NMFC Changes FAQ: How do you define “no handling, stowability, and liability issues”? What are your criteria for each?

How do you define “no handling, stowability, and liability issues”? What are your criteria for each?

Handling

The majority of shipments tendered to general commodities carriers are
comprised of packaged freight that is readily handled by dock personnel, often with the aid
of mechanical handling equipment. Some articles, however, due to their size, weight,
configuration, hazardous nature, fragility, etc., pose additional handling difficulties, whether
or not mechanical equipment is used, and may necessitate special care or attention.

In evaluating the classification of a particular commodity or commodity group, the FCDC must consider the ease or difficulty of handling and the impact of such on the transportability of the involved commodities. Unusual or significant handling characteristics may be a contributing factor in the assignment of classes.

Stowability

As with handling, most freight tendered to general commodities carriers
does not present substantial stowability problems. Some articles, however, present
additional stowability considerations, including, but not limited to:

1. Loading restrictions necessary to comply with government regulations or carrier policies, such as
   coloading prohibitions in connection with the transportation of hazardous materials;
2. Loading restrictions arising from practical considerations, such as excessive weight or excessive
   length;
3. Difficulty in loading other freight adjacent to the commodity due to protrusions or the lack of lateral support;
4. The inability to tier the commodity in carriers’ equipment; and
5. The inability to load other freight on top of the commodity due to the absence of regular load-bearing surfaces.

In evaluating the classification of a particular commodity or commodity group, the FCDC must examine
stowability and its impact on the transportability of the involved commodities. Unusual or significant
stowability considerations may be a contributing factor in the assignment of classes.

Liability

The liability characteristic includes susceptibility to damage, the propensity to damage other freight with which it is transported, perishability, and hazardous nature.

As with handling and stowability, unusual or significant liability characteristics may be a contributing
factor in the assignment of classes.