Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.601 (General requirements) require?
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As a motor-carrier owner, here is what 49 CFR 178.601 requires for hazardous materials packages:
* Minimum Standards: Packages must be able to withstand normal transportation conditions and meet minimum strength requirements. Every packaging must be manufactured and assembled so it can successfully pass prescribed tests and remain compliant while in transport.
* Manufacturer and Shipper Responsibilities: The packaging manufacturer must ensure each package can pass the required tests. If you (or anyone offering the hazardous material for transport) perform any package assembly functions—such as final closure—you are responsible for doing so in accordance with the regulations.
* Design Qualification Testing: Manufacturers must successfully perform design qualification tests at the start of production for any new or different packaging type.
* Periodic Retesting: Manufacturers must regularly retest packagings to ensure they still meet qualification standards. For single or composite packagings, retesting must happen at least once every 12 months. For combination packagings and infectious substances packagings, retesting must occur at least once every 24 months.
* Production Testing: A leakproofness test must be performed on every single or composite packaging intended to hold a liquid.