Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 169620.00 | Rings, Blocks, Saddles or Shapes, condensing or tower packing, in boxes or drums: | |
| 169620.01 | Carbon | 70 |
| 169620.02 | Metal, other than iron or steel, also in bags | 77.5 |
| 169620.03 | Steel, also in bags | 70 |
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Use rigid corrugated boxes (double-wall for ceramic) with dividers or layer pads so rings, blocks, and saddles don’t abrade or crack; line boxes with poly bags to contain dust and chips.
- Cap box weight around 40–50 lb for easier handling; H-tape seal all seams and mark fragile for ceramic pieces, while plastic or metal shapes can typically ride in sturdy single- or double-wall cartons.
- Palletize uniformly: keep boxes flush to the pallet, add corner boards, top sheet, and tight stretch wrap; for brittle ceramic media, post Do Not Top-Stack to prevent crush damage.
- On the BOL, reference NMFC 169620 and select the correct class (70 or 77.5) per the tariff; list material type, box count, total weight, and note Non-Hazardous to streamline carrier acceptance.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Correctly choosing Class 70 vs 77.5 prevents reclass bills and unexpected rate adjustments on tower packing shipments.
- Boxed packaging lowers breakage on fragile ceramic media, cutting claim costs and cycle time for replacements.
- Uniform cartons cube efficiently on pallets, improving dock handling speed and reducing touch points in LTL networks.
- Non-hazardous status widens carrier options and simplifies paperwork, accelerating pickups and transit through busy hubs.