Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 30310.00 | Cable or Wire, electric or other than electric; armored, covered, insulated or plain; or copper-clad steel, armored, covered, insulated or plain; in boxes or crates or on reels, see Note, item 30311: |
Notes
Note 30311: NOTE-Cable or wire may be shipped on reels provided that the last layer of cable or wire is lagged with metal or wood or that the cable or wire is wrapped between flanges extending full width of wound cable or wire in one of the following methods: 1. With 0.090-inch-thick solid fiberboard backed with 0.50-inch-thick foam plastic; 2. With a 160-pound minimum, high density polyethylene or polypropylene extruded plastic double-faced sheet having a ribbed or corrugated medium, backed with 0.25-inch foam plastic; 3. With solid thermoplastic material, with or without nonplastic fillers, 0.050-inch minimum thickness, backed with a minimum thickness of 0.0625-inch of open or closed cell foam material. All reels must be labeled with two precautionary markings indicating the proper handling procedure for such reels.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Confirm packaging first: 30310 applies to cable or wire in boxes or crates. If shipping on reels, pivot to Note item 30311 instead.
- State the metal and build in paperwork: copper, brass, bronze, or copper‑clad steel; note if armored, covered, insulated, or plain to avoid reclass disputes.
- Stabilize coils in the container. Use blocking, cross‑bracing, and foam chocks in crates or heavy boxes; add edge guards to prevent jacket cuts on armored cable.
- Protect from moisture and abrasion. Bag coils, add VCI for copper, line crates with slip‑sheets, and mark orientation; include piece count and gross weight for clean quotes.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Accurate use of 30310 versus reel-based 30311 reduces reclass fees, rebills, and service delays.
- Boxed or crated packaging lowers damage risk on high‑value metals, cutting claim exposure and improving carrier acceptance.
- Clear commodity detail (metal type and construction) enables sharper rate benchmarking and fewer NMFC challenges.
- Moisture and abrasion controls preserve conductor finish and resale value, preventing tarnish or jacket damage write‑offs.