Can I ship Solids in a 4G box tested with liquids?

In the dangerous goods packaging world, not all 4G boxes are created equal. Choosing the correct box depends on the type of inner container you are shipping, the packaging group of the dangerous goods, and the total weight you are looking to ship inside the box. This information is found in the closing instructions or the UN specification marking printed on the box. There are some other elements at play as well, such as whether you are shipping liquids or solids in the box. A while back, I wrote an article that questioned whether or not you are allowed to ship solids in a single packaging that is tested for liquids.

Both the 49CFR and TP14850 have a specific formula that allows you to use the specific gravity marked on the outside of a packaging tested with liquids, such as a drum, to determine the allowable weight of solids that can be shipped inside the container.

What About Combination Packaging?

But what about combination packaging? There is no maximum specific gravity typically printed on the outside of a 4G box, as the UN specification marking printed on the outside of a combination 4G box shows the total amount of gross weight that is allowed. What should you do in a case like this?

What if the 4G Box is tested for liquids and I need to ship solids?

Recently, I found an interesting PHMSA interpretation where someone is asking if they can ship solids in a 4G box that was tested for liquids. PHMSA’s answer was no.

So, for example, if there is 4G paint can shipper that has only been UN tested with liquids (meaning liquids inside of the paint cans), according to the interpretation above, you cannot ship solids inside. This would also mean that if there is a UN rated 4G box that was only tested with solids, that you cannot ship liquids inside. How would you know what the package was tested with you may ask? Well, the UN packaging test certificate will tell you if the UN test was completed with solids, liquids, or both. In addition, in the case of us here at ICC The Compliance Center, we always have that information in the description for the packaging on our website.

The Solution: 4GV Packaging

Now, back to the question above, what if I need to ship solids and you only have a 4G packaging that is tested for liquids? This is where 4GV packaging saves the day! 4GV packaging allows for both solid and liquid dangerous goods to be shipped inside per 49CFR 178.601 (g) (2). In addition, this type of packaging allows you to compliantly ship a wide variety of inner containers as well.

Do you have questions about packaging? Check out our FAQ today or contact our team of experts at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.