NMFC 165100 - Railway Material & Equipment | Class N/A

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Pin down the exact railway item (rails, tie plates, switch machines, signal masts) and match it to the specific NMFC sub-item under the Railway Group—avoid using the group header as the shipping class.
2. Detail packaging and securement on the BOL: banded rail bundles on skids, crated switch machines, palletized fasteners, or racked wheelsets, and include counts, bundle length, and total weight.
3. Call out handling constraints early—overlength rails, sharp edges, or concentrated weights—and request suitable equipment (extended-tine forklifts, side loaders) and loading direction (side or end).
4. Separate ancillary materials (lubricants, batteries, lamps) into distinct line items when present to preserve non-hazardous status and prevent misclassification or delays.

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

• Correct sub-item selection within the Railway Group reduces reclass fees and produces more accurate LTL rates for heavy or overlength components.
• Clear packaging and securement notes lower claim risk on precision equipment like switch motors and control housings, protecting project timelines.
• Proactive disclosure of lengths and loading needs helps avoid accessorials such as overlength, special equipment, and limited access charges.
• Using the grouping as a precise lookup framework speeds quotes for mixed railway shipments, improving procurement responsiveness and carrier acceptance.