How to Determine When Bulk Shipments Only Need Two Placards [49 CFR 172.514(c)]
When you offer bulk shipments of hazardous materials, the vehicle must be placarded in a way that identifies the hazards of the materials being shipped. With few exceptions, placards must be displayed on all four sides of bulk packages. However there are certain situations where you have the option to display placards on two opposing sides, instead of all sides, of a bulk package.
49 CFR 172.514(c) allows the following bulk packages to be placarded on only two opposite sides, or alternatively labeled instead of being placarded in accordance with Subpart E:
- Portable tanks with a capacity of less than 1,000 gallons
- DOT 106 or 110 multi-unit tank cars
- Bulk packaging other than a portable tank, cargo tank, or tank car (e.g., bulk bag or box) that have a capacity of less than 640 cubic feet
- Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)—as defined at 49 CFR 178.700(c)
- Large packagings as defined in 49 CFR 171.8
For IBCs labeled in accordance with Subpart E rather than being placarded, the IBC may display the proper shipping name and UN identification number in accordance with the size requirements of 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1) in place of the UN number on an orange panel or placard.
