Effective August 2008 rates charged for transporting empty (new) steel drums had increased due to reclassification by the Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). As of August 23rd, 2008, drums that were formerly shipped under class 92.5 would now be shipped under class 150 or higher resulting in a substantial cost increase per unit. The reclassification study has been a work in progress for the last 5 years. Common carriers were complaining that their profits were being reduced by the introduction of lighter packagings. Indeed, steel drum metal thickness has seen reduced averages, as has plastic drums and IBC’s. Therefore, CCSB sought to re-level the classification rates based on these new packaging specifications.

At the annual conference of the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association, a presentation was giving on the pricing procedure, old and new, for the shipment of these empty containers. The presentation included freight class definitions, a review of the old rules (Section 52800) and a review of the new rules (Section 174610). The presentation also offers sample calculations for open head and closed head drums, with and without pallets. FAK rates (freight of all kinds) are available, in most cases, and should be negotiated as soon as possible.