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Materials of Trade

The materials of trade are hazardous materials that are carried on motor vehicles for at least one of the following purposes.

  • To protect the health and safety of the motor vehicle operator or passengers. (e.g. insect repellant, fire extinguishers)

  • To support the operation or maintenance of motor vehicles/auxiliary equipment. (e.g. engine starting fluid, gasoline, spare battery)
  • Carried by a private motor carrier to directly support a principal business that is not transportation. (e.g. academic and laboratory research, pest control, plumbing, painting)

In order to qualify for this exemption, the type of the material and the amount of the material are also regulated. A material of trade is limited to the following DOT hazard classes only:

DOT Hazard Classes for Materials of Trade

Hazard​ DOT Class ​Maximum Quantity by PG (Packing Group From DOT Hazmat Table) ​Examples
​Flammable Gasses ​Class 2, Division 2.1
  1. l 220 lbs.
  2. 220 lbs.
  3. 220 lbs.​
Propane, Acetylene​
​Non-Flammable Gasses ​Class 2, Division 2.2
  1. 220 lbs.
  2. 220 lbs.
  3. 220 lbs.​
Nitrogen​
Flammable and combustible liquid​ ​Class 3
  1. 1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons​
​ Solvents, Paints
Flammable solid​ ​Class 4, Division 4.1
  1. l 1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons​
​Charcoal
Spontaneously combustible​ ​Class 4, Division 4.3
  1. 1 oz.
  2. 1 oz.​
​Test Kits
​Oxidizer ​Class 5, Division 5.1
  1. 1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons​
Bleaching Compounds​
​Organic Peroxide ​Class 5, Division 5.2
  1. ​1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
Benzoyl Peroxide​
​Toxic Material ​Class 6, Division 6.1
  1. 1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons​
Pesticides​
​Corrosive Material Class 8​
  1. ​1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
Battery Acid, Muriatic Acid​
​Miscellaneous ​Class 9
  1. ​1lb / 1 Pint
  2. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
  3. 66 lbs / 8 gallons
​Lithium Battery
​Other Regulated Material ​ORMD ​None ​Hair Spray, Nail Polish

If you are able to utilize the Material of Trade Exception continue below for packaging and marking requirements, otherwise return to the flow chart for further shipping guidance.

Materials of Trade Packaging and Marking Requirements

In addition, the packaging and marking requirement for a Material of Trade material are as follows:

  • The packaging must be either the manufacturers original package or a package of equal or greater strength and integrity.
  • Packaging must be leak proof for liquids and gases and sift proof for solids.
  • Outer packaging is not required for receptacles such as cans or bottles that are secured against movement in cages, bins, boxes or compartments.
  • The package must be marked with a common name such as spray paint, or a proper shipping name from the Hazardous Material regulations, such as Isopropyl Alcohol.
  • Packages must be securely closed, secured against movement and protected against damage.
  • A non-bulk packaging other than a cylinder (including a receptacle transported without an outerpackaging) must be marked with a common name or proper shipping name to identify the material it contains, including the letters "RQ" if it contains a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance.
  • A DOT specification cylinder (except DOT specification 39) must be marked and labeled as prescribed in this subchapter. Each DOT-39 cylinder must display the markings specified in § 178.65(i).
  • The operator of a motor vehicle that contains a material of trade must be informed of the presence of the hazardous material (including whether the package contains a reportable quantity) and must be informed of the requirements of this section.
  • The aggregate gross weight of all materials of trade on a motor vehicle may not exceed 200 kg (440pounds).

If you are able to utilize the Material of Trade Exception package and mark according to requirements, otherwise return to flowchart for further shipping guidance.