Search

Hazmat Fun: Pokémon Packing Groups

Posted on 7/14/2016 by Roger Marks

The new Pokémon Go app is taking the US by storm, outpacing major social media and dating sites for number of active users in just a few days. Pokémon come in all shapes and sizes, and each boasts its own unique powers. Most become more hazardous as they “evolve.”

Hazmat shippers may recognize a parallel to the way the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) divide hazard classes into Packing Groups (PG). In case you find yourself shipping one of these imaginary “pocket monsters” to a friend or client, this quick guide will help you decide just how strong a package you would (hypothetically) need. Because we're dealing with imaginary creatures here, we are disregarding any reguatlions that govern the shipment of live animals to focus solely on hazmat rules.  
 
For a straightforward look at  hazmat packing groups as they relate to packaging, see 49 CFR 178.503- Marking of Packagings.

All names and images of Pokémon herein are the property of the Pokémon Company and Nintendo.

Charmander Class 3 pokemon
Class 3, PG III – Charmander


This small, beloved fire Pokémon uses fire attacks with a limited range and effectiveness. Z-rated UN packaging will serve you just fine for Charmander. That said, the 49 CFR rules allow for PG III materials to be shipped in stronger rated packagings, too (X or Y).
[49 CFR 178.503(a)(3)(iii)]




Charmeleon Class 3 Pokemon

Class 3, PG II – Charmeleon

A bit more dangerous than the Charmander, this Packing Group II Pokémon can do some real damage—in battle and in transport. As a Class 3, Packing Group II, Charmeleon will need to be transported in a Y-rated or X-rated UN package. [49 CFR 178.503(a)(3)(ii)]




Charizard Class 3 PokemonClass 3, PG I – Charizard


The strongest Pokémon of its genus, Charizard is not to be taken lightly! X-rated UN packaging only for this flaming, flying, Packing Group I beast. [49 CFR 178.503(a)(3)(i)]




Whether you’re out hunting for Pokémon or you’re just waiting for the craze to end, it’s crucial to remember that –whatever hazmat you ship—the packaging you select must be strong enough to contain your material and keep it protected against the rigors of transport.

Hazmat Workshops in Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Charlotte, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville and more!


Don’t miss the 49 CFR workshop trusted by hazmat shippers nationwide when it comes through the southeast US this summer. Learn the latest rules—including recently inflated civil penalties (now up to $77,114 per day, per violation!), changes for hazmat shipping papers, critical updates for Special Permit users, and much more. Learn more and see the full schedule here.

Tags: hazmat, shipping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

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

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

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

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

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.