USPS Packaging Instruction 3B

A combustible liquid having a flashpoint of 141° F (60.5° C) but no more than 200° F (93° C) is mailable if it can qualify as an ORM–D material and meet all applicable requirements in 343. A flammable liquid having a flashpoint of at least 100° F (38° C) but not more than 141° F (60.5° C) may be reclassed as a combustible liquid within the limits of 49 CFR 173.120(b).

Proper Shipping Name

Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

Various (see Appendix A).

Mailability

International Mail: Prohibited.
Domestic Mail: Permitted with restrictions via air transportation (Express Mail, Priority Mail, or First–Class Mail rates) only when the flashpoint is above 141° F (60.5° C) and via surface transportation sent as Standard Mail or Parcel Post.

Required Packaging

Separate packaging requirements apply, depending on the flashpoint of the combustible liquid.

For flashpoint of at least 100º F (38º C) but not more than 141º F (60.5º C):

Outer Packaging

Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle, cushioning material, and secondary packaging is required.

Marking

Each mailpiece must be plainly and durably marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “Consumer Commodity ORM–D.”
Optionally each mailpiece may bear the appropriate DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking (including the appropriate DOT hazardous material warning label when required for air shipments), prepared under 343.3c, instead of an ORM-D or ORM-D AIR marking.
A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

For flashpoint above 141º F (60.5º C) but not more than 200º F (93º C):

General

Permitted in domestic mail via air or surface transportation.

Primary Receptacle

The capacity of the primary receptacle must not exceed 1 gallon.
Only one primary receptacle is permitted per mailpiece.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb all potential leakage.

Secondary Packaging

The cushioning and primary receptacle must be packed in a securely sealed secondary packaging.

Outer Packaging

Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle, cushioning material, and secondary packaging is required.

Marking

For air transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Consumer Commodity ORM–D AIR.”
For surface transportation, each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” “Consumer Commodity ORM–D.”
A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

For air transportation, a properly completed shipper's declaration for dangerous goods must be prepared in triplicate and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece.

For flashpoint above 200º F (93º C):

General

The material is not regulated as a hazardous material. Therefore, it is permitted in domestic mail via air or surface transportation without restriction when properly packaged to prevent leakage during transport.

Primary Receptacle

Each primary receptacle must be sturdy and have a secure method of closure.
Multiple primary receptacles may be enclosed within a single mailpiece.

Absorbent and Cushioning Material

Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb all potential leakage.

Outer Packaging

Strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle and cushioning material is required.

Marking

A complete return address and delivery address must be used.