NMFC 165230 – Railway Base Plates, Iron/Steel | Class 50

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Palletize base plates flat with no overhang; use 4-way pallets and add runners every 24–36 inches to spread weight, then steel-strap in both directions with a plywood cap.
2. Protect sharp edges with corner boards and edge guards; stretch-wrap to contain grime and prevent abrasion transfer to neighboring freight.
3. Mark total weight and piece count on two sides; request the right equipment (forklift, no liftgate required if heavy) and note limited-access delivery for rail yards.
4. Keep only base plates (tie plates) on a pallet to maintain Class 50; segregate spikes or clips into separate boxes/pallets if included in the shipment.

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

• Class 50 on dense iron/steel plates typically yields lower LTL rates per hundredweight than lighter classes, trimming transportation spend.
• Simple, single-class article means no density calculation, fewer reclass disputes, and faster, cleaner quotes across carriers and TMS platforms.
• Proper bundling and edge protection reduce OS&D risk on heavy metal freight, lowering claim exposure and keeping track maintenance projects on schedule.
• Consolidated, forklift-ready pallets move quickly through cross-docks, cutting handling time and minimizing accessorials tied to special handling.