Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 20400.00 | Bacteria, sewage or industrial waste treating, in dry or liquid carrier, with or without enzymes, see Note, item 20401: | |
| 20400.01 | In inner containers in boxes | 70 |
| 20400.02 | In bulk in bags, drums or pails | 60 |
Notes
Note 20401: NOTE-Frozen products must be shipped in inner containers in insulated boxes containing enough refrigerant to keep products frozen during transport.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Confirm class 60 or 70 by reviewing NMFC Note, item 20401; the note governs how carrier medium, formulation, and packaging affect the final class.
- Use sturdy corrugated boxes with leak‑resistant inner packaging: poly‑lined bags for dry granules or sealed HDPE jugs/bottles with absorbent liners for liquids.
- Mark BOL and carton labels clearly: “Sewage/Industrial Waste‑Treating Bacteria – NMFC 20400 – Non‑Hazardous,” and specify the chosen class to prevent reclass.
- Palletize tightly with stretch wrap; keep liquids upright with dividers, and protect dry blends from moisture. Skip density calcs—this item is not density‑based.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Predictable rating with fixed classes (60–70) removes density math, speeding quotes and reducing surprise reclass charges.
- Non‑hazardous status broadens carrier acceptance and avoids hazmat surcharges, lowering total LTL cost.
- Box‑friendly packaging improves stackability and cube utilization, enabling more product per pallet and better freight efficiency.
- Clear alignment with item 20401 note supports audit‑proof documentation, reducing disputes and administrative time.