NMFC Item (Rule) 170
Item (Rule) 170 is the NMFC rule that density-based entries are written against. Every such entry is introduced with the phrase Subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of, which is why the rule turns up wherever the density scale does. It works as an inadvertence clause: where a density was not stated, one can be established afterwards and the class revisited.
What Item 170 does
Density-based NMFC entries are published with the lead-in Subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of, so the rule applies to every row of the scale.
Item 170 operates as an inadvertence clause, which means a class assigned without a stated density can be rechecked once the actual density is established.
The rule governs how the density scale is applied. It is a separate thing from the scale's 13 subprovisions and from the density values themselves.
Frequently asked
Does every density-based NMFC entry mention Item 170?
Yes. Density-based entries are published with the lead-in "Subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of:", so the rule applies to every row of the density scale.
What if the bill of lading does not state a density?
Item 170 works as an inadvertence clause. A density can be established afterwards and the class revisited on the actual figure, which is why a density-based estimate is not the final word on a shipment.