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NMFC 59500 - Shipping Drums, Pails & Kegs | Class 50-400

Article ID
59500
NMFC 59500 for drums, pails, barrels, kegs
Freight Group
UNGROUPED ARTICLES
Ungrouped, density-based container shipping item
Class Range
50-400 13 classifications
Thirteen classes scale from 50 to 400
Hazardous
No
Non-hazardous classification by default

Classification Details

NMFC Description Class
59500.00 Drums, Pails or Tubs, shipping, NOI; or Barrels, Casks or Kegs, NOI; in packages, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of:
59500.01 Less than 1 400
59500.02 1 but less than 2 300
59500.03 2 but less than 4 250
59500.04 4 but less than 6 175
59500.05 6 but less than 8 125
59500.06 8 but less than 10 100
59500.07 10 but less than 12 92.5
59500.08 12 but less than 15 85
59500.09 15 but less than 22.5 70
59500.10 22.5 but less than 30 65
59500.11 30 but less than 35 60
59500.12 35 but less than 50 55
59500.13 50 or greater 50

How to Determine Your Class

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

  1. Confirm density for Item 170: measure the full palletized footprint (L x W x H in inches, including wrap), divide by 1728 for cubic feet, then weight/cubic feet = PCF. Example: 48x40x36 in = 40 cu ft; 280 lb load = 7 PCF.
  2. Describe the article precisely on the BOL: “Drums, shipping, NOI, in packages, NMFC 59500, density X PCF.” Add material type (steel, plastic, fiber, or wood) and count per pallet for clarity.
  3. Pack for circular containers: use ring clamps or lids fully seated, bung/cap protectors, corner boards, bands, and stretch wrap. Nest empty pails or bundle kegs tight to reduce cube and improve stability.
  4. Palletize to prevent roll and denting: place drums upright, use anti-slip sheets or chocks, avoid pallet overhang, and apply a top frame so carriers can stack safely when allowed.

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

Business Value

  • Lower freight spend by boosting density—tight nesting and compact pallet patterns can move a shipment into a lower freight class within the 50-400 scale.
  • Avoid reclass and inspection fees by stating NMFC 59500 and the verified PCF on the BOL, aligned with Item 170 packaging expectations.
  • Simplify quoting and routing: one NOI classification covers drums, pails, tubs, barrels, casks, and kegs across materials, reducing SKU-by-SKU complexity.
  • Non-hazardous designation streamlines carrier selection and eliminates hazmat surcharges for these shipping containers when moved under this item.