Placarding FAQ

A placard is a diamond-shaped sign that identifies the class of hazardous material on large containers such as tractor-trailers, rail-cars, cargo tanks or bulk containers. In certain situations, the UN number for specific products inside the transportation container must also be shown on or beside the placard. All Placards are 10.75” x 10.75”.

Identifying hazardous materials in transport provides vital and potentially life-saving information to our Emergency Response teams in the case of accidents. Along with providing visual guidance for proper and safe handling of products during transport.

It is the shipper and the carrier’s responsibility to ensure the regulatory compliance of Hazardous Materials in transport.

Not sure what is required or what you need? Our regulatory specialists are an extension of your team. We provide regulatory training, services, and products that ensure your team transports hazardous materials safely and effectively.

When required, placards need to be displayed so that they are visible from the front, back and both sides of a vehicle, other transport unit or bulk container. Therefore, they should be put in locations where they would not be covered or obscured by objects such as tarps or coverings during transport. On the front of a tractor trailer, the placard may be placed on the front of the tractor portion instead of the trailer, if it would be hard to see when placed on the trailer.

The rules for placarding for the US can be found in 49 CFR, Part 172.500, Subpart F, in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In Canada, the criteria can be found in Part 4, Dangerous Goods Safety Marks, in the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. Also, you can contact us here at ICC Compliance Center for advice on selecting the right placards for your shipment.

ICC has products to ensure your staff is properly trained and informed.

Hazmat Placarding Guide for Road & Rail Chart
TDG Clear Language Placarding Chart

How to Choose the Right Placard Material

Choose your placard material based on how long it will be used, whether it needs to be removed or reused, whether a placard holder is available, and applicable transport requirements.

Removable Self-Stick Vinyl is ideal when easy removal is needed. Permanent Self-Stick Vinyl provides a long-lasting adhesive option and meets BS5609 requirements. Rigid PVC Vinyl provides a durable option for use with a placard holder, while Tagboard is an economical choice for short-term use.

Removable Self-Stick Vinyl

Self-adhesive vinyl that adheres to most surfaces and can be easily removed with minimal adhesive residue.

• Best for: Temporary applications where easy removal is required.
• Placard holder: Not required.
• Outdoor life: Short-term use.

Permanent Self-Stick Vinyl

Durable vinyl with a permanent, high-tack acrylic adhesive that adheres to most surfaces and meets BS5609 requirements for 90-day seawater immersion.

• Best for: Long-term applications requiring a permanent adhesive placard.
• Placard holder: Not required.
• Outdoor life: 5 years.

Rigid PVC Vinyl

Made from 20 mil / 0.5 mm rigid PVC vinyl, these placards provide a durable option for extended outdoor use. The rigid construction stands up to weather exposure and can be easily cleaned when needed. The placard slides into a placard holder for secure display.

• Best for: Dedicated fleets, vehicles, and bulk containers requiring a durable, long-term placarding solution.
• Placard holder: Required.
• Outdoor life: 5 years.

Tagboard

Economical, non-adhesive coated board that is weather and fade resistant and designed for short-term use.

• Best for: Short-term applications where the return of the placard is unlikely.
• Placard holder: Required.
• Outdoor life: Up to 60 days.

• UN Number Placards – DOT 49 CFR
• UN Number Placards – TDGR
• Worded Placards DOT 49 CFR
• Non-Worded Placards TDGR & International

• Class 1 – Explosives 
• Class 2 – Gasses 
• Class 3 – Flammable Liquids 
• Class 4 – Flammable Solids 
• Class 5 – Oxidizers 
• Class 6 – Toxic Substances 
• Class 7 – Radioactive 
• Class 8 – Corrosive 
• Class 9 – Miscellaneous

• Display placards visibly on all 4 sides of transportation container
• Front placard can be displayed on front of truck if required
• Keep placards away from other elements; doors, pipes, ladders, etc.

• Self-Stick
• Placard Holder
• Flip System

Avoid fines and shipping delays:

• Use quality placards suited for application that won’t fade or fall off
• Use regulatory compliant placards
• Attach securely and prominently

• Orange UN Number Panels
• Limited Quantity Marking
• Biohazard Mark
• Anhydrous Ammonia Placard
• Fumigation Warning Sign
• Marine Pollutant Marking
• Elevated Temperature Mark