Available Now: 2023 Schedule of Hazmat & RCRA Training
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

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.