ORM-D Classification Change to Limited Quantity effective January 1, 2021​

The final day to use the Other Regulated Materials-D (ORM-D) classification for US highway shipments is December 31, 2020. The ORM-D designation for hazardous materials packages shipped by ground can no longer be used on January 1, 2021.

In most cases the same materials, in the same quantities, in the same packaging, will continue to qualify for relief under US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) limited quantity regulations after ORM-D is phased out. You should refer to the DOT Chemical table to know if your materials are eligible to be shipped as limited quantity.

Limited quantity shipments are typically excepted from UN specification packaging, hazmat labels, shipping papers, and hazmat placards.

What will change is the label you affix to your packages.​

You must use the “new” white square-on-point limited quantity marking for ground shipments shown above. If you ship liquids, orientation arrows are also required [49 CFR 172.312(a)(2)]. Work with your preferred label supplier to obtain the new labels required for use beginning January 1, 2021.

Shippers of limited quantities of hazardous materials are required by the DOT to have hazmat training in place for all employees who can affect the safety of hazmat shipments in transport. 49 CFR 172.704 requires that all employees receive general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific hazmat training.

FedEx® Ground offers online training sessions about how to determine if your shipment can be packaged to the limited quantity rules along with how to ship fully regulated packages.​