What does 49 CFR 172.308 (Authorized abbreviations) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 172.308 requires that abbreviations may not be used in a proper shipping name marking except as authorized in this section. The abbreviation ORM may be used in place of the words Other Regulated Material, and abbreviations which appear as authorized descriptions in column 2 of the 172.101 table are also authorized.

The rule says

"Abbreviations may not be used in a proper shipping name marking except as authorized in this section." (49 CFR 172.308(a))

"The abbreviation ORM may be used in place of the words Other Regulated Material." (49 CFR 172.308(b))

"Abbreviations which appear as authorized descriptions in column 2 of the 172.101 table (e.g., TNT and PCB) are authorized." (49 CFR 172.308(c))

In plain English

This rule is about using abbreviations on shipping name markings for hazardous materials. It says that you can't just use any abbreviation you want - you have to use the ones that are specifically allowed in the regulations. For example, you can use "ORM" instead of writing out "Other Regulated Material in full. The rule also allows you to use abbreviations that are listed in the 172.101 table, like .TNT" for trinitrotoluene.

What to do

• Check the 172.101 table to see which abbreviations are authorized for use in shipping name markings.
• Use only the authorized abbreviations in shipping name markings, such as "ORM" for Other Regulated Material.
• Make sure that all shipping name markings are clear, consistent, and comply with the regulations.