PHMSA Eases Rules for Empty Danger Drums – Haul Freely!
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
PHMSA is making it easier to transport certain empty hazardous material containers by adopting DOT special permit 21478 into the official rules. This means some containers can move without extra paperwork, labels, or special markings, as long as safety rules are followed. This change helps companies save time and hassle, starting as soon as the new rules go live.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Transport IBCs Without Papers or Placards
If you transport hazardous material residues in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), DOT special permit 21478 would be adopted into the Hazardous Materials Regulations to allow those IBCs to move without shipping papers, placards, or motor vehicle marking of the UN identification (ID) number. This relief applies only when the shipment meets the rule’s additional operational controls and safety rules.
Relief for Low‑Risk Empty Packaging
PHMSA would provide relief from hazard communication requirements for low-risk transportation of empty packaging, allowing some empty packagings to move without extra labels or paperwork. The proposal also eliminates the need to submit special permit renewal requests for the provisions adopted from DOT special permit 21478, and the change would take effect starting as soon as the new rules go live.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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