NMFC 176520 - Emulsified Petroleum Sizing in Drums Class 55

Note 176522: NOTE-Applies on a mixture of petroleum oil, petroleum wax or petrolatum and water, rosin or emulsifying agents, the petroleum oil, petroleum wax or petrolatum not to exceed 52 percent and the rosin or emulsifying agents, singly or combined, not to exceed 15 percent of the total weight.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Reference the note under item 176522 on your BOL and list the commodity as “Sizing, emulsified petroleum, in bulk in drums” to match NMFC 176520 exactly.
2. Palletize closed-head drums upright with bungs tight; use absorbent pads or a containment tray and secure with two bands plus stretch wrap to prevent slosh-related movement.
3. Plan for temperature protection if needed—many emulsions lose stability if frozen; request freeze protection during winter lanes and avoid extended cross-dock dwell.
4. Keep it in drums only; IBC totes or pails can trigger reclassification. For example, ship four 55-gallon drums on a 48x48 pallet instead of overhanging a 40x48.

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

• Fixed Class 55 simplifies quoting and often lowers LTL costs versus higher-class chemical commodities.
• Non-hazardous status reduces paperwork and eliminates hazmat accessorials, improving door-to-door speed and predictability.
• Accurate commodity wording and drum packaging minimize reclass and inspection fees, protecting margins on repeat lanes.
• Standardized drum freight enables easy consolidation for mills and finishers, cutting per-pound rates on routine replenishment.