Classification Details
| NMFC | Description | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 54645.00 | Show more | |
| 54645.01 | Less than 1 | 400 |
| 54645.02 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 54645.03 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 54645.04 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 54645.05 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 54645.06 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 54645.07 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 54645.08 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 54645.09 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 54645.10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 54645.11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 54645.12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 54645.13 | 50 or greater | 50 |
Notes
Note 54646: NOTE-Applies only on covers which permit viewing of articles in bulk in the containers named. Does not apply on covers for retail sales unit containers.
How to Determine Your Class
To find the correct freight class for your shipment:
- Verify density per Item 170: weigh the packed piece and calculate cubic feet (L×W×H ÷ 1,728), then map density to the 50–400 class range. Example: an 80 lb cast-iron meter box in a 24×20×16 in carton is ~4.44 cu ft, ~18 PCF, typically a mid-to-lower class.
- Match packaging to material. Use double-wall boxes or wooden crates for cast iron meter boxes; corner/edge guards for plastic or rubber cooling boxes; dividers or foam rings to keep steel milk or ice cream cans from rolling.
- Keep “combination” builds clear on paperwork (e.g., plastic cooling box with steel frame). Accurate material descriptions reduce reclassification risk and help carriers choose the right handling.
- For display barrels/boxes/cans/pails/tubs, ship components in a single outer box when possible and reference Note, Item 54646. Cushion graphics and rims to prevent scuffs and dents.
Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.
Business Value
- Density-based classes reward compact, heavy items like cast-iron meter boxes with lower freight classes, cutting LTL rates when packaging minimizes unused space.
- Using approved boxes or crates aligns with carrier expectations, reducing inspection delays, reclass fees, and damage claims for steel cans and plastic cooling boxes.
- One NMFC covering mixed materials (rubber, plastic, steel, cast iron) simplifies product cataloging and quoting across SKUs, speeding up rate shopping and tendering.
- Non-hazardous status broadens carrier options and avoids hazmat surcharges, improving transit flexibility and overall cost predictability.