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

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

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

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 did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

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

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.