Proper shipping name on a package containing a limited quantity
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · Mar 17, 2008 · Reference No. 07-0233
Interprets: 49 CFR § 172.301
Reggie’s quick take
A shipper asked whether a package of limited-quantity hazardous materials sent by air within the U.S. must show the proper shipping name. PHMSA says yes, it must. Under § 172.315, limited-quantity packages do not need the proper shipping name if they carry the UN or NA ID number inside a square-on-point border, but that exception does not apply to air transport. For domestic air shipments, the proper shipping name is required on the package.
Written by AI (Claude) on Oct 22, 2026. Robots make mistakes and leave things out, so the letter below is what counts. Not legal advice.
This is in response to your December 18, 2007 letter regarding the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR 171-180) applicable to marking packages of limited quantities of hazardous materials. Specifically, you ask whether it is permissible to add the proper shipping name to a package containing a limited quantity of hazardous materials and transported domestically by air.
As specified by § 172.301, each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation in a non-bulk packaging must mark the package with the proper shipping and identification number preceded by the letters "UN" or "NA," as applicable, for the entry as shown in the § 172.101 Table. As specified in § 172.315, except for transportation by air, a package containing a limited quantity of hazardous materials is not required to be marked with the proper shipping name provided it is marked with the identification (ID) number, preceded by the letters "UN" or "NA," as applicable, for the entry as shown in the § 172.101 Table, and placed within a square-on-point border. However, for transportation by air, a package containing a limited quantity of hazardous materials is required to be marked with the proper shipping name. Therefore, it is not only permissible, it is required to add the proper shipping name to a package containing a limited quantity of hazardous materials and transported domestically by air.
A letter of interpretation applies the regulations to the facts the requester described. It isn’t a regulation and isn’t legal advice. The agency’s copy.