NMFC 180500 – Inedible Animal Tallow | Class 55

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Confirm the product state at pickup. Use tight-head steel or HDPE drums for liquid tallow, keep bungs up, leave headspace for expansion, and place absorbent pads under each drum.
2. For hydrogenated (solid) tallow, choose heavy poly-lined boxes or gaylords, then stretch-wrap, add corner boards, and strap to pallets to prevent panel crush or seepage.
3. Control temperature exposure: let warm drums cool before tendering, avoid direct heat in transit, and shield from sun to minimize leaks through drum closures.
4. Document clearly: list NMFC 180500, Class 55, non-hazardous on the BOL; include piece counts and drum sizes; request no-stack if lids or cartons could deform.

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

• Class 55 yields lower base LTL rates, reducing cost per pound on recurring movements from renderers to soap, oleochemical, or biodiesel facilities.
• Non-hazardous status avoids hazmat fees, specialized paperwork, and driver restrictions, cutting total landed cost.
• Fixed, simple classification minimizes density disputes and reclass charges, speeding quotes and improving invoice accuracy.
• Flexible packaging (drums, boxes, bags) supports consolidation and better trailer cube, improving utilization and reducing handling touches and claims risk.