NMFC 71120 - Bulbs or Tubers, NOI | Class N/A

Note 71122: NOTE-Also applies on bulbs or tubers shipped in or with complement of growing media or flowerpots.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Confirm applicability of Note 71122 before quoting. List “Bulbs or Tubers, NOI (NMFC 71120)” on the BOL and call out any special handling such as Protect from Heat or Freeze.
2. Use breathable packing: vented cartons, fiber trays, or slatted crates with paper or peat/vermiculite cushioning. Example: tulip bulbs in mesh bags inside double-wall cartons on a 40x48 pallet.
3. Build stable, low-pressure pallets. Keep layers flat, cap with a sheet, add corner boards, and use light stretch-wrap to avoid suffocation. Mark This Side Up and Perishable as needed.
4. Manage temperature and moisture in transit. Ship during cool parts of the day, add insulated liners in summer/winter, and request temp-protect services when dormancy must be preserved.

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

• Accurate use of NMFC 71120 with Note 71122 avoids reclass fees, rebills, and delivery delays tied to misidentified nursery stock.
• Breathable, crush-resistant packaging reduces dehydration and bruising, lowering claim rates while preserving retail quality and shelf life.
• Right-size cartons and uniform trays improve cube utilization and stacking, cutting LTL space charges and accessorial handling costs.
• Seasonal planning for bulb/tuber moves secures carriers with perishables experience, stabilizing rates and improving on-time performance during peak planting windows.