Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 54290.00 | Cotton Linters, bleached or dyed, see Note, item 54292: | |
| 54290.01 | In bags, boxes or drums, or in bales not machine pressed | 92.5 |
| 54290.02 | In machine pressed bales | 85 |
Notes
Note 54292: NOTE-Applies only on cotton linters which have been subjected to a bleaching or dyeing process without material change in the length or resiliency of the fiber.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Verify the subclass via Note 54292 before quoting; cotton linters that are bleached or dyed in boxes typically rate between class 85 and 92.5—choose the correct one to match your packaging and description.
- Use lined corrugated boxes to contain loose fibers and color rub-off; bag the linters inside poly liners, close securely, then palletize with corner boards and full shrink-wrap to prevent shedding.
- Mark paperwork clearly: “Cotton Linters—Bleached/Dyed, NMFC 54290, see Note 54292.” List box count, pallet count, and request dry-van service to keep material clean and dry.
- Even though the item isn’t density-based, record dimensions and total weight for each pallet to avoid cubic surprises and ensure your LTL carrier plans handling and stacking correctly.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Precise subclass selection (85 vs 92.5) curbs reclass fees and chargebacks, protecting margins on textile fiber shipments.
- Boxed, well-contained linters reduce dusting and contamination claims, improving receiver quality and speeding inspections.
- Non-hazardous status streamlines booking and eliminates hazmat surcharges, lowering landed cost for mills and cellulose processors.
- Predictable classing enables tighter rate negotiations and mode decisions—class 85 opportunities can unlock better lane economics at scale.