Ask X3What does 49 CFR 172.512 (Freight containers and aircraft unit load devices) require?
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Based on 49 CFR 172.512, the requirements for freight containers and aircraft unit load devices depend on their capacity and the mode of transportation:
1. Containers with a capacity of 640 cubic feet or more:
Anyone who offers, loads, or transports a hazardous material in a freight container or aircraft unit load device of this size must affix the placards specified for the material under § 172.504.
* Exceptions:
* The placarding exception in § 172.504(c) applies to motor vehicles carrying these containers, as well as to containers being transported for delivery to a consignee right after an air or water shipment.
* Placards are not required if the container is transported only by air and is properly identified as containing hazardous materials under the ICAO Technical Instructions.
2. Containers with a capacity of less than 640 cubic feet:
* For Air Transportation: Anyone who offers, loads, or transports these containers by air must affix one required placard, unless the container:
* Is properly labeled under subpart E (including § 172.406(e));
* Contains radioactive materials requiring a Radioactive Yellow III label (which must instead be placarded with one Radioactive placard and labeled under subpart E); or
* Is identified as containing hazardous materials under the ICAO Technical Instructions.
* For Non-Air Transportation: If you are transporting a freight container of less than 640 cubic feet in a shipment that does not involve air transportation, you do not need to placard the freight container. However, if you choose not to placard it, you must label it in accordance with subpart E.
Additionally, regardless of the size, packages containing hazardous materials offered for air transport in freight containers are subject to specific inspection requirements under § 175.30.