# W.M. Barr & Company Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 01-0268  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2002-02-20

01-0268 response to W.M. Barr & Company Inc. concerning 173.150.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

or ransporation
Washington, D.C. 20590
400 Seventh St., S.W.
Research and
Administrations
FEB 2 0 2002
Mr. John Ghio
Ref. No. 01-0268
W.M. Barr & Company Inc.
P.O. Box 1879
Memphis, Tennessee 38101
Dear Mr. Ghio:
This responds to your letter regarding the classification of kerosene, having a flash point of 105°F, in a
five gallon can (UN 1A1/Y1.2/100), that is transported by vessel to Alaska in accordance with the
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). As provided in § 173.120(b), a
flammable liquid with a flash point at or above 38°C (100°F) that does not meet the definition of any
other hazard class, may be reclassed as a combustible liquid.
You did not provide specifics on whether other means of transporting non-bulk packagings of kerosene
to Alaska are practicable. Although our letter of December 27, 2000, enclosed with your letter,
specifically addressed the definition of the term "impracticable" as used in § 175.85, we also apply that
definition to the term "impracticable" as used in § 173.150(Đ(1). Specifically, "impracticable" means
that transportation is not physically possible, or cannot be performed by routine and frequent means of
other transportation due to extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances include conditions
that preclude highway transportation, such as road closures due to catastrophic weather or volcanic
activity, or a declared state of emergency. If routine and frequent highway shipments of kerosene are
possible, it must be classed as a flammable liquid when shipped and transported by vessel.
I hope this satisfies your inquiry. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
173.150
010268
..::

<<<PAGE 2>>>

10/12/01
08: 29
FAX 9017758704
W M BARR
0002
& 3915m
WMBARR
P.O. Box 1879
W.M. BARR & COMPANY INC
classification
An Employee-Owned Company
Memphis, Tennessee 38101
Phone (901) 775-0100
DOT Research and Special Programs
Mi. Edward Mazzullo
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Mazzullo:
Please clarify the classification of the following material.
5 gallon can (UN 1A1/Y1.2/100) of Kerosene with a flash point of 105°F. This product is being shipped by
vessel to Alaska.
not marking, labeling, placarding and describing the product as hazardous on the bill of lading
WIM. Barr is classifying the Kerosene as a combustible Liquid under 173.150 (P) (1) and presently we are
Thic fax from your office dated 9127/2001 is enclosed, as we tried to classify this product.
What is the correct classification for our product?
Thank You
John Ghio
10/12|01
WIM. Barr & Co.
MANUFACTURING LOCATIONS
Memphis, Tennessee
Ontario, Celifornia

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2001/010268.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `db278cc9f830213f41d6728b294e20d9f092ecfdf55649457bb32a935943f89d`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T03:44:33.297Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-01-0268`

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