A consignor is preparing to ship a hazardous material in a bulk packaging other than a cargo tank or portable tank. This packaging is designed to hold a maximum net mass of 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs). What type of bulk packaging is this most likely to be?
- AA large bulk container
- BA jumbo bag
- CAn Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)
- DA flexible bulk container
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are defined as rigid or flexible portable packagings, other than a cylinder or portable tank, which are designed for mechanical handling and have a maximum capacity not exceeding 3 cubic meters (3,000 liters or 793 gallons) or a maximum net mass not exceeding 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) for solids, or for liquids, a capacity of not more than 3,000 liters (793 gallons). The given capacity of 1,500 kg falls within the IBC definition.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This term is not a standard DOT bulk packaging classification.
- B. While 'jumbo bag' might describe a type of flexible bulk container, IBC is the official regulatory term.
- D. Flexible bulk containers are a type of IBC, but 'IBC' is the broader and more precise classification in this context.
Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)
An IBC is a rigid or flexible portable packaging, other than a cylinder or portable tank, designed for mechanical handling, with a maximum capacity for solids not exceeding 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) or 3 cubic meters (793 gallons) for liquids/solids.
- Designed for mechanical handling.
- Capacity up to 3,000 kg or 3,000 liters.
- Used for various hazardous materials.
Memory trick: Cargo, Portable, Intermediate: The three big P's of hazmat hauling.