Search

USPS Proposes 2 Hazmat-by-Mail Revisions

Posted on 8/11/2020 by Roger Marks

Last week, the United States Postal Service (USPS) proposed two revisions to its Publication 52 (PUB 52) requirements for mailing hazardous materials.

On August 3, USPS proposed to require mailers to separate all air-eligible hazardous materials from surface only hazmat shipments and non-hazmat items. The proposed rule aims to improve safe handling of hazardous materials in air mail.

On August 6, USPS proposed requiring mailers to identify and categorize hazardous materials using electronic indicators. In the proposal, USPS cites the “rapid expansion” of hazardous materials e-commerce shipments like lithium batteries, gases, and cleaning solutions and a subsequent increase in improperly prepared packages.   

The August 6 proposal would also standardize the Extra Service options available for mailers of hazardous materials.

Latest Civil Penalties for Hazmat by Mail Violations 

In January this  year, USPS increased its civil penalties for violations of Publication 52 hazardous materials requirements. The maximum civil penalty for hazmat violations by mail is now $127,525 per violation. The minimum civil penalty is $320 per violation.

How to Ship Hazmat by USPS

USPS can be a cost-effective choice to deliver goods to customers around the world. Businesses that ship small quantities of hazardous materials must have the knowledge and procedures in place to ensure safe delivery—both USPS and US DOT have the authority to issue hefty penalties for violations of hazmat regulations.
In addition, improper packaging, markings, labels, or shipping papers can all result in rejection, lost time, missed deadlines, and upset customers.

Expand on your 49 CFR hazmat shipping expertise and learn the unique USPS requirements you must know to ship  hazmat by mail with the Hazmat Postal Shipper Online Course.

Tags: hazardous materials, hazmat by mail, new rules, USPS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.