Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 168200.00 | Track Spikes, railway track, iron or steel, in packages | 50 |
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Package loose spikes in rugged, closed containers—double‑wall cartons or lidded plastic/steel pails—to keep points contained. Example: 50 lb cartons lined with heavy kraft paper.
- Palletize evenly: interlock boxes on a 40×48 pallet, add a slip sheet, and use corner boards with 1/2 in steel or polyester strapping. Stretch‑wrap tightly to prevent leaks of loose spikes.
- List the commodity precisely on the BOL: “Track Spikes, railway track, iron or steel, in packages — NMFC 168200, Class 50.” No density calculation needed for this fixed class item.
- Control handling risks: keep packages under manageable weights, mark HEAVY where appropriate, avoid pallet overhang, and keep spike points facing inward or capped to protect adjacent freight.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Predictable costs with fixed Class 50 for dense metal spikes, often yielding better LTL rates than mixed hardware shipments.
- Lower risk of reclass and inspection delays by citing the exact NMFC item for packaged track spikes.
- Non‑hazardous status simplifies documentation and avoids hazmat surcharges, accelerating tender and pickup.
- Efficient palletization reduces handling time, improves stackability, and cuts claims from punctures or product escape.