NMFC 168500 - Steel Car Underframes & Hoppers | Class 70

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. List the full NMFC wording on the BOL—“Underframes, car, steel…”—and specify floor type (composition, steel, or wooden) or hopper bottoms attached; mark Class 70 and non-hazardous.
2. Unitize each frame on steel cradles or heavy skids; use chain securement points, cross-bracing, edge protectors, and blocks to spread weight away from floor panels.
3. Pick suitable equipment: flatbed or step-deck with crane or 8k–10k lift; for LTL, pre-authorize overlength and apply Do Not Stack and center-of-gravity labels.
4. Protect the steel and floors: apply rust inhibitor, wrap composition/wood sections, cap hopper openings, and photo-document condition before and after loading.

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

• Fixed Class 70 removes density calculations, accelerating quotes and reducing reclass disputes for railcar refurbishers and OEMs.
• Non-hazardous status avoids hazmat surcharges and extra paperwork, streamlining carrier selection and transit.
• Unified description covers frames with floors or hopper bottoms, ensuring consistent billing on mixed loads and predictable budgets.
• Robust cradling and blocking reduce damage risk and crane time, lowering total landed cost and keeping shop schedules on track.