Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 52690.00 | Contact Mass (Magnesium Sulfate combined with Platinum), or Contact Mass Residue (Devitalized Contact Mass), see Note, item 52692, in drums | 150 |
Notes
Note 52692: NOTE-Platinum sludge, which is contact mass residue from which magnesium sulfate and other material has been dissolved and eliminated, not taken.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- State the full listing on the BOL: Contact Mass, MgSO4 + Platinum or Devitalized Contact Mass (Residue), NMFC 52690, Class 150, Non-Hazardous. Add drum count and pallet count for clarity.
- Use tight, closed-head steel or heavy-duty poly drums with intact rings and seals. Palletize 2–4 drums per 48x40 pallet with drum cradles or rings, then band and stretch-wrap to prevent roll-off.
- Keep contents dry. Magnesium sulfate is hygroscopic, so ensure lids are torqued, use drum gaskets, and consider desiccant or liners to prevent caking and moisture weight gain during transit.
- Weigh accurately and mark gross, tare, and net on each drum. Class is fixed (no density required), but precise weight avoids reweigh fees. If shipping residue, verify it meets Note, item 52692 definitions.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Predictable costs: fixed Class 150 means straightforward rating and fewer reclass disputes, accelerating LTL quoting and tendering.
- Wider carrier access: non-hazardous status avoids hazmat surcharges and special routing, improving coverage and transit options.
- Lower claim risk: drumized, palletized packaging resists punctures and tip-overs, reducing spill cleanups and handling delays at cross-docks.
- Secure value recovery: sealed drums and clear labeling support chain-of-custody when returning platinum-bearing material to refiners, protecting recovery yields.