Freight classification to change for ltl stone shipments

Freight rates will likely increase in April 2013 for stone blocks, pieces or slabs NOT mounted diagonally or vertically on lift truck skids, pallets or platforms or on shipping carriers or racks (they were raised in April 2012).

Proposed amendments to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) would create two new sub classifications changing item 90500 to provide classes based on length for stone NOT mounted diagonally or vertically for shipment. In view of their respective transportation characteristics, handling units (pallets, crates, boxes, etc.) not exceeding 96 inches in length would be assigned a class 60, one class higher than that called for under current Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) guidelines. Handling units exceeding 96 inches in length would be assigned a class 77.5, two classes higher than that called for under current CCSB guidelines.