# Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 18-0157
- **title:** Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2019-03-26
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** 18-0157 response to Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc. concerning 173.315.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-18-0157.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-18-0157.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-18-0157
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/interpretations/70981/180157.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Material• Safety
Admlnletratlon
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
MAR 2 6 2019
Wes Pace
Director, Hazardous Materials Compliance
Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
13410 Sutton Park Drive, South
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Reference No. 18-0157
Dear Mr. Pace:
This letter is in response to your December 7, 2018, email requesting clarification of the
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to transportation of
non-DOT specification consumer propane storage tanks built in accordance with Section VIII of
the ASME code (consumer storage tanks). Specifically, you ask whether PHMSA inadvertently
limited the transportation of consumer storage tanks in§ 173.315(j) to private motor carriers.
The answer is no. Section 173 .31 S(j) is intended to allow the transportation of filled or partially
filled consumer storage tanks, as long as they meet the operational controls specified in the
section. The long-standing requirements in§ 173.315G), dating back to at least 1949, authorize
transportation by private motor carrier only. On February 11, 2011, PHMSA published final rule
HM-245, "Hazardous Materials: Incorporation of Certain Cargo Tank Permits into Regulations"
(76 FR 5483), which adopted a long-standing special permit (DOT SP 13341) into§ 173.315(j).
DOT SP 13341 allowed for the transportation of consumer storage tanks with up to 500-gallon
water capacity carrying quantities of propane greater than 5% of the container's water capacity
when transported by private motor carrier. The requirement for transportation by private motor
carrier originally found in the introductory paragraph of§ 173 .3 l 5(j) was retained in the new
paragraphs (j)(l) and (j)(2). PHMSA received no comments to HM-245 that objected to the
private motor carrier requirement.
Please note, if the consumer storage tank is cleaned and purged and no longer contains propane
vapors capable of sustaining combustion, then the transportation of the consumer storage tank
would not be subject to any requirements of the HMR.
Special permits may authorize relief from any requirement in the HMR, provided the applicant
demonstrates an equivalent level of safety to that intended by the regulation. To apply for a
special permit, you must submit an application to the Associate Administrator for Hazardous

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Materials Safety in conformance with the requirements prescribed in 49 CFR Part 107, Subpart
B. You may obtain information on the special permit application process from our website at
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/special-permits/special-permits-overview or by calling
PHMSA's Approvals and Permits Division at (202) 366-4511.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division

<<<PAGE 3>>>

January, lkeya CTR (PHMSA)
From: INFOCNTR (PHMSA)
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 3:24 PM
Hazmat Interps
FW: Interpretation Request
Interpretation request for 173.3150).pdf
Hello,
Attached is a request for letter of interpretation.
Thanks,
Jonathon
From: Pace, Wes [mailto:wpace@landstar.com]
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2018 12:15 PM
To: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) <INFOCNTR.INFOCNTR@dot.gov>
Subject: Interpretation Request
I'd like to submit the attached request for interpretation.
Thanks,
Wes Pace, CDS
Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
Director, Hazardous Materials Compliance
Office- (904) 390-4815
Cell- (904) 614-3870
Email- wpace@landstar.com
Think twice before you press "print." Go Green!
STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY: The information in this message is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the use of the individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you are prohibited from disseminating,
distributing or copying the information contained in this message. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and
destroy all copies of the original.
1

<<<PAGE 4>>>

I.ANDSTAII ~
Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
13410 Sutton Pork Drive, South
Jocksooville, R 32224
9043989400
December 7, 2018
Office of Hazardous Material Standards
Pipeline & Hazardous Material Safety Admin.
PH-10
East Building
1200 Ney Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590-001
To whom it concerns:
Please accept this request for clarification on 173.315 (j). Specifically, I seek intent and reasoning why the
transport of empty propane storage containers are being limited to "private motor carrier" as stated in the
below rule.
173.315 Compressed gases in cargo tanks and portable tanks.
(j) Consumer storage containers. (1) Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas or propane charged to
five percent of their capacity or less and intended for permanent installation on consumer premises may be
shipped by private motor carrier under the following conditions:
We received a roadside violation (only violation written) on 12/6/18 in New Hampshire, written under
173.315(j) stating that we, as a for-hire carrier was not authorized to move these empty propane tanks. All
other compliance had been met with no issue. The officer actually wrote the violation to the shipper.
Yesterday, I spoke to the New Hampshire issuing officer and to his Sgt., PHMSA field office in Trenton NJ,
PHMSA hazmat Hotline in Washington asking why for-hire carriers were not permitted to transport the tanks
under this rule and not one could provide a reply. For-hire carriers can transport these type tanks as safely if
not safer than private motor carriers.
Understand that industry gas suppliers have long been using for-hire carriers to move their empty propane
storage tanks and in fact, some gas suppliers don't have equipment to move these type tanks and are totally
reliant on for-hire carriers as their only source of transportation.
Could it be that the word "private" as used in the rule was inadvertently added? This is the first time in my 25
years with the company that this has ever came up.
Thanks,
Wes Pace, CDS
Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc.
Director, Hazardous Materials Compliance
Office- (904) 390-4815
Cell- (904) 614-3870
Email- wpace@landstar.com
Providing Supply Chain Solutions and Complete Global & Domestic Transportation Services

<<<PAGE 5>>>

173.315(j) in 1949*-2010
*Unable to search further back in time using HeinOnline, provision likely pre-dates 1950
(j) Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas for permanent installation on consumer premises may
be shipped by r,llllflll.1.1111 only under the following conditions:
(1) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements of the ASME Code
(containers built in compliance with earlier editions starting with 1943 are authorized) and must be
marked to indicate compliance in the manner specified by the respective Code.
(2) Each container must be equipped with safety devices in compliance with the requirements for safety
devices on containers as specified in NFPA Pamphlet No. 58.
(3) The containers shall be so braced or otherwise secured on the vehicle as to prevent relative motion
while in transit. Valves or other fittings shall be adequately protected against injury during
transportation. (See§ 177.834(g) of this subchapter.)
(4) Except as provided in paragraph (j)(S) of this section, containers shall not be shipped when charged
with liquefied petroleum gas to more than 5 percent of their water capacity.
(5) Storage containers of less than 1,042 pounds water capacity (125 gallons) may be shipped when
charged with liquefied petroleum gas in compliance with DOT filling density.
173.315(j) in 2011 after HM-245 (same as today)
(j) Consumer storage containers.
(1) Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas or propane charged to five percent of their capacity
or less and intended for permanent installation on consumer premises may be shipped by 1111111lf1
· )U ~ under the following conditions:
(i) Each container must be constructed iri compliance with the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME
Code (IBR, see §171.7 of this subchapter) and must be marked to indicate compliance in the manner
specified by the respective Code. Containers built in compliance with earlier editions starting with 1943
are authorized.
(ii) Each container must be equipped with safety devices in compliance with the requirements for safety
devices on containers as specified in NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (IBR, see §171.7 of this
subchapter).
(iii) The containers must be braced or otherwise secured on the vehicle to prevent relative motion while
in transit. Valves or other fittings must be adequately protected against damage during transportation.
(See §177.834(a) of this subchapter).

<<<PAGE 6>>>

(2) Storage containers with a water capacity not exceeding 500 gallons charged with liquefied petroleum
gas to more than five percent of their capacity and intended for permanent installation on consumer
premises may be transported by lr-:;r , 1 one-way only from the consumer's premises to
the container owner's nearest facility under the following conditions:
(i) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME
Code and must be marked to indicate compliance in the manner specified by the respective Code.
(ii) Maximum permitted filling density may not exceed that specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(iii) Prior to loading on a motor vehicle, the container must be inspected by a trained and qualified
person for leaks, corroded or abraded areas, dents, distortions, weld defects, or other condition that
may render the container unsafe for transportation. A record of the inspection must be legibly signed
and dated by the person performing the inspection and retained by the container owner for two years.
The signature on the inspection·record represents a certification that the container has been inspected
and has no defects that would render it unsafe for transportation under the HMR. The record of
inspection must include the date of inspection, the inspector's contact information (such as a telephone
number), the container's serial number and container size (water capacity), estimated amount of
hazardous material, and the origin and destination of shipment.
(iv) Only one storage container may be transported on a motor vehicle.
(v) For loading on a motor vehicle, the container must be lifted by slings, which must be completely
wrapped around the container. Lifting lugs may not be used. The slings must be rated to a weight
sufficient to accommodate the container and its lading and shall comply with ASME B30.9 on slings used
for lifting purposes, and must be visually inspected prior to each use. A sling showing evidence of tears,
fraying, or other signs of excessive wear may not be used.
(vi) The storage container must be secured on a motor vehicle so that the container is completely within
the envelope of the vehicle and does not extend beyond the vehicle frame.
(vii) The storage container must be placed on the vehicle in a manner, such as in a cradle, which ensures
that no weight is placed on the supporting legs during transportation.
(viii) The storage container must be secured against movement during transportation. Bracing must
conform with the requirements of paragraph (j)(l)(iii) of this section and §177 .834(a) of this subchapter
and with Section 6- 5.2 of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Straps or chains used as tiedowns
must be rated to exceed the maximum load to be transported and conform to the requirements in
§§393.100 through 393.106 of this title.
(ix) Tow trailers used to transport storage containers in accordance with this paragraph (j)(2) must
provide rear end protection that conforms to requirements in §393.86 of this title.
(3) Storage containers of less than 1,042 pounds water capacity (125 gallons) may be shipped when
charged with liquefied petroleum gas in compliance with DOT filling density.

<<<PAGE 7>>>

173.315(j) in 1949*-2010
*Unable to search further back in time using HeinOnline or hardcopies, provision likely pre-dates 1949
(j) Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas for permanent installation on consumer premises may
be shipped by --~
,~ only under the following conditions:
(1) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements of the ASME Code
(containers built in compliance with earlier editions starting with 1943 are authorized) and must be
marked to indicate compliance in the manner specified by the respective Code.
(2) Each container must be equipped with safety devices in compliance with the requirements for safety
devices on containers as specified in NFPA Pamphlet No. 58.
(3) The containers shall be so braced or otherwise secured on the vehicle as to prevent relative motion
while in transit. Valves or other fittings shall be adequately protected against injury during
transportation. (See§ 177.834(g) of this subchapter.)
(4) Except as provided in paragraph (j)(5) of this section, containers shall not be shipped when charged
with liquefied petroleum gas to more than 5 percent of their water capacity.
(5) Storage containers of less than 1,042 pounds water capacity (125 gallons) may be shipped when
charged with liquefied petroleum gas in compliance with DOT filling density.
173.315(j) in 2011 after HM-245 (same as today)
(j) Consumer storage containers.
(1) Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas or propane charged to five percent of their capacity
or less and intended for permanent installation on consumer premises may be shipped by l[yj~~
. JAi under the following conditions:
(i) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME
Code (IBR, see §171.7 of this subchapter) and must be marked to indicate compliance in the manner
specified by the respective Code. Containers built in compliance with earlier editions starting with 1943
are authorized.
(ii) Each container must be equipped with safety devices in compliance with the requirements for safety
devices on containers as specified in NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (IBR, see §171.7 of this
subchapter).
(iii) The containers must be braced or otherwise secured on the vehicle to prevent relative motion while
in transit. Valves or other fittings must be adequately protected against damage during transportation.
(See §177.834(a) of this subchapter).

<<<PAGE 8>>>

(2) Storage containers with a water capacity not exceeding 500 gallons charged with liquefied petroleum
gas to more than five percent of their capacity and intended for permanent installation on consumer
premises may be transported by i1-~lllfi one-way only from the consumer's premises to
the container owner's nearest facility under the following conditions:
(i) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME
Code and must be marked to indicate compliance in the manner specified by the respective Code.
(ii) Maximum permitted filling density may not exceed that specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(iii) Prior to loading on a motor vehicle, the container must be inspected by a trained and qualified
person for leaks, corroded or abraded areas, dents, distortions, weld defects, or other condition that
may render the container unsafe for transportation. A recc;,rd of the inspection must be legibly signed
and dated by the person performing the inspection and retained by the container owner for two years.
The signature on the inspection record represents a certification that the container has been inspected
and has no defects that would render it unsafe for transportation under the HMR. The record of
inspection must include the date of inspection, the inspector's contact information (such as a telephone
number), the container's serial number and container size (water capacity), estimated amount of
hazardous material, and the origin and destination of shipment.
(iv) Only one storage container may be transported on a motor vehicle·
.
(v) For loading on a motor vehicle, the container must be lifted by slings, which must be completely
wrapped around the container. Lifting lugs may not be used. The slings must be rated to a weight
sufficient to accommodate the container and its lading and shall comply with ASME B30.9 on slings used
for lifting purposes, and must be visually inspected prior to each use. A sling showing evidence of tears,
fraying, or other signs of excessive wear may not be used.
(vi) The storage container must be secured on a motor vehicle so that the container is completely within
the envelope of the vehicle and does not extend beyond the vehicle frame.
(vii) The storage container must be placed on the vehicle in a manner, such as in a cradle, which ensures
that no weight is placed on the supporting legs during transportation.
(viii) The storage container must be secured against movement during transportation. Bracing must
conform with the requirements of paragraph (j)(l)(iii) of this section and §177.834(a) of this subchapter
and with Section 6- 5.2 of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Straps or chains used as tiedowns
must be rated to exceed the maximum load to be transported and conform to the requirements in
§§393.100 through 393.106 of this title.
(ix) Tow trailers used to transport storage containers in accordance with this paragraph (j)(2) must
provide rear end protection that conforms to requirements in §393.86 of this title.
(3) Storage containers of less than 1,042 pounds water capacity (125 gallons) may be shipped when
charged with liquefied petroleum gas in compliance with DOT filling density.
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- **body characters:** 17807
