# Dinda & Associates, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 03-0226
- **title:** Dinda & Associates, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2003-10-23
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 03-0226 response to Dinda & Associates, Inc. concerning 172.102.
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- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2003/030226.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
U.S. Department
400 Seventh St., S.W.
Research and
OCT 2 3 2003
Washington, D.C. 20590
Special Programs
Administration
Mr. John F. Dinda, JI.
Reference No.: 03-0226
Dinda & Associates, Inc.
6190 Old Still Run Road
Gainesville, GA 30506
Dear Mr. Dinda:
This responds to your letter requesting clarification of the definition for "freight container" under
intermediate bulk container (IBC) meets the definition of a freight container and if so, does the
the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask if an
IBC meet the packaging requirements in Special Provision IP1.
The answer is no. An IBC does not meet the definition of a freight container. An IBC is a rigid
or flexible portable packaging designed for mechanical handling. IBC's are built to standards
specified in 49 CFR Part 178. A freight container is "a reusable container having a volume of
64 cubic feet or more, designed and constructed to permit being lifted with its contents intact and
intended primarily for containment of packages (in unit form) during transportation." Under the
requirements of Special Provision IP1, the IBC must be packed in a closed freight container or a
closed transport vehicle. The closed freight container or closed transport vehicle is intended to
provide an additional means of containment for the material in the IBC.
I trust this satisfies your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Hithe z. Michell
Hattie L. Mitchell
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention
172.102
030226

<<<PAGE 2>>>

09/15/2003 14:37
FAX 7708896040
DINDA ASSOC INC
401
Corbin
Associa
$172.102 /PI
ssociates
Incorporated
Special Provision
September 18, 2003
Mr. Edward T. Mazzullo, Director
03-02026
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards (DHM-10)
Research and Special Programs Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20590-0001
Dear Mr. Mazzullo:
I am seeking clarification of the definition for freight container at §171.8 of 49 CFR as it
relates to IP Code IP1 appearing in Table 3 at §172.102(b)(4). Column 7 of the Table at
The IBC contains a crystalline or granular material which is toxic in Packing Group 1.
$172.101 identifies IP1 as a special provision for the transport of the material in the IBC.
IP1 reads as follows:
IBCs must be packed in closed freight containers or a closed transport vehicle.
The IBC is certified as "UN 11A/XP*/USA/+AA1773/0/2358.7." This IBC is a metal IBC
of 110 cubic feet in volume.
"Freight container means a reusable container having a volume of 64 cubic feet or more,
primarily for containment of packages (in unit form) during transportation."
designed and constructed to permit being lifted with its contents intact and intended
in bulk meet also the definition for a freight container?
Question 1: Does the IBC of 110 cubic feet containing a crystalline or granular material
container, then is IP1 met without further packing requirements for the IBC?
Question 2: If the answer to question 1 is that the IBC in this case is also a freight
If you require additional information, I can be reached by telephone at 770-889-9492.
Your earliest response would be most appreciated.
President and Regulatory Compliance Associate
6190 Old Still Run Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
770-889-9492 phone
770-889-6040 fax
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