# Patriot Tank Lines Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 16-0001R
- **title:** Patriot Tank Lines Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2018-04-02
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 16-0001R response to Patriot Tank Lines Inc. concerning 178.337.
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-16-0001r
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/interpretations/57766/160001r.pdf
**body:**

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U.S. Department
of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Materials Safety
Pipeline and Hazardous
APR 0 2 2018
Administration
Mark Mietz
Patriot Tank Lines Inc.
2737 Erie Drive
Weedsport, NY 13166
Reference No. 16-0001R
Dear Mr. Mietz:
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is clarifying this previously issued
letter of interpretation based on further review. In your December 22, 2015 email, you had
requested clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180)
applicable to marking inlets and outlets on Department of Transportation (DOT) Specification
MC331 cargo tank motor vehicles in accordance with § 178.337-9(c). Specifically, you asked
whether the marking required must be at the furthest point from the tank (i.e., the piping) or on
the cargo tank (wall). You also asked whether there is a size requirement for the marking and
whether it needs to be stamped or embossed.
In accordance with § 178.337-9(c), each cargo tank inlet and outlet, with the exception of
gauging devices, thermometer wells, and pressure relief valves, must be marked "liquid" or
"vapor" to designate whether it communicates with liquid or vapor when the cargo tank is filled
to the maximum filling density. Provided the marking is readily visible, legible, durable to
withstand transport conditions, and clearly associated with the corresponding inlet or outlet, it
would satisfy the requirements of the HMR.
In our original response of June 3, 2016, we stated that the required marking(s) must be on the
inlet/outlet equipment itself and in close proximity to its respective make/break connection point,
rather than on the cargo tank wall. We have since reconsidered this position based on a better
understanding of industry practice and ability to mark using stenciling or stickers that will not
impact the integrity or certification of the cargo tank. Thus, the marking(s) requirement may be
satisfied using various locations and methods including marking on the tank shell.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
A C.
Shane Kelle
Director
Standards and Rulemaking Division
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