A challenge for those involved in the transportation of bulk quantities of ethanol and ethanol products is the display of the correct identification number as a package mark on the bulk packaging. The challenge is primarily due to the number of different shipping descriptions available for ethanol products depending on the concentration of ethanol in the blend. Another factor is the difference in classification between PHMSA/USDOT and Transport Canada for the same ethanol blend.
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) stepped in to provide the industry with guidance for determining the proper shipping name and the identification number (usually displayed on the placard) for various concentrations of ethanol and ethanol products. Below is a table of information provide by RFA.
| Category of material (Hazard class or division number and additional description, as appropriate) | Placard name | Placard design section reference (49 CFR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | EXPLOSIVES 1.4 | 172.523 |
| 1.5 | EXPLOSIVES 1.5 | 172.524 |
| 1.6 | EXPLOSIVES 1.6 | 172.525 |
| 2.1 | FLAMMABLE GAS | 172.532 |
| 2.2 | NON-FLAMMABLE GAS | 172.528 |
| 3 | FLAMMABLE | 172.542 |
| Combustible liquid | COMBUSTIBLE | 172.544 |
| 4.1 | FLAMMABLE SOLID | 172.546 |
| 4.2 | SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE | 172.547 |
| 5.1 | OXIDIZER | 172.550 |
| 5.2 (Other than organic peroxide, Type B, liquid or solid, temperature controlled) | ORGANIC PEROXIDE | 172.552 |
| 6.1 (other than material poisonous by inhalation) | POISON | 172.554 |
| 6.2 | (None) | |
| 8 | CORROSIVE | 172.558 |
| 9 | Class 9 (see 172.504(f)(9)) | 172.560 |
| ORM-D | (None) |
Contact me with any questions you may have about the transportation of hazardous materials by air, highway, vessel, or rail International and Domestic Daniels Training Services, Inc. 815.821.1550 |