Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 161145.00 | Posts or Poles, utility, including Lighting, Telephone or Electric Railway Posts or Poles, or Sections thereof, see Notes, items 161146 and 161147, in packages, see Note, item 161148: | |
| 161145.01 | Greatest dimension exceeding 288 inches, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: | |
| 161145.02 | Less than 5 | 500 |
| 161145.03 | 5 but less than 10 | 250 |
| 161145.04 | 10 or greater | 100 |
| 161145.05 | Greatest dimension exceeding 192 inches but not exceeding 288 inches, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: | |
| 161145.06 | Less than 5 | 500 |
| 161145.07 | 5 but less than 10 | 200 |
| 161145.08 | 10 or greater | 92.5 |
| 161145.09 | Greatest dimension exceeding 96 inches but not exceeding 192 inches, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: | |
| 161145.10 | Less than 5 | 400 |
| 161145.11 | 5 but less than 10 | 175 |
| 161145.12 | 10 or greater | 85 |
| 161145.13 | Greatest dimension not exceeding 96 inches, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: | |
| 161145.14 | Less than 5 | 300 |
| 161145.15 | 5 but less than 10 | 150 |
| 161145.16 | 10 or greater | 77.5 |
Notes
Note 161146: NOTE-Also applies on posts or poles with affixed or integral mast arms or brackets.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Confirm the freight fits: packaged utility posts or poles (lighting, telephone, electric railway) or packaged sections. Reference NMFC notes 161146–161148 for special provisions.
- Measure and weigh the entire package or bundle. Record length, width, and height, then calculate density to determine the class within 77.5–500. Example: long wood poles bundled on dunnage often class lower when density improves.
- Package for handling: band bundles with steel or polyester strapping and edge protectors, add end caps/boards to prevent puncture, and use spacer blocks to create forklift pockets. Mark center of gravity and keep bands clear of fork paths.
- Book carriers that accept overlength freight and disclose maximum piece length on the BOL. If permissible, ship shorter sections in a crate or tight bundle to improve density and loading options.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Density-based rating lets you optimize costs: tighter bundles or shorter sections can raise density and unlock lower freight classes.
- Clear NMFC 161145 identification and accurate measurements reduce reclass bills, inspections, and delays at terminals.
- Damage prevention—end caps, chafe guards, and rigid blocking—cuts claims on wood, steel, concrete, or composite poles, protecting project timelines.
- Transparent packaging and length details broaden carrier options, improving transit reliability and negotiating leverage on LTL rates.