NMFC 30160 - Brass/Bronze/Copper Articles | Class Density-Based

Note 30161: NOTE-Applies on scraps or waste pieces or bent, broken, crushed or worn-outarticles or used wire, having value for remelting purposes only.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Calculate density for each handling unit. Weigh the boxed or crated piece and divide by its cubic feet (L×W×H in inches ÷ 1,728). Example: 1,200 lb ÷ 80 cu ft = 15 pcf.
2. Match packaging to the form of metal. Bars/rods and billets ride best in blocked, banded crates; powders or slimes should be sealed (bagged or pail-lined) and then overboxed or crated to prevent leaks.
3. Describe the commodity precisely on the BOL: identify alloy family (brass, bronze, or copper) and form (anodes, cathodes, ingots, wire rope, powder). Note “Subject to Item 170 – density-based.”
4. Stabilize and protect surfaces. Use non-reactive separators, edge protectors for bars, and coil restraint for wire rope. Keep units tight to reduce shifting and potential reclass or damage.

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

• Density-based pricing lets you lower freight spend by improving pack efficiency and cube. Tighter packs and smaller crates often yield a better class.
• Using sturdy boxes or crates for metal forms minimizes OS&D and reclass fees by meeting NMFC packaging expectations for heavy, rigid, or granular contents.
• Non-hazardous status broadens carrier options and speeds tendering, helping you secure competitive LTL rates without hazmat surcharges.
• Clear alloy/form labeling (e.g., anodes vs. powder vs. wire rope) reduces exception handling, accelerates quoting, and improves claim defensibility.