Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 162930.00 | Pumice, including Pumice Stone or Lava Rocks, see Note, item 162931, in bags or boxes, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: | |
| 162930.01 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 162930.02 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 162930.03 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 162930.04 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 162930.05 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 162930.06 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 162930.07 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 162930.08 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 162930.09 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 162930.10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 162930.11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 162930.12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 162930.13 | 50 or greater | 50 |
Notes
Note 162931: NOTE-Also applies on Pumice Stone Blocks or Forms.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Confirm material and packaging: pumice, pumice stone, or lava rocks in sealed bags or sturdy boxes, then palletize and shrink-wrap to contain grit.
- Calculate density per Item 170: weigh the handling unit, measure L×W×H in inches, convert to cubic feet, and divide weight by cube to find the class break.
- Keep product dry and contained. Pumice is porous; moisture shifts weight and can prompt reweigh/reclass. Use liners in bags or a bag-in-box approach to prevent dust escape.
- Improve stackability: use slip sheets and corner boards for bagged rock, label ‘This Side Up,’ and strap pallets so loose fill doesn’t slump during transit.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Lower freight costs by boosting density: right-size boxes or compact bag fills to reach a better pcf and qualify for a lower NMFC class.
- Non-hazardous status broadens carrier coverage and simplifies jobsite or residential deliveries common in landscaping and horticulture.
- Cleaner deliveries and fewer claims: abrasion-resistant packaging keeps particles contained, reducing damage, cleanup time, and chargebacks.
- Accurate density data prevents inspections and reclass fees, enabling faster quoting, predictable invoices, and tighter logistics budgeting.