All hazardous materials shippers must process their shipments using a UPS compliant shipping solution in conjunction with hazardous materials shipment preparation software. You may utilize UPS provided WorldShip® 2008 version 10.0 (or higher), purchase approved third-party software or use a comparable system which will provide UPS with the necessary computer generated documentation (shipping papers for DOT prepared packages or DG Declarations for IATA prepared packages) and electronic information.
In addition, all hazardous materials customers must be in compliance with the current UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions.
Authorized single packagings may now be offered for ground service only in the 48 contiguous States. Authorized single packagings are those allowed by the regulations, with the following additional UPS requirement: For the UPS small parcel environment, rigid packagings must be used (e.g. plastic, steel, aluminum, etc.) in order to withstand the normal rigors of small package transportation. Additional handling charges may apply. |
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| New DOT Requirements |
Lithium Battery Regulation Change
Effective immediately, in accordance with the D.O.T's Federal Register posting of August 25, 2009 (Docket No. PHMSA - 2009 - 0253; Notice No. 09-4) Notice of Approval: Lithium Battery Shipping Descriptions, UPS will permit the international lithium battery descriptions for the domestic transportation of lithium batteries. |
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Effective October 1, 2008, medium lithium batteries become fully regulated for air shipment in the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations. Lithium batteries are considered a hazardous material because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions and, once ignited, can be especially difficult to extinguish.
The new regulation will require packages containing medium lithium batteries, and offered for air transport, to be properly packaged, marked, and labeled as Hazardous Materials and accompanied by shipping papers. Otherwise, the shipment may be delayed, or significant U.S. DOT fines could apply. U.S. DOT has the ability to issue fines and penalties as high as $50,000 per violation for non-compliance.
Common examples of medium lithium batteries include:
- Power supplies for high-intensity, long-life portable lighting, such as diving lamps
- Some extended-life batteries for laptops
- Larger batteries for high-level video cameras (used by film and news crews)
- Long-life communications power supplies
These changes apply to shipments of loose medium lithium batteries as well as medium batteries contained inside of equipment, or packed with equipment.
Beginning October 1, 2008:
- Air shipments of medium lithium batteries must display the "Cargo Aircraft Only" label if the package exceeds 5 kg (11 pounds). UPS accepts hazardous materials only from shippers with a contract or agreement for such service.
- Ground shipments of medium lithium batteries must be marked as follows:
- "LITHIUM BATTERIES - FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD AIRCRAFT AND VESSEL."
- Text size for the above marking depends on the size of the package:
- Gross weight of 30 kg (66 LB) or less - letters at least 6 mm (0.25 inch) high
- Gross weight over 30 kg (66 LB) - letters at least 12 mm (0.5 inch) high
- If there are more than 12 batteries in a package, DOT requires an additional damage warning both on the package and in an accompanying document that would be affixed to the package in a resealable envelope. The DOT-required warning and document both advise handlers that the package contains lithium batteries and that certain safety measures are required if it is damaged.
For full information about these changes, shippers should review the applicable U.S. DOT Final Rule. Shippers may also contact the U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's Hazmat Info-Line at 1-800-467-4922. |
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Biological Substances, Category B
In accordance with DOT Docket HM-226A, as of October 01, 2006, the proper shipping name of "Diagnostic specimens" has been replaced with "Biological Substances, Category B". Packages must be clearly marked "Biological Substances, Category B". The package must also be marked with the identification number "UN3373" in a square-on-point configuration.
UPS does not accept Category A, Infectious Substances.
Packaging
UPS will allow the use of the general marking requirements for non-bulk packagings for special permits authorized under 172.301 (c) and 173.23 (h).
UPS will allow the use of packaging exception 173.13 authorized under HM-233. This exception can be used in place of DOT Exemption/Special Permit packaging.
In accordance with DOT Docket HM-215G, when an overpack is used, the outer package must be marked with the word "OVERPACK." Alternatively, until October 01, 2007, the overpack may be marked with a statement indicating that the "inside packages comply with prescribed specifications."
The "inner container comply with prescribed specifications" markings remain in effect for certain cylinders described under section 173.301 (a) (9).
Limited Quantity Shipments
UPS will allow the alternative marking for Limited Quantity shipments as described in section 172.315 of the 49 CFR.
Shipping Papers
UPS will not allow the use of the word "inhibited" to be shown on packaging or shipping papers in place of the word "stabilized" that has been authorized by DOT Docket HM-215E.
In accordance with DOT Docket HM215I, for transportation by aircraft, the gross mass must be shown if gross mass is indicated in Columns 9(A) or 9(B) of the 172.101 table.
UPS will allow the use of the additional description requirement for special permits authorized under 172.203 (a) and 173.23 (h).
In accordance with DOT Docket HM-215I, UPS will allow the use of basic description sequence which starts with the proper shipping name until January 01, 2013.
In accordance with DOT Docket HM-215E, the shipping papers must display the number and types of packaging. The mandatory compliance date for this new requirement is October 01, 2007.
In accordance with DOT Docket HM-215G, for air shipments, the following statement must appear on the shipping paper, "I declare that all of the applicable air transport requirements have been met." The current UPS shipping paper includes this statement.
In addition, the subsidiary hazard class or division number must be entered in parentheses following the primary hazard class or division number on the shipping paper. The mandatory compliance date for this new requirement is October 01, 2005. |
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| If you have any questions about shipping hazardous materials with UPS, please call the Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964. |
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