NMFC 181010 - Wooden Cisterns, Tanks, or Vats | Class N/A

Note 181012: NOTE-Item 110, Sec. 13 will govern except the words 'two or more' may be substituted for 'three or more.'

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Verify the item is a wooden cistern, tank, or vat that is emptied, clean, and dry. Note stave construction, metal hoops, and any protruding fittings; include photos for custom cooperage.
2. Build a cradle pallet or full crate that supports the curved shell and prevents rolling. Block and brace, use soft straps with edge protection, and keep banding off staves and hoops.
3. Measure max diameter including hoops and overall height with the base or cradle. Put NMFC 181010 on the BOL and mark Do Not Clamp and Do Not Stack on labels and packaging.
4. If the vessel exceeds standard LTL dimensions, quote volume LTL, partial truckload, or flatbed. Example: an 800-gallon oak vat ships best on an A-frame skid with tie-down points.

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

• Using NMFC 181010 for NOI wooden tanks reduces reclass disputes and unexpected carrier billing.
• Proper cradle pallets and crates cut damage risk to staves and hoops, lowering OS&D claims and downtime.
• Clear diameter and height upfront produce tighter LTL or volume quotes and help avoid cubic minimum and over-dimensional fees.
• Right-size mode selection (LTL vs volume LTL vs flatbed) improves cost per unit and maintains predictable transit for bulky wood vessels.