DOT Shrinks Hazmat Stickers to Save Shippers Pennies
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Rule
Summary
This final rule removes undue regulatory burdens by allowing regulated entities to use a reduced sized marking for limited quantity shipments of hazardous materials by highway, rail, or vessel.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Smaller Limited-Quantity Marking Allowed
If you ship limited quantities of hazardous materials (by modes other than air or international vessel and not radioactive), you may use a reduced size limited-quantity marking on package shipping labels starting September 3, 2026. Each reduced marking must be at least 25 mm on each side, have a visible border, and be durable and legible; the shipping label must also be capable of electronically communicating the limited-quantity status and authorized transport modes.
Reduced Marking Not Allowed on Overpacks
You may not use the reduced 25 mm x 25 mm limited-quantity marking on the outside of an overpack. Overpacks must instead be marked with the regular limited quantity marking unless a representative limited-quantity marking for the hazardous material inside the overpack is already visible.
Special-Permit Paperwork Reduced
PHMSA clarifies that the quarterly reporting requirement in DOT-SP 21015 was only a special-permit condition and is not required by the new regulation, and the rule eliminates the need for some special-permit renewals. PHMSA estimates a net decrease of 8 annual respondents, 8 annual responses, and 12 annual burden hours for OMB Control No. 2137-0051.
Federal Marking Standard Preempts Some State Rules
The final rule addresses marking and labeling of hazardous materials and will preempt State, local, and Tribal requirements on those covered subjects unless the non-Federal requirements are 'substantively the same' as the Federal rule. This preemptive effect is limited to the minimum necessary to achieve Federal objectives.
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Key Dates
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