Reverse logistics, small quantities, and excepted quantities

- Requirements and exceptions affect the process of reverse logistics, as well as packages containing small quantities and excepted quantities.
Reverse logistics
Reverse logistics is the offering or transporting of goods by motor vehicle from a retail store for return to the manufacturer, supplier, or distribution facility for the purpose of capturing value (credit), recall, replacement, recycling, or similar reason. This does not include hazardous waste.
Materials involved in reverse logistics are excepted from many of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). However, shipments of reverse logistics materials must be marked with the limited quantity marking or the words “REVERSE LOGISTICS – HIGHWAY TRANSPORT ONLY – UNDER 49 CFR 173.157.”
Small quantities (173.4)
When transported by highway or rail only, packages containing small quantities of materials meeting the requirements in Section 173.4 must be marked with the statement “This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4 for domestic highway or rail transport only.”
Excepted quantities (173.4a)
When transported by air or vessel only, packages containing excepted quantities of materials meeting the requirements in Section 173.4a must be marked with the excepted quantities marking. The “*” must be replaced with the hazard class or division of each hazardous material in the package. The “**” must be replaced with the name of the shipper or consignee, if not shown elsewhere on the package. The hatching must be the same color, black or red on a contrasting background. The marking must be 3.9 inches (100 mm) by 3.9 inches (100 mm).