Staff Contact: George M. Beck Telephone (703) Allison L. Austin (703) Item Description Class

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1 Re: Machines, plastic pipe fusion, including Butt Fusion Machines Staff Contact: George M. Beck Telephone (703) Allison L. Austin (703) Proponent: Commodity Classification Standards Board Present Classification Provisions Item Description Class MACHINERY GROUP: subject to item Machines, plastic pipe fusion, including Butt Fusion Machines, in packages Proposed Classification Provisions Item Description Class MACHINERY GROUP: subject to item Machines, plastic pipe fusion, including Butt Fusion Machines: Sub 1 In packages other than as set forth in sub 4, subject to Item 170 and having a density in pounds per cubic foot of: Sub 2 Less than Sub 3 9 or greater Sub 4 In boxes or crates, greatest dimension not exceeding 96 inches, see Notes, items A-NEW and B-NEW, subject to Item 170 and having a density of 9 pounds or greater per cubic foot A-NEW NOTE Greatest dimension refers to the longest straight-line dimension of the handling unit as tendered for shipment. B-NEW NOTE For provisions applicable to the involved articles in boxes or crates having a greatest dimension exceeding 96 inches or a density of less than 9 pounds per cubic foot, see sub 1 of item Analysis Research Project 1166 This proposal is based on information developed through Research Project 1166, which was initiated by the CCSB in July 2012 to investigate the transportation characteristics of plastic pipe fusion machines, including butt fusion machines, as named in item Hereinafter, these products will be referred to as fusion machines. During the course of research, 27 potential manufacturers or shippers and three trade associations believed to represent those companies were sent commodity questionnaires in September, and for those that did not respond, again in November of Three companies responded that they do not manufacture or ship these products, and three companies 2013 National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Subject 2, Page 1 of 7

2 provided some information; however, not all of the information was usable. Of those associations contacted, one responded affirmatively, but did not provide information. History of Provisions The provisions of item were established as a result of action taken on Docket , Subject 11 (February 2004). The proposal was approved as docketed, and the provisions first appeared in Supplement 2 to NMF 100-AD, effective April 24, They have remained unchanged to the present. About Fusion Machines Fusion machines are used to join the ends of plastic pipes to form a homogeneous bond. The two pipes are heated to an appropriate temperature and then fused by pressing the ends ( butts ) together and applying sufficient fusion force to form a bond 1. As shown in the examples below, there are several types of fusion machines, including manual, wheeled and crawler, with sizes varying based on diameter of pipe to be fused. These commodities can exceed 17 feet in length. Some fusion machines, such as the crawler-type machine, are selfpropelled. Applications include use in drainage, gas and sewage piping systems. 1 Taken from Butt Fusion Joining Procedure for Field Joining of Polyamide-11 (PA-11) Pipe. Plastic Pipe Institute, Washington, DC. (accessed March 4, 2013) Subject 2, Page 2 of National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.

3 Shipments of Fusion Machines Fusion machines are generally tendered in boxes on lift truck skids or pallets, in crates, or secured on lift truck skids or pallets with little or no protective packaging, depending on the size and configuration of the articles. Some handling units do exceed 96 inches in length. Examples of shipments of fusion machines are shown below National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Subject 2, Page 3 of 7

4 Transportation Characteristics Density The information of record for fusion machines includes 126 density observations submitted by shippers and carriers, obtained during CCSB dock surveys and culled from the CCSB s Density Study 2. The products range in density from 3.16 to pcf, with a simple average density of 9.94 pcf. The frequency distribution is shown below. Frequency Distribution % of Figures in Interval 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 28.57% 19.84% 16.67% 15.08% 11.11% 6.35% 0.00% 0.00% 0.79% 1.59% 0.00% Density Intervals (pcf) As shown in the frequency distribution, the density figures are distributed throughout the range with roughly half of the figures, 48.41% less than 9 pcf, and 51.59% 9 pcf or greater. The data has been evaluated on the basis of a density break at 9 pcf, as well as on greatest dimension and packaging, as reflected in the proposed provisions. The table below relates that information, where known, to the proposed subprovisions. Proposed Subprovision Density Range (pcf) Average Density (pcf) Sub 2: In packages, less than 9 pcf Sub 3: In packages, 9 pcf or greater Sub 4: In boxes or crates, greatest dimension not exceeding 96 inches, density 9 pcf or greater The Density Study is part of an ongoing effort by the CCSB to collect information on actual shipments; it is not tied to any particular research project, nor does it target any particular product category. Carriers that choose to participate in the study periodically submit shipment data captured through their respective freight auditing programs. The data is identified by NMFC item, and only verifiable data points, which include the weight and the dimensions and/or cube of the shipping unit involved, are used. Subject 2, Page 4 of National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.

5 Handling Fusion machines vary greatly in length/size, with some products exceeding 96 inches (8 feet) in greatest dimension 3. As greatest dimension increases, handling into and out of the vehicle becomes considerably more difficult, and specialized equipment, or additional personnel, may be necessary to safely handle longer units. Furthermore, as the length increases, cross-dock operations can be significantly affected. Often there is not enough room at carrier facilities to safely or easily handle and maneuver excessively long fusion machines. When a handling unit exceeds 96 inches, even palletized or crated shipments can be difficult to safely handle with mechanical equipment. When tendered in a box or crate, where the greatest dimension does not exceed 96 inches, handling would be similar to other like-packaged freight, and no unusual considerations are noted. Stowability The stowability of fusion machines will vary depending on the size and configuration of the product, and the manner in which tendered for shipment. In general, these articles will require floor loading. When tendered in a box or crate, a flat load-bearing surface will generally be present for loading other freight on top, and there will be lateral support for adjacent freight, resulting in a greater ability to structure the load and enabling better utilization of available vehicle space. However, handling units of fusion machines tendered in this manner exceeding 96 inches in greatest dimension present additional stowing concerns. When fusion machines are tendered secured on lift truck skids or pallets with little or no protective packaging, additional stowability concerns were reported. These fusion machines generally lack a regular load-bearing surface for top freight, and they do not provide lateral support for adjacent freight. Furthermore, they may have exposed surfaces, edges or protrusions that may limit the type of freight that can be safely stowed adjacent to them. This can result in increased time on the part of the carrier to properly structure the load, including employment of load decks and/or dunnage. Liability Fusion machines are not perishable, susceptible to theft or prone to spontaneous combustion or explosion. As is the case with most general commodities, when tendered in boxes or crates, fusion machines will generally be afforded more protection against damage to the product and to other freight with which it is shipped. Fusion machines tendered secured on lift truck skids or pallets with little or no protective packaging may have exposed edges or protrusions that can puncture, mar or otherwise damage adjacent freight. They also may not provide sufficient lateral support for adjacent freight, resulting in damage to either the article itself or the adjacent freight. However, no carriers have reported a claims issue, and shippers have reported minimal claims per year. 3 Item (Rule) 568, Heavy or Bulky Freight Loading or Unloading, uses the threshold limit of exceeding 8 feet (96 inches) in greatest dimension as the measurement at which freight becomes more difficult to load and unload when compared to general boxed freight National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Subject 2, Page 5 of 7

6 Limited value information shows a range from $17.50 to $23.08 per pound, with an average value of $20.94 per pound. Relationship to CCSB Policies and Guidelines CCSB policy calls for provisions to reflect a commodity s known transportation characteristics. Information of record indicates that fusion machines range in density from 3.16 to pcf, with an average density of 9.94 pcf. CCSB policy states that when commodities exhibit a wide density range, density-based classes may be established. However, CCSB policies also state that unusual or significant negative handling, stowability or liability characteristics may warrant deviation from the density guidelines. As detailed in the analysis, fusion machines vary greatly in size and configuration, with some products exceeding 96 inches in greatest dimension. As the greatest dimension increases, handling and stowing become considerably more difficult. Additionally, the method of tender has been found to affect the transportability of these products. When fusion machines are tendered secured on a lift truck skid or pallet with little or no protective packaging, these articles generally do not provide a flat load-bearing surface, and may require additional time and attention to structure a load. They may impede the carrier s ability to safely load adjacent freight and may be more susceptible to damage or likely to damage other freight during transit. Based on the identified concerns, this proposal would establish classes for those fusion machines tendered in packages, subject to a density break at 9 pcf 4. Fusion machines in packages with a density of less than 9 pcf would be assigned a class 150, while those with a density of 9 pcf or greater would be assigned a class 100. These classes represent a one-class increase over the class that would generally be called for under CCSB density guidelines, to reflect the identified negative handling, stowing and liability considerations. A subprovision would also be established for fusion machines tendered in boxes or crates having a greatest dimension not exceeding 96 inches and having a density of 9 pcf or greater, at a class 85, reflective of the identified average density of those products, consistent with CCSB density guidelines. Fusion machines tendered in this manner were not found to have the same negative handling, stowability or liability considerations. The table on the following page relates the information of record to the proposed subprovisions and CCSB density guidelines for the proposed classes. 4 The proposed provisions would also reference Item (Rule) 170, the inadvertence clause. Subject 2, Page 6 of National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.

7 Proposed Subprovision Sub 2: In packages, less than 9 pcf Sub 3: In packages, 9 pcf or greater Sub 4: In boxes or crates, greatest dimension not exceeding 96 inches, density 9 pcf or greater Average Density (pcf) Class Based on CCSB Guidelines CCSB Minimum Average Density Guideline (pcf) Class Adjustment Based on Handling, Stowing and Liability Considerations Based on the information of record, this proposal, as docketed, is in keeping with CCSB policy National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Subject 2, Page 7 of 7