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 will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

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

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

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

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

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.