Packaging

Scope

Anyone offering a hazardous material for shipment must package their material according to the applicable sections of the HMR.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR Part 173 — Shippers—General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings
• 49 CFR Part 178 — Specifications for Packagings
• 49 CFR Part 179 — Specifications for Tank Cars

Key definitions

• Bulk packaging: Other than vessels or barges, and including transport vehicles and freight containers, are packagings in which hazardous materials are loaded with no intermediate form of containment and which have:
  • A maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons (450 L) as a receptacle for a liquid;
  • A maximum net mass greater than 882 pounds (400 kg) and a maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons (450 L), as a receptacle for a solid; or
  • A water capacity greater than 1,000 pounds (454 kg), as a receptacle for a gas.
  • A large packaging in which hazardous materials are loaded with an intermediate form of containment, such as one or more articles or inner packagings, is also a bulk packaging.
• Combination packaging: Consists of one or more inner packagings secured in a non-bulk outer packaging. It does not include a composite packaging.
• Composite packaging: Consists of an outer packaging and an inner receptacle forming one integral packaging. Once assembled it remains an integrated single unit.
• Intermediate bulk container (IBC): A rigid or flexible portable packaging, other than a cylinder or portable tank, which is designed for mechanical handling.
• Large packaging: A packaging that:
  • Consists of an outer packaging that contains articles or inner packagings;
  • Is designated for mechanical handling;
  • Exceeds 400 kg net mass or 118.9 gallons (450 L) capacity;
  • Has a volume of not more than 3 cubic meters (m3); and
  • Conforms to the construction, testing, and marking requirements specified in Subparts P and Q of Part 178.
• Non-bulk packagings: Have:
  • A maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450 L) or less as a receptacle for a liquid;
  • A maximum net mass of 882 pounds (400 kg) or less and a maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450 L) or less as a receptacle for a solid;
  • A water capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) or less as a receptacle for a gas; or
  • A maximum net mass of 882 pounds (400 kg) or less for a bag or a box conforming to the specification packaging requirements in Subpart L of part 178.
• Outage (ullage): The amount by which a packaging falls short of being liquid full, usually expressed in percent by volume.
• Overpack: An enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages.
• Package: A packaging with its contents.
• Packaging: A receptacle and any other components needed to meet the packaging requirements.
• Salvage packaging: A special packaging conforming to 173.3. Damaged, defective, leaking packages or hazardous materials that have spilled or leaked are placed into this packaging for transport for recovery or disposal.

Summary of requirements

Packages are divided into two general categories, non-bulk and bulk.

The shipper of a hazardous material:

• Is responsible for properly packaging the material for transportation.
• Must select the package that is appropriate for the material.