NMFC 55540 - Chicken Eggs in Cases | Class 85

Note 55542: NOTE-Regulations and requirements governing descriptions, marks, containers: Sec. 1-Shipper must note on shipping order and bill of lading: (a) The character of the shipment, whether current receipts, rehandled current receipts, rehandled and repacked eggs, storage packed eggs, checks, cracks or dirties, and the number of cases of each. (b) The identification or brand marks appearing on cases, if any, which are descriptive of their contents. (c) Number of cases not completely filled and extent of shortage. Sec. 2-Cases should be marked to indicate the brand or character of their contents and such marks or brands must correspond to the description on shipping order and bill of lading. (See Sec. 1 (a)). Sec. 3-Checked or cracked eggs must be packed in 'standard cases' (see Sec. 4) equipped with waterproof case liners. All joints of liners must be sealed with waterproof adhesive. Liners will not be required to completely cover top layer of eggs. Sec. 4-Standard cases are cases made of wood or fiberboard, designed to hold 30 dozen eggs separated each from the others by pulpboard with contents filling case so as to prevent shifting of contents, and will be accepted and transported at an estimated weight of 54 pounds each. Cases designed to hold 15 dozen eggs, eggs separated by pulpboard with contents filling case so as to prevent shifting of contents, will be accepted and transported at an estimated weight of 27 pounds each.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Confirm the commodity fits: uncooked chicken eggs for human consumption, packed in standard egg cases with molded trays or flats. If packaging differs, review the Note under item 55542.
2. Book at Class 85 using NMFC 55540. Provide case and pallet counts, and request “no stack” or top-load protection if carriers may double-stack.
3. Use cold-chain best practices: pre-cool product and trailer, maintain 33–45°F, and avoid freezing. Temperature-monitoring stickers or data loggers help document compliance.
4. Palletize tightly: interlock cases, add corner boards, top pads, and stretch wrap. Keep cases within pallet footprint to limit overhang and shell damage during cross-docks.

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

• Fixed Class 85 rating reduces reweigh/reclass disputes, keeping invoices predictable and preventing surprise accessorials.
• Non-hazardous food cargo simplifies paperwork and carrier onboarding, shortening tender-to-pickup cycle times.
• Standard egg cases move cleanly through LTL terminals, cutting handling time and lowering OS&D risk for fragile shells.
• Accurate NMFC usage improves rate shopping across carriers, supporting consistent pricing for grocers, bakeries, and foodservice distributors.