Bulk packaging

Scope

Shippers and carriers of hazardous materials must know whether their shipments are bulk or non-bulk so they know which regulations apply.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 172.302 — General marking requirements for bulk packagings
• 49 CFR 172.327 — Petroleum sour crude oil in bulk packaging
• 49 CFR 172.331 — Bulk packagings other than portable tanks, cargo tanks, tank cars and multi-unit tank car tanks
• 49 CFR 172.514 — Bulk packagings
• 49 CFR 173.66 — Requirements for bulk packagings of certain explosives and oxidizers
• 49 CFR 173.24b — Additional general requirements for bulk packagings
• 49 CFR 173.240 — Bulk packaging for certain low hazard solid materials
• 49 CFR 173.241 — Bulk packagings for certain low hazard liquid and solid materials
• 49 CFR 173.242 — Bulk packagings for certain medium hazard liquids and solids, including solids with dual hazards
• 49 CFR 173.243 — Bulk packaging for certain high hazard liquids and dual hazard materials which pose a moderate hazard
• 49 CFR 173.244 — Bulk packaging for certain pyrophoric liquids (Division 4.2), dangerous when wet (Division 4.3) materials, and poisonous liquids with inhalation hazards (Division 6.1)
• 49 CFR 173.245 — Bulk packaging for extremely hazardous materials such as poisonous gases (Division 2.3)
• 49 CFR 173.247 — Bulk packaging for certain elevated temperature materials
• 49 CFR 173.251 — Bulk packaging for ammonium nitrate emulsion, suspension, or gel

Key definitions

• Bulk packaging: A packaging in which hazardous materials are loaded with no intermediate form of containment AND has:
  • A maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gal) as a receptacle for a liquid; or
  • A maximum net mass greater than 400 kg (882 lb) and a maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gal) as a receptacle for a solid; or
  • A water capacity greater than 454 kg (1,000 lb) as a receptacle for a gas.

Summary of requirements

Bulk packaging does include transport vehicles and freight containers. Common types of bulk packagings include cargo tanks, portable tanks, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and tank cars.

Bulk packaging does not include a vessel or barge.