Suppose your company has developed a new fiberboard box for shipping one of its products and has successfully made several test shipments. Should you go ahead and begin using it? Yes—but only if you've made certain that it is an "authorized" package that fully complies with your less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers' packaging requirements.

All motor carriers and surface freight forwarders that participate in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)—more than 1,200 in number—abide by packaging requirements that are published therein. These rules were developed by carriers to ensure a minimum degree of protection for shipments and bring more consistency to packaging-related claims decisions.

How can you find out whether your package complies with the NMFC requirements? Here's a checklist of steps you can follow:

1. First, look up the NMFC classification that covers your product. Immediately following the description, you'll see the type of packaging that is authorized—it will say something such as "in boxes or crates." You might also see one or more "numbered packages" that are authorized, such as Package 161 for outboard motors. (These numbers refer to shipper-developed packaging that didn't meet the NMFC's general specifications but was tested and accepted as authorized packaging.)

2. Next, if "in boxes" is authorized, turn to Item 222 in the NMFC, titled "Specifications for Fibreboard Boxes, Corrugated or Solid." There you'll find charts showing what standards for bursting strength or edge-crush resistance the fiberboard in your outer cartons must meet. Those standards depend on the maximum weight of the box and its contents, as well as on the maximum outside carton dimensions in inches. Also shown in that rule are such details as the type of box makers certificate that is required, closure requirements, and so forth.

3. If numbered packages are authorized, take a close look at the detailed specifications for those packages (published in the back of the NMFC) to see if your package would comply with those standards. If it does comply and you decide to use a numbered package classification, make sure the appropriate rectangular box makers certificate is imprinted on the outer cartons.

4. If your package does not comply with the specifications outlined in these first three steps, check out Item 180, "Performance Testing of Shipping Containers." This rule allows your package to be tested in a packaging laboratory, and if it passes specified tests, it will be classified as an authorized package. In that case, a special triangular box makers certificate must be printed on the outer container.

5. Another option would be to file an application with the National Classification Committee requesting approval of your package as a numbered package. Be aware, though, that it typically takes a few months for the committee to act upon your application and publish it, should it be approved.

6. Lastly, if you're in a real hurry to get approval of your package, there's nothing to stop you from sitting down with your carriers and asking them to approve it for use on shipments moving over their lines. If they agree, make sure you get their approval in writing.

It's important for LTL shippers to be aware of and comply with the NMFC's packaging standards. If you don't comply and damage occurs in transit, either you or your customer stands a good chance of having any claim that subsequently is filed denied on the grounds of non-compliance.