# Big T Transfer Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 98-0407  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1998-02-27

98-0407 response to Big T Transfer Inc. concerning 172.102.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S.Department
of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S.W
Research and
Washington, D.C.
20590
Special Programs
Administration
Ms. Lisa Smith
FEB 27 1998
Safety Director
Big I Transfer Inc.
P.O. Box 287
New Albany, IN 47151-0287
Dear Ms. Smith:
This is in response to your letter of February 26, 1998, requesting clarification of the
packaging requirements for calcium carbide under the Hazardous Materials Regulations
(HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180). Specifically you ask whether calcium carbide may be
transported domestically in a DOT 56 portable tank.
The answer is yes. The Hazardous Materials Table (§ 172.101) references § 173.241 under
Column 8B for bulk packaging requirements and B101 under Column 7 for special provisions.
"Authorized only in metal intermediate bulk containers." This means that when intermediate
Section 173.241(c) authorizes use of a DOT 56 portable tank. Special provision B101 states
tank.
bulk containers are used they must be metal. It does not preclude use of a DOT 56 portable
For your information we will propose a change to special provision B101 for clarification
purposes in the near future. I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
She Holle
Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
:

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Feib- 26-98
11:19A
=
P.01
BIGTRANSFER ING a Valle
P.O. Box 287
New Albany, IN 47151-0287
File: 172.102 BOl
MC - 146108
February 26, 1998
•
To:
Attn:
DOT-Research Special Programs Administration
Fax#:
Diane LaValle
(202) 366-8700
:
Dear Ms. LaValle,
Provision 101
containers".
:
Does this mean the product can ONLY be loaded in metal
intermediate bulk containers of does it mean that IF the product
is loaded in intermediate bulk containers, they must be metal?
Please send the determination to my attention at fax number (812)
280-1226.
448 between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM Monday throug
I you need additional information I can be reached at (800)994
:
Friday.
Thank you for your help and time.
sincerely,
Xia Srier
!
Lisa Smiti
Safety Director
...

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980407.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `0042ac535051e5e655a904f32863ce3cc2faf0d2b5421800532d91cb5bf2f5a6`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T13:57:09.333Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0407`

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