# MHF Logistical Solutions — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation **Citation:** 04-0147 **Type / status:** guidance / guidance **Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration **Effective:** Not stated **Published:** 2004-06-18 04-0147 response to MHF Logistical Solutions concerning 173.427. ## Document text <<>> f Transportatio S. Departmer 400 Seventh St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 Research and Special Programs JUN 18 2004 Administration Mr. Kurt Colborn Reference No.: 04-0147 MHF Logistical Solutions Director, Technical Services 300 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 45 ranberry Township, PA 16066 Dear Mr. Colborn: This is in response to your June 1, 2004 letter regarding the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you seek concurrence that your Super Load WrapperTM (SLW) gondola lining system meets the general design requirements of § 173.410. Based on the information you provided, it is our opinion that a gondola railcar with a SLW lining system would satisfy the general design requirements of § 173.410. I trust this satisfies your request. Sincerely Hate z. pitchels Hattie L. Mitchell Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Office of Hazardous Materials Standards 113.427 64) 040147 <<>> Betts $173.427(6)(4) RAM 04-0147 800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 450, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 T 724.772.9800 F W www.mhfis.com Mr. Edward Mazzullo Director of Hazmat Standards 400 7" Street, SW Washington, DC 20590-3012 June 1, 2004 SUBJECT: Interpretation for Package Compliance with 49 CFR 173.427(b)(4) Dear Mr. Mazzullo, The purpose of this letter is to request confirmation of our interpretation of the requirements of 49 CFR 173.410 and as cited by 173.427(b)(4). Specifically, this letter seeks concurrence that the packaging described herein meets the subject requirement. Wrapper MHF Logistical Solutions' Packaging Solutions Division manufactures the Super Load literature and specifications (Attachment 1). (SLW) gondola lining system. The SLW is described in the enclosed When used as a liner in a gondola (nominally 53' or 65' foot gondolas), the (such as soils and debris). The SLW/gondola system has been used successfully in SL W/gondola system provides a strong, durable, sift-proof packaging for bulk materials thousands of railcar shipments in accordance with the current 173.427(c)(1). We believe that the SLW, in combination with a standard rail gondola, also meets the general design requirements of 173.410. Our evaluation of the package against the design criteria is attached (Attachment 2). We recognize that certification and acceptance of the package is our responsibility as the shipper. However, this package includes disposable components, is not equipped with some of the features described in 173.410, so we are requesting USDOT concurrence with our evaluation of the package as presented in this document. <<>> MHF-LS has obtained verbal concurrence with our package assessment from Kurt Please consider this letter and its attachments in your response to the following packaging Eichenlaub of your Office, this letter seeks confirmation in a written interpretation. assessments, subject to usage limitations described in our package evaluation: 1. The MHF-LS Super Load Wrapper™ qualifies as a packaging when used in conjunction with a gondola for LSA material in accordance with 49 CFR Bond W spr a supposed the Super Load a aper on dal so pose.. 2. The Super Load Wrapper™ contents, but either the Super Load Wrapper™ or the gondola may be marked and provides the required barrier for release of package labeled as the package at the shipper's discretion. Please feel free to contact me at (724) 772-9800, ext. 5560 if you have any questions about this request. Thank you for your assistance. Respectfully submitted, Kurt Colborn Director, Technical Services MHF Logistical Solutions <<>> ATTACHMENT 1 Super Load Wrapper Descriptive Literature and Specification <<>> SOLUTIONS Phone: 724.772.9800 Ext: 5542 Fax: 724.772.9850 800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 450, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 Erin Grimm, Transport Plastics Program Manager E-mail: erin outam@mails.com Web: www.mhis.com June 1, 2004 To: Kurt Colborn, MHF-LS Fm: Erin Grimm, MHF-PS Cc: Shelia King, MHF-PS, File Re: MHF-PS Super Load Wrapper Kurt- The Super Load Wrapper (SLW) is just one of the products that MHF Packaging Solutions' facility in Sweetwater, TN has been manufacturing for more than ten years. The SLW is considered the premier gondola railcar liner in the industry. The SLW is designed for shipments of bulk material in a gondola railcar to meet the US DOT definition of a "strong tight" shipment. It is the proven design and material strength of the SLW that has allowed more than 10,000 gondola railcar shipments to ship their bulk materials with less than ½ of 1% liner puncture or failure. The dynamic design of the SLW sets itself apart from the traditional static gondola railcar liner. A traditional liner merely covers the inner walls and floor of the railcar leaving enough material to cover the top of the load. These liners are used primarily to protect the railcar from contaminatior by the loaded bulk material and reduce potential clean out requirements. The SLW is designed and manufactured to "seal" and "protect" a bulk gondola railcar load. The design and proper use of the SLW closure system allows the shipper to seal the bulk load in the SLW and protect the load from wind and weather elements. Additionally, the proprietary closure system of the SLW dynamically reacts and protects the bulk load from breaching the liner when the load shifts within the railcar during rail transit. MHF-PS does manufacture and fabricate the "traditional" gondola railcar liners and the cost difference due to the quality of materials used in the construction and assembly is another good indicator of the difference in strength and quality. Please feel free to contact me should you have additional questions regarding the SLW or any MHF-PS product. <<>> LOGISTICAL SOLUTIONS Phone: 1.877.452.9300 Fax: 724.772.9850 Web: www.mhfls.com 800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 450, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 PRODUCT NFORMATION • Super Load Wrapper™ Gondola Lining System MHF Packaging Solutions Division Specifications • Liner sizes accommodate 53' and 65' gondolas • 7.5 oz./SY Nominal woven and coated high density (custom sizes are also available) • Reference thickness 18 mils. nominal polypropylene fabric • Color - black • Weight approximately 160 Ibs. Equipment Features • Our Super Load Wrapper™ is the premier gor dola car • The Super Load Wrapper™ System allows a shipment definition of "Strong-Tight" shipment of bulk material in a rail gondola to meet the US DOT • The design and strength of the Super Load Wrapper™ that other liner systems cannot withstand allows it to be used for debris and aggressive materials • All supplies required to install and secure the liner for The application of this product also aids in keepin shipment are included ne car clean and provides for easier off-loadin • Lining system has been in use successfully since 1988 • Form-fit in car design <<>> 190 Transport Drive • PO Box 12 • Sweetwater, TN 37874 • 800-603-8277 • 423-337-2184 (Fax) Transport Plastics, Inc. Product Specification Number: 100040 Revision: Date: 10-24-03 Super Load Wrapper Rail Car Liner Product Information Item Number: 10-SLW5310 Item Description: Super Load Wrapper Rail Car Liner Finished Size: 53.5 ft. x 10.5 ft. x 6 ft. x (10 ft. top flaps x 2) +/- 1" Finished Package: Folded and taped to form fit into car and for easy installation Flaps: 2 end flaps 2 fully overlapping top flaps Closure System: 33 tie closures consisting of ¼" braided black polypropylene rope and corresponding receiver holes. Tare Weight: 160 Ibs. Fabric Information Material Type: Woven & coated high density polypropylene (HDPP) Weave: Nominal 12 X 12 ppi woven black HDPP scrim using 1600 denier tapes Weight: Nominal 7.5 oz./ square yard +/- 10% Reference Thickness: 18 mil (Grab Method) Tensile Strength: Warp - 325 lbs ASTM D5034 Weft - 310 lbs (Trapezoidal Tear Method) Tear Strength: Warp - 85lbs ASTM D4533 Weft - 85 Ibs Mullen Burst: 540 psi ASTM D3786 Coating Thickness: 2.0 mil average, 2 sides Scrim Type: Black PP tapes, 1600 Denier Color: Black Thease cal tor pertisid in to copy or elstriute to alyoro oth of fran the tandie recipina Thah ky demed to be Contidential and Proprietary.J <<>> ATTACHMENT 2 Qualification of the MHF Logistical Solutions' Super Load Wrapper™ (in conjunction with a standard gondola car) to 49 CFR 173.410 and 173.24 Requirement: 49 173.410(a) The package can be easily handled and properly secured in or on a conveyance during transport. Fulfillment: The Super Load Wrapper™ readily installed into a standard gondola car. The SLW is self-securing to the gondola vhen filled, the bulk load ensures the SLW is stable and secure within the confines of th condola. The SLW/gondola package is as readily handled as a standard railcar. Th gondola is viewed as a required part of the package system, but for the purposes of compliance with this section is seen as external, removable and reusable handling device. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(b) Each lifting attachment that is a structural part of the package... Fulfillment: The SLW is not equipped with lifting attachments of any kind; this flaps of the SLW cannot be readily mistaken for lifting attachments. Further, these requirement does not apply. The rope lacing closure system used to secure the closure lightweight ropes would fail before damaging the package or allowing any movement at all in the filled 80-100 ton SLW. The gondola car is not equipped with lifting attachments and is not designed for iifting. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(c) The external surface, as far as practicable, will be free from protruding features and will be easily decontaminated. Fulfillment: The woven and coated high-density polypropylene construction of the SLW is readily wiped free of non-fixed contamination should its external surface become contaminated during loading. Further, the SLW is disposable and need not be decontaminated. The SLW provides a durable barrier to material release, and is intended to minimize or prevent the potential contamination of the gondola car from the SLW contents. Finally, destination disposal facilities are generally equipped to perform decontamination of gondola car surjaces as a routine matter if necessary. <<>> Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(d) The outer layer of packaging will avoid, as far as practicable, pockets or crevices where water might collect. Fulfillment: The smooth surface of the SLW sheds water readily. Thousands of shipments of material have been successfully shipped to disposal sites having strict prohibitions against free liquids. Stondard gondola cars are reasonably free of water- trapping features. In addition, MHF-LS gondolas are equipped with drain ports to allow water drainage from rain and snow melt. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(e) Each feature that is added to the package will not reduce the safety of the package. Fulfillment: The SLW/gondola package is not generally amenable to the addition of features of any kind. Some shippers may wish to add a tarp cover or hard lid to the gondola to supplement containment. Standard gondola covers, properly installed and secured, will not adversely impact the safety of this package. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(f) The package will be capable of withstanding the effects of any acceleration, vibration, or vibration resonance that may arise under normal conditions of transport without any deterioration in the effectiveness of the closing devices on the various receptacles or in the integrity of the package as a whole and without loosening or unintentionally releasing the nuts, bolts, or other securing devices even after repeated use. Fulfillment: The SLW is a single use packaging. The SLW has been proven effective in thousands of shipments of bulk material without degradation or the loss of material due to acceleration, vibration, or vibration resonance. The closure system, effected in accordance with manufacturer-supplied instructions (Attachment 3), has proven effective against the release of contents in rail transportation, and against wind and rain penetration. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(g) The materials of construction of the packaging and any components or structure will be physically and chemically compatible with each other and with the package contents. The behavior of the packaging and the package contents under irradiation will be taken into account. Fulfillment: The nominal 18 mil thickness of the woven SLW has been demonstrated to provide excellent physical integrity during normal rail transportation. The SLW is widely used for shipment of large quantities of radioactively-contaminated soil and debris. Degradation due to radiation exposure is not an issue for disposable SLWs used for LSA materials. The chemical resistance and suitability of the SLW for other-than- radiological contaminants will be evaluated by the manufacturer and shipper on a case- by-case basis. <<>> Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(h) All valves... Fulfillment: The SLW is not equipped with valves. The closure system can only be defeated by deliberate action. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.410(i) For transport by air... Fulfillment: The SLW is not suitable for air transportation, and for qualification to 173.410 the gondola is considered to be a component of the packaging, providing structural support to to the SLW. Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(a) Applicability. Fulfillment: The requirements are applicable. Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(b) Each package used for the shipment of hazardous materials shall be designed, constructed, maintained, filled, its contents so limited, and closed, so that under conditions normally incident to transportation - will be no identifiable (without the use of instruments) release of hazardous materials to Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(b)(1) Except as otherwise noted in this subchapter, there the environment; Fulfillment: The SLW properly installed and closed within a standard gondola car has been specifically designed to provide a barrier against the release of its contents. successful in meeting this requirement. MHF-LS maintains that a lid for the gondola is Thousands of rail shipments using the SLW/gondola packaging system have been not a required addition to the package to meet 49 CFR173.410; lids are a feature of gondolas meeting more stringent IP-? requirements in exemptions such as DOT-E- 12800. Use of the packaging is limited to the rated capacity of the gondola car. The SLW provides the barrier to release of contents; the gondola car provides required structural support for the SLW package. Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(b)(2) The effectiveness of the package will not be substantially reduced...during transportation. Fulfillment: As discussed in the fulfilment of 49 CFR 173.410(g) (above) the SLW represents a strong and durable liner, and an effective leak preventing package when used in conjunction. with a standard rail gondola. <<>> Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(b)(3) There will be no mixture of gases or vapors in the package which could... reduce the effectiveness of the packaging. Fulfillment: The SLW is typically used for bulk soil and building material in LSA shipments of radioactive material. Gases or vapors are not normally present, and would normally be released from the package through its overlapping closures if they were present. The impact of gases and vapors on the package performance will be evaluated by the shipper and manufacturer on a case-by-case basis as contents warrant. Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(b)(4) There will be no hazardous material residue adhering to the outside of the package during transport. Fulfillment: The internal surface of the overlapping closure of the SLW covers the sides of the gondola during filling; hence, external surfaces are protected from contamination. In the event external contamination does occur, the external surfaces are (and will be) readily decontaminated. Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(c) Authorized packagings. A packaging is authorized for a hazardous material only if - Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(c)(1) The packaging is prescribed or permitted ...or Fulfillment: This evaluation of requirements is intended to qualify the package to the general design requirements of 49 173.410 for shipment of LSA materials as permitted by 172.101 and described in 173.427(b)(4). Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(c)(2) [or] The packaging is permitted under, and conforms to, provisions contained in 171.11, 171.12, 171.12a, 173.3, 173.4, 173.5, 173.7, 173.27, or 176.11 of this subchapter. Fulfillment: The packaging is permitted in accordance with 173.24(c)(1) 171.11 V/A transport by air not appropriate for the packagin 171.12 V/A international shipping not planned, appropriate certifications anc shipping documentation will be provided on a case by case basis if 171.12a See 171.12 173.3 (a) SLW manufacture is available for inspection; (b) SLWs are used in rail 173.4 ransport only; (c) NiA, pertains to salvage drums/packagin Small quantity exceptions N/A - the SLW/gondola is a bulk packagin 173.5 N/A - pertains to agriculture 173.7 No DOD-specific qualification of this package is proposed, this package 173.27 176.11 <<>> Requirement 49 CFR 173.24(d) Specification packagings and UN standard packagings... Fulfillment: N/A, 19 CFR 173.427(b)(4) permitted packaging requires compliance with 173.410 and 173.24and is the subject of this evaluation. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(e) Compatibility. (e)(1) Even though certain packagings are specified in this part, it is, nevertheless, the responsibility of the person offering a hazardous material for transportation to ensure that such packagings are compatible with their lading. This particularly applies to corrosivity, permeability, softening, premature aging, and embrittlement. Fulfillment: The nominal 18 mil thickness of the woven SLW has been demonstrated to videly used for shipment of large quantities of radioactively-contaminated soil an rovide excellent physical integrity during normal rail transportation. The SLW i for LSA materials. The chemical resistance and suitability of the SLW for other-than- debris. Degradation due to radiation exposure is not an issue for disposable SLWs usea radiological contaminants will be evaluated by the manufacturer and shipper on a case- by-case basis. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(e)(2) Packaging materials and contents must be such that there will be no significant chemical or galvanic reaction between the materials and contents of the package. Fulfillment: The HDPE construction of the SLW is reasonably inert, has no identifiable reaction with gondola materials of construction, and no significant reaction with radioactively contaminated bulk soil and debris. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(e)(3)(i) Plastic used in packagings and receptacles must be hazardous condition is likely to occur during transportation, handling, or refilling. of a type compatible with the lading and may not be permeable to an extent that a Fulfillment: See fulfillment of 49 CFR 173.24(e) above. Also, "refilling" is N/A for the SLW, a single-use container. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(e)(3)(ii) Each plastic packaging or receptacle which is used for liquid hazardous materials... Fulfillment: N/A. Qualification of the SLW for liquids is not proposed at this time. <<>> Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(e)(4) Mixed contents. Hazardous materials may not be packed or mixed together in the same outer packaging with other hazardous or non- hazardous materials if such materials are capable of reacting dangerously with each other.... Fulfillment: Qualification of the SLW as a packaging meeting 173.410 is proposed for homogenous bulk solids. No mixing of hazardous materials within the packaging is proposed. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(e)(5) Packagings used for solids, which may become liquid at temperatures likely to be encountered during transportation, must be capable of containing the hazardous material in the liquid state. Fulfillment: N/A. Qualification of the SLW is proposed only for bulk solids which remain solid at temperatures likely to be encountered in transport. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(f)(1) Closures. Closures on packagings shall be so designed and closed that under conditions (including the effects of temperature, pressure, and vibration) normally incident to transportation - (i) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, there is no identifiable release of hazardous materials to the environment from the opening to which the closure is applied; and (ii) The closure is leakproof and secured against loosening. For air transport... flaps against opening during transport. The closure is similar to that used on MHF-LS Fulfillment: The SLW flaps self seal the contents when closed. A rope-lacing secures the to meet 173.410, provides protection of the SLW closure, as well as a sturdy secondary IP-1 and IP-2 tested packagings. In addition, the gondola, which is part of the packaging containment. A standard procedure ias been developed to instruct users in proper for the gondola is not a required addition to the package to meet 49 CFR173.410; lids closure of the package, and is provided as Attachment 3. MHF-LS maintains that a lid are a feature of gondolas meeting more stringent IP-2 requirements in exemptions such as DOT-E-12800. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(g) Venting. Fulfillment: N/A. The SLW/gondolapackaging is not intentionally vented, not utilized for air transport, and not currently proposed for containment of flammable gases. <<>> Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24(h) Outage and filling limits. Fulfillment: N/A. The SLW/gondola packaging is not proposed for liquids, compressed gases, or cryogenic liquids. Requirement: 49 CFR 173.24b Additional General Requirements for Bulk Packagings Fulfillment: N/A. The SLW/gondola packaging is not a tank, and proposed for liquids, compressed gases, or cryogenic liquids. <<>> ATTACHMENT 3 Super Load Wrapper Standard Operating Procedure for Installation and Closure <<>> TRANSPORT PLASTICS, INC. Standard Operating Procedure Procedure for Installing Super Load Wrapper Into Gondola Rail Car 1.0 Scope designated Super Load Wrapper. This procedure provides the instructions to properly install and secure the rail car 2.0 Procedure 2.1 Ensure a minimum of two personnel participate in the liner installation and closure. 2.2 Open package with care not to damage the liner and remove the outer packaging. 2.3 Place the load wrapper in the center of the rail car. 2.4 Unroll the wrapper to each end of the rail car. 2.5 Walk down the center aisle of the single layer of material and pick up the hem of liner and place over the side of the car. Repeat on the other side of car. Note: Direction labels are on the edge of side flaps. 2.6 Place the end flaps over the ends of the rail car. There should be a 6" adjust as nedang over the corners. Check for uniform fit in the car and 2.7 Load the car with material. Make sure the loader is not dragging the sides f the wrapper down into the car. Heap the pile in the center trom tr ides and the ends. The pile should be recessed at each side and en forming a slope to the center but not above top edge of car. 2.8 Once the car is loaded, fold the end flaps into the car. Make sure there are ith coils of robe attacher o sharp objects protruding into to liner surface. Tie end flaps opposin <<>> Procedure for Installing Super Load Wrapper (Continued) 2.9 Remove the two end ropes from the surface of each end flap and temporarily place over the ends of the car. These are the final end tie ropes. 2.10 Fold the first flap, the side with short ropes attached, into the car and over the material. Make sure the flap crests the top of the heap and there are no sharp objects protruding into the liner surface. 2.11 Remove the 8 ropes, with bungee cords, that are taped to the inside of the second flap (opposite of the load side flap). Tie them to the 8 receiver ole, looping the rope and rethreading the rope back through the receivin oles of the first (loading end) flap by threading each through the receive hole again, pulling snug, and tying the rope back to itself. 2.12 Untape the ends of the 23 cross (short) ropes affixed to the surface of the bottom flap and temporarily place over the car (load side) 2.13 Fold over the top flap (opposite of load side) and thread the 15 continuous the hem, loop, and rethread the rope through the receiver holes, pull snug, cross ropes with bungee sections (out of 23) through the receiver hole in and tie to the opposite (previously over the end of the car) cross rope's bitter end. 2.14 Tie the 8 intermittent ropes (placed temporarily over the end of the car; no bungee sections; no mating rope at the opposite side) through the receiver hold in the hem, loop, rethread through the receiver hole, pull snug, and tie 2.15 Tie each of the final end ropes (two on each end) to the most convenient of the four crossing ropes near each end of the rail car. ## Provenance - Official: Yes - Source: - Source ID: `phmsa` - SHA-256: `e347a541bd36108a90ab263ec0f86568e532f0b10f1f04a28a137d6550e2a443` - Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z - Exported: 2026-08-22T19:09:15.144Z - Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-04-0147` ### Source metadata ```json { "materialSubtype": "interpretation", "interpretationArea": "hazardous_materials", "representation": "full_text_from_official_pdf", "companies": [ "MHF Logistical Solutions" ], "individuals": [ "Mr. Kurt Colborn" ], "refIds": [ "04-0147" ], "catalogDates": [ "2004-06-18" ], "catalogParts": [ 173 ], "catalogRowCount": 1, "sourceRecordUrls": [ "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/node/58811" ], "linkedAttachmentUrls": [], "unavailableResponseUrls": [], "duplicateRepresentationUrls": [], "citedSections": [ "173.427", "173.427(6)(4)", "173.410", "173.24", "172.101", "171.11", "171.12", "171.12a", "173.3", "173.4", "173.5", "173.7", "173.27", "176.11", "173.24b" ], "catalogPageUrls": [ "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/173427" ], "pdfUrls": [ "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2004/040147.pdf" ], "representations": [ { "viewUrl": "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2004/040147.pdf", "detailUrl": null, "detailHtmlPath": null, "pdfUrl": "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2004/040147.pdf", "pdfArtifactPath": "data/sources/phmsa-interpretations/04-0147-3dcc69a588.pdf", "pdfArtifactSha256": "43f4509e6680ae668db6d972a361a1a4bb8092eea9ddf842f36f60c3788b10eb", "extractedTextPath": "data/sources/phmsa-interpretations/04-0147-3dcc69a588.v2.txt", "extractedTextSha256": "a27a069c6ea8911aa564a7a06b2a08362d3f13b07ceca687696f22778febb84b", "pageCount": 17, "extractionVersion": 2 } ], "caveat": "Interpretations apply regulations to the facts presented and do not create independently enforceable requirements.", "jurisdiction": "US" } ```