rough cobbed (see Note item 137151), schist, dry- or wet-ground, or pulverized. Packaging varies by form and affects density.
2. Measure density for class selection: record the total weight and the external cube of each shipping unit (L x W x H in inches ÷ 1728). Example: 48x40x30 in = 33.3 cu ft; at 1,000 lb, density ≈ 30.0 pcf. Use Item 170 density breaks to determine the class between 50–400.
3. Package to the correct spec: use sturdy boxes with inner containers for ground or wet-ground mica; add liners to keep fines contained and moisture out. For sheets/blocks, protect edges and faces with corner guards and rigid pads, then secure to pallets.
4. Document clearly on the BOL: “Mica, NMFC 137150, [form], [packaging], density [pcf].” If shipping forms covered by notes (e.g., built-up blocks or rough cobbed), confirm the applicable note and packaging to avoid reclassification.

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

• Optimize density to lower freight class and LTL rates; tighter pack-outs and fewer oversized boxes can shift shipments toward Class 50–100.
• Accurate form identification (sheet, flake, ground, schist) and proper boxing minimize carrier inspections, reclass fees, and delay-related costs.
• Single NMFC item covering multiple mica forms streamlines mixed-load tenders and simplifies pricing across vendors and lanes.
• Non-hazardous status broadens carrier options and speeds tender acceptance, improving capacity access and transit reliability.