Billing Code - PHMSA - Department of Transportation

PHMSA believes the amendments in this final rule authorizing the construction and use of
FBCs will result in a net positive environmental impact due to a possible decrease in the
unintentional release of hazardous material.
Packaging Authorizations. Part 173 of the HMR prescribes the general
requirements for shipment preparation and packaging selection for hazardous materials.
Consistent with amendments adopted in the various international standards, we are
amending multiple Part 173 packaging sections by authorizing additional packaging
specifications used to package hazardous materials. These amendments include, but are
not limited to, the authorization to use wood as a material of package construction for
certain explosives, the authorization to use metals other than steel or aluminum for boxes
and drums for certain hazardous materials, and the incorporation of authorizations and
specifications of FBCs. Because of the substantial integrity in the newly authorized
packaging specifications, PHMSA believes the amendments in this final rule will result in
a positive environmental impact. Higher integrity packaging designs prevent the
unintentional release of hazardous materials when transported in commerce.
Vessel Stowage Requirements. The requirements for vessel stowage are described
and specified in § 172.101(k) and HMT entries are assigned appropriate vessel stowage
codes and stowage special provisions in column 10 of the HMT. We are clarifying these
instructions by revising the vessel stowage location requirements for explosives and
reducing the number of explosive stowage categories from 15 to 5 in column 10A of the
HMT. Specifically, explosive stowage categories 6 through 15 are eliminated, and
stowage categories 1 through 5 are retained and modified. We are also adopting
modifications to the vessel stowage provisions indicated in column 10B of the HMT. In
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