Bulk and Non-bulk hazardous material
This is one of the most basic definitions you should be familiar with, as many of the hazmat regulations depend on not only on
what you are hauling, but also
how much you are hauling.This is where the terms
bulk, and
non-bulk come in. A quick example is diesel; If it is being transported in a bulk package (like a tanker or portable tank) many of the regulations will apply to it. If its being transported in non-bulk packages no regulations will apply to it! The definitions for bulk and non-bulk are found in
171.8 (where all definitons are found!)
Bulk packaging
Means a packaging, other than a vessel or a barge, including a transport vehicle or freight container, in which hazardous materials are loaded with no intermediate form of containment and which has:
1. A maximum capacity
greater than 119 gallons (450L) as a receptacle for a liquid;
2. A maximum net mass greater than
882 pounds (400kg)
and a maximum capacity
greater than 119 gallons (450L) as a receptable for a solid; or
3 A water capacity
greater than 1000lbs (454kg) as a receptacle for a gas as defined in
173.115 of this subchapter.
If you were to do the math for the 1000 pound water capacity, you would find that it is somewhere right around 120 gallons.
Non-bulk packaging
Means a packaging which has:
1. A maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450L) or less as a receptacle for a liquid
2. A maximum net mass of 882 pounds (400kg) or less and a maximum capacity of 119 gallons (450L) or less as a receptacle for a solid; or
3. A water capacity of 1000 pounds or less as a receptacle for for a gas defined in
173.115 of this subchapter.
So now we have a few of the basics out the way! Learning how the regulations are setup will go a long way for you to educate yourself on what's required. Knowing the definition of hazmat will help you double check your work in determining whether or not the load is subject to the hazardous materials regulations in the first place!
Maybe this helps....
http://www.roadsidehazmat.com/hazmat-basics/46-learning-dot-hazmat-basics