CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Bulk Tanks and Other ContainersMedium

A bulk packaging containing a hazardous material must display proper placards. However, if the material is a Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Material) and is transported by highway or rail, what is the specific placarding requirement for this class?

  1. AA Class 9 placard is always required regardless of quantity.
  2. BA Class 9 placard is required only if the aggregate gross weight is 1,001 pounds or more in a bulk packaging.
  3. CA Class 9 placard is not required for domestic transport by highway or rail, even in bulk.
  4. DA Class 9 placard is not required for bulk packaging unless it is also a marine pollutant.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. A Class 9 placard is not required for domestic transport by highway or rail, even in bulk.

According to 49 CFR 172.504(f)(9), a Class 9 placard is not required for domestic transportation of Class 9 materials by highway or rail, even when transported in bulk. However, the bulk packaging must still be marked with the appropriate identification number.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This is incorrect; there's an exception for Class 9 in domestic highway/rail transport.
  • B. This rule applies to most Table 2 materials, but Class 9 has a specific exception for domestic highway/rail.
  • D. Marine pollutants are a separate designation, and while they can be Class 9, the placarding exception for domestic highway/rail still applies to the Class 9 placard itself.

Class 9 Bulk Placarding Exception

For domestic transportation by highway or rail, a Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Material) placard is not required for bulk packaging, although the identification number must still be displayed.

  • Applies only to Class 9 materials.
  • Specific to domestic highway and rail transport.
  • Identification numbers are still required on bulk packaging.
  • International or vessel/air transport may require placards.

Memory trick: Class 9 on a truck or train? No placard pain! But the ID number still remains.

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