# Mr. Gerald L. Blase — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 99-0193  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1999-08-13

99-0193 concerning 172.504.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

•
of Transportation
US. Department
Vas singion, D.C. 15.5
20590
Research and
Administration
special Programs
AUG 1 3 1999
Mr. Gerald L. Blase
Ref. No. 99-0193
Manager, Asplundh Railroad Division
708 Blair Mill Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090-1784
Dear Mr. Blase:
This is in response to your letter dated July 20, 1999, requesting clarification of the Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR 171-180) as they relate to the transportation of Class 9
hazardous materials. Specifically, you ask whether a CLASS 9 placard is required to be.
displayed for domestic transportation.
As provided by § 172.504 (f)(9), the answer is no; a CLASS 9 placard is not required for
domestic transportation. This exclusion from the CLASS 9 placarding requirement applies to
both non-bulk and bulk packages. Each non-bulk package must be marked with the proper
shipping name and identification (ID) number as provided for by § 172.301 and must display a
CLASS 9 Label as provided by § 172.400. In addition, if a non-bulk package contains a
hazardous substance, the letters "RQ" must be marked on the package in association with the
proper shipping name as provided for by § 172.324. Each bulk package must be marked on each
side and each end with the appropriate ID number displayed on a placard, orange panel, or when
appropriate a white square-on-point configuration. However, if a carrier chooses to display
CLASS 9 placards on a bulk package, the ID number may be displayed on the placard or orange
panel as provided by § 172.332(c).
I hope this information is helpful. Should you have further questions, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Hatte a mither
Hattie L. Mitchell, Chief
Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
cc: West Virginia Public Service Commission
8136
172.504
990193

<<<PAGE 2>>>

ASPLUNDE
Belts
ASPLUNDH RAILROAD DIVISION
5172.504
708 BLAIR MILL ROAD, WILLOW GROVE, PA 19090-1784 • AREA CODE 215 • TELEPHONE 784-4206 • FAX 784-1366
99-0193
Tuesday, July 20, 1999
US Dept. Of Transportation
Resources & Special Projects Adm.
A00 Ha. Mat. Standards DHM10
Washington, DC
Street
20590
Dear Sir/Madam:
suggests I present my problem to you for a determination to be made on
In discussions with Mr. Raymond I. LaMagdelaine of your office, he
the facts,
and a written statement issued.
Some of the products which we transport are listed in APPENDIX A and
classed as "Other Regulated Substances" which do not require placards.
However ID numbers may apply to certain shipments, only if the "RQ"..
single container.
(in our case 100 lb.) of the active is ingredient is packaged in a
bulk containers.
None of these products are transported by us in
It is our understanding of the regulations,
edition) section 172.504 (f) (9).
the Identification number in a white.
49. CFR (October: 1, 1998
marking for this shipment, and that a CLASS 9 Placard is NOT REQUIRED : C:
square on point display configuration is an acceptable and PROPER
FOR DOMESTIC SHIPMENTS.
188S.X33
Our drivers are being cited, and in one instance | see Citation
enclosed)
the vehicle was placed "Out of Service" for not having a
• 0% 00:
Class 9 Placard displayed ( the ID # was properly displayed) and
Class 9. The Citation also lists not having W.Va. Hazardous Material.
remained "out of service" until the driver switched the Placard to a =
Credentials which are required for "Bulk Carriers of Haz. Mats. of
3,500 gal or 468 cu.ft. in a single container (which is a State issue)
Is my understanding
regulations correct?
and interpretations of the Class 9 Placard
so that my drivers will have it available when they are challenged on
Can you please send me a written determination.
this issue. Also, is it possible to remove this particular out of
vehicle
service violation
that was properly marked
0101328 since we WERE moving a
177.823A)
I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
sincerely!
Grabel Blase.
Gerald L. Blase
Manager Asplundh Railroad Division
enclosure: WV report # 00227965

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990193.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `e506acbd4118640571b89c7a2e422b4ed8fb3094681ef69f7282b1f141984bca`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T21:14:17.638Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-99-0193`

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