NMFC 166090 - Railway Couplers | Class 50

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. State on the BOL: “Couplers, railway car or locomotive, NMFC 166090, Class 50” to avoid density disputes or reclass audits.
2. Palletize or crate heavy steel couplers; block, wedge, and steel-strap them so knuckles and shanks cannot shift during LTL handling.
3. Cap or wrap exposed pins and threaded areas to prevent impact damage, then apply tip-and-fork warnings for safer forklift pickup.
4. Limit weight per pallet to what your dock gear can handle (e.g., two couplers per 48x48 hardwood pallet) and use 4-way entry for easier loading.

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

• Fixed Class 50 simplifies rating and typically lowers LTL costs for dense steel hardware like couplers.
• Clear NMFC 166090 labeling reduces carrier inspections and reclass fees, speeding quotes and billing.
• Durable packaging (crating, blocking, steel strapping) cuts damage risk on expensive coupler castings, protecting margins.
• Predictable class enables reliable budgeting for OEMs, repair shops, and rail yards scheduling routine parts replenishment.