Railroad - Subpart C

§174.55 contains general handling and loading requirements for HAZMAT being transported by rail.

Each package in a freight container or transport vehicle must be loaded so that it cannot fall or slide under normal conditions of transportation. You must ensure that other freight does not fall or slide into the hazardous material as well. When appropriate protection is not attainable, it must be provided by blocking or bracing. Examples of blocking and bracing can be found in the Bureau of Explosives Pamphlet No.6 and the Intermodal Loading Guide for Products in Closed Trailers and Containers in §171.7.

Each package containing HAZMAT bearing package orientation markings in compliance with §172.312 must be loaded within a transport vehicle or freight container in a way that allows it to remain in the correct position indicated by the markings during transportation.

Additionally, the doors of a freight container or transport vehicle must not be used to secure a load that includes a package containing HAZMAT unless the doors meet the design strength requirements of Specification M-930 for freight containers and M-931 for trailers, found in the AAR's "Specifically Equipped Freight Car and Intermodal Equipment" (see §171.7). The load must also be within the limits of the design strength requirements for the doors.

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