NMFC 175505 - Edible Shells Group | Class by Density

Article ID

175505

Edible shells and meals, density-based rules

Freight Group

SHELLS GROUP

Shells Group: abalone, oyster, nut hulls

Class Range

N/A 0 classification

Class varies by pounds per cubic foot

Hazardous

Non-hazardous food byproducts, standard handling

Classification Details

NMFC	Description	Class
175505.00	Shells, viz.: Abalone, crude, not crushed nor ground, in bags, boxes or drums; Clam, Coquina, Mussel, Oyster or Sea, NOI, crushed or ground, in inner containers in boxes; in bulk in bags, boxes or drums; Clam, Mussel or Oyster, not crushed nor ground, in bags, boxes or drums; Coconut, in bags, boxes or drums; Conch, in bags, boxes or drums; Crab, ground (Crab Shell Meal), in bags, boxes or drums; Egg, in bulk in bags, boxes or drums; Fruit Pit, not ground, in bags, boxes or drums; Nut Hulls or Shells, NOI, including cracked, ground or pulverized hulls or shells, in bags, boxes or drums; Pecan or Walnut, crushed or ground, in bags, boxes or drums; Scallop, in boxes or drums; Sea, NOI, in boxes; Shrimp, ground (Shrimp Meal), in bags, boxes or drums; Subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: Show more

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

Determine form and pack it in boxes: whole shells (abalone, clam, oyster) vs. ground meals (crab or shrimp). Form affects density and final class.
Calculate box density: weigh the packed box, measure exterior L x W x H, and convert to pounds per cubic foot to select the proper density class.
Use lined, well-sealed corrugated boxes to prevent sifting of fine meals and shell dust; double-wall for heavier crab/shrimp meals.
Mark BOL with “NMFC 175505 – Shells Group” and show density. Stretch-wrap boxed shipments on pallets and top-sheet to minimize moisture and odor transfer.

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

Density-based rating rewards heavier meals with lower classes, reducing LTL rates when crab or shrimp meal packs densely in boxes.
One NMFC item covers multiple edible shell byproducts, cutting reclass risk and speeding approvals across seafood and nut processing supply chains.
Boxed packaging fits standard LTL handling, helping avoid drum surcharges and improving cube utilization for better freight economics.
Non-hazardous status streamlines carrier acceptance and lowers compliance friction, translating to faster tenders and fewer accessorial surprises.

Weight (lbs)

Dimensions (inches)