Search

USPS to Update Hazmat Limited Quantity Rules

Posted on 6/4/2021 by Roger Marks

Lion Members: This compliance update was one of many included in your most recent Monthly Regulatory Summary sent on Friday, June 4. Login to view all Member Bulletins here.  

To harmonize the requirements for hazardous materials limited quantities shipped by mail with the US DOT’s 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), the US Postal Service will remove references to ORM-D from its Publication 52 standards, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

USPS will incorporate these revisions in the next edition of the online Publication 52, available via Postal Explorer. The postal service made the announcement in a May 20 USPS Postal Bulletin.

Lion's Hazmat Postal Shipper Online Course covers the unique USPS Publication 52 requirements shippers must follow to offer hazardous materials through the mail. 


What Was ORM-D?

As of January 1, 2021, the ORM-D (ORM stands for “Other Regulated Materials”) designation for hazardous material consumer commodities is no longer authorized in any mode of transportation, following a decade-long phase-out period.

When shipped as ORM-D, hazmat consumer commodities qualified for extensive relief from the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) for packaging, markings and labels, and shipping papers. 

49 CFR 171.8 defines a consumer commodity as a “material that is packaged and distributed in a form intended or suitable for sale through retail sales agencies or instrumentalities for consumption by individuals for purposes of personal care or household use.”

ORM-d and limited quantity for hazmat consumer commodities DOT complianceHazmat consumer commodities must now be shipped as hazardous material limited quantities by all modes of transportation. The good news is that limited quantity shipments qualify for similar or identical reliefs and exceptions in ground transport as ORM-D packages did. 

Side-by-side: ORM-D vs. Limited Quantity by Ground 

Learn more:
Shipping Hazmat Consumer Commodities in 2021

Hazmat Training for Limited Quantity Shippers  

Even if you ship limited quantities of hazardous materials—you still ship hazardous materials. 

Hazmat training is required for all employees who can affect the safety of hazmat shipments in transport. 49 CFR 172.704 requires that all employees receive general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific hazmat training.

The Shipping Limited Quantities and Consumer Commodities online course will prepare personnel to navigate and use the limited quantity regulations to ensure your shipments continue moving safely, in compliance, and on time—in 2021 and beyond.

The course covers a step by step process to identify, package, mark, label, handle, and document limited quantity shipments for transport by ground, air, and vessel.

Tags: hazmat by mail, hazmat consumer commodities, hazmat in mail, hazmat limited quantities, USPS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

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

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This guide will help you identify 25 of the most -cited errors in RCRA training, recordkeeping, hazardous waste ID, container management, universal waste, and laboratories.

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.