Content-Specific Markings

ORM-D

ORM-D packages must be marked on at least one side or end with the ORM-D designation immediately following or below the proper shipping name. The designation for ORM-D must be ORM-D-AIR for an ORM-D that is prepared for air shipment. When the ORM-D marking including the proper shipping name cannot be affixed on the package surface, it may be on an attached tag. The marking ORM-D is the certification by the person offering the packaging for transportation that the material is properly described, classified, packaged, marked, and labeled and in proper condition for transportation according to the HMR.

Marine Pollutants

Any non-bulk packaging transported by vessel that contains a marine pollutant must be marked with the Marine Pollutant marking. The name of the marine pollutant must be placed on the package in parentheses in association with the proper shipping name. Where two or more components make a material a marine pollutant, the names of at least two of these components must appear in parentheses. Place the Marine Pollutant mark in association with the required hazard warning labels.

A bulk packaging that contains a marine pollutant must be marked on at least two opposing sides or two ends other than the bottom if the packaging has a capacity of less than 3,785 L. The mark must appear on each end and each side if the packaging has a capacity of 3,785 L or more. You must mark a transport vehicle or freight container that contains a package subject to these marking requirements with the Marine Pollutant mark on each side and each end.

The symbol, letters, and border of the Marine Pollutant mark must be black with a white background, or it must be of contrasting color to the surface to which the mark is affixed. Each side of the mark must be at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) for marks applied to non-bulk packagings, except in the case of packagings which, because of their size, can only bear smaller marks.

Hazardous Substances

Non-bulk packages that contain a hazardous substance must be marked with the name of the hazardous substance, in parentheses, in association with the proper shipping name, if the proper shipping name does not identify the hazardous substance by name. If the material contains two or more hazardous substances, identify at least two hazardous substances, including the two with the lowest reportable quantities (RQs). Mark "RQ" on the package in association with the proper shipping name. For a hazardous waste, the waste code (such as D001), if appropriate, may be used to identify the hazardous substance.

Poisonous Material

Any material poisonous by inhalation must be marked Inhalation Hazard, in association with the required labels or placards and the shipping name.

You must mark a transport vehicle or freight container containing a material that is poisonous by inhalation in non-bulk packages if it is loaded at one facility with 1,000 kg or more aggregate weight. If the aggregate gross weight comprises two or more such materials, use the ID number of the material with the greatest aggregate gross weight. For different materials in both Hazard Zones A and B, use the mark with the ID number of the Hazard Zone A material.

For a packaging containing a Division 6.1 PG III material, PG III may be marked adjacent to the POISON label.

Explosives

You must mark each package containing a Class 1 explosive material with the EX-number for that substance, article, or device. Explosive markings are described in §172.320.

Medical Waste

You must mark a bulk packaging containing a regulated medical waste with a Biohazard marking on two opposing sides or two ends other than the bottom, if the packaging has a capacity of less than 3,785 L. You must mark it on each end and each side if it has a capacity of 3,785 L or more. The Biohazard marking must be displayed on a background of contrasting color. It may be displayed on a plain white square-on-point configuration having the same outside dimensions as a placard. The Biohazard marking must be visible from the direction it faces.

Elevated Temperature

You must mark a bulk packaging containing an elevated temperature material on two opposing sides with the word "HOT," in black or white Gothic lettering, on a contrasting background. The marking must be displayed on the packaging itself or in black lettering on a plain white square-on-point configuration having the same outside dimensions as a placard. You must mark bulk packagings containing molten aluminum or molten sulfur as Molten Aluminum or Molten Sulfur, respectively. If the identification number is displayed on a white-square-on-point display configuration, the word "HOT" may appear in the upper corner.

To learn more about DOT HAZMAT Awareness visit our DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Online Training web page.