Lion.com will be offline for scheduled maintenance from 11 PM ET on Saturday, September 13, to 1 AM ET on Sunday, September 14.
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

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

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

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

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

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

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

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.