What are the Hazmat Requirements for Shipping Over 1000 Pounds?

The U. S. Department of Transportation enforces rules governing the proper packaging, labeling, and transport of hazardous materials in recognition of the potential danger caused by these shipments. Shipments of quantities greater than 1,000 pounds have more stringent requirements. Failure to follow the regulations can result in penalties up to $500,000 for criminal violations. Willful or reckless disregard of the regulations can result in imprisonment for a period not more than five years. U. S. hazardous material regulations are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Requirements for All Shipments

• All hazardous material shipments, with the exception of exempt categories such as agricultural materials and military shipments, are governed by regulations for proper classification, packaging, marking, labeling and shipping documents. Shippers and carriers are responsible for proper loading and unloading, securing materials during shipment and assuring the compatibility of materials shipped together. Any person who is involved in the process must have the proper documented training before being permitted to handle hazardous materials. All shipments must identify emergency response information and contact numbers.

  All shipments of materials with hazard classifications as explosive (class 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), radioactive, poison gas, dangerous when wet, organic peroxide or poison with an inhalation hazard, regardless of quantity, must be placarded on the shipping vehicle--a truck or railcar, for example. The placards must be mounted on all four sides so they are visible from all directions.

Shipments Greater Than 1,000 Pounds

• Hazardous material shipments for hazard classifications not listed above require placards when the quantity exceeds 1,000 pounds. When materials with two or more classifications that do not always require placarding are shipped together , the shipment may be placarded as "Dangerous." If the shipment contains more than 2,205 pounds of material in any one hazard classification, the shipment must be placarded for that classification.

Registration and Security Plans Required for Bulk Shipments

• Shippers and carriers must register with the U. S. Department of Transportation annually and pay a fee if they ship in bulk containers with a capacity of more than 3,500 gallons for liquids or gases or more than 468 cubic feet for solids. Registration is also required for those handling certain quantities of explosive, radioactive or extremely poisonous substances or those handling 5,000 pounds or more in other than bulk form of one class of hazardous material that requires placarding.

  All those required to register are also required to establish a security plan and train their employees on its implementation. Security plans are designed to enhance the security of hazardous materials in transit.

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires a hazardous materials permit for carriers who ship certain quantities of materials that are radioactive, explosive or toxic by inhalation or carriers who ship liquefied methane or natural gas in bulk containers with a capacity greater than 3,500 gallons.

Where to Find Assistance

• The regulations governing the movement of hazardous materials are lengthy and complex. Know before you ship that you are in compliance. The U. S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration maintains a Hazardous Materials Information Center to assist persons with questions. Call 800-467-4922 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. EST.