USPS Packaging Instruction 3A

Flammable Liquids

A flammable liquid having a flashpoint greater than 20° F (–7° C) but less than 100° F (38° C) is mailable in domestic mail via surface transportation, if the liquid can qualify as an ORM–D material and all applicable requirements in 343 are met.

Flammable liquids having a flashpoint of 20° or less are not mailable.

Flammable liquids mailed under DOT-SP 9275 must be prepared and marked as specified in 343.27 or DMM 601.10.13.5.

Proper Shipping Name

• Consumer Commodity.

ID Number

• Various (see Appendix A).

Mailability

• International Mail and APO/FPO: Prohibited.
• Domestic Mail: Permitted only via surface transportation sent as Standard Mail or Parcel Post. Prohibited by air.

Required Packaging

Separate packaging requirements apply depending on the flashpoint of the flammable liquid.

For flashpoint greater than 20º F (–7º C) but not more than 73º F (23º C):

Primary Receptacle

• A metal primary receptacle must not exceed 1 quart.
• A nonmetal primary receptacle must not exceed 1 pint.
• The primary receptacle must have a screw cap (with minimum of one–and–one–half turns), soldering clips, or other means of secure closure (friction tops are not acceptable).
• Only one primary receptacle is permitted per mailpiece.

Cushioning Material and Secondary Packaging

• Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
• The cushioning and primary receptacle must be packed in 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

• Each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only” and “Consumer Commodity ORM–D.”
• Optionally, each mailpiece may bear an approved DOT limited quantity square-on-point marking, designating surface transportation, prepared under 343.3c, instead of an ORM-D marking.
• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

For flashpoint greater than 73º F (23º C) but less than 100º F (38º C):

Primary Receptacle

• A metal primary receptacle must not exceed 1 gallon.
• A nonmetal primary receptacle must not exceed 1quart.
• The primary receptacle must have a screw cap (with minimum of one–and–one–half turns), soldering clips, or other means of secure closure (friction tops are not acceptable).
• Only one primary receptacle is permitted per mailpiece.

Cushioning Material and Secondary Packaging

• Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb any potential leakage.
• The cushioning and primary receptacle must be packed in 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

• Each mailpiece must be clearly marked on the address side with “Surface Only,” or “Surface Mail Only” and “Consumer Commodity ORM–D.”
• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

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

• Use Packaging Instruction 3B.