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what does the term overpack mean in shipping

by Alene Shields Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Overpack: An enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or more packages and to form one handling unit for convenience of handling and stowage. Dangerous goods packages contained in the overpack must be properly packed, marked, labelled and in proper condition as required by these Regulations.

In the broadest definition, an overpack is a device that contains one or more packages. It provides protection and is often used for the shipper's convenience or to consolidate two or more packages. Shrink-wrap and banding are, by this definition, overpacking materials.

Full Answer

What is the difference between Overpack and package?

Package: The complete product of the packing operation consisting of the packaging and contents prepared for transport. Overpack: An enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or more packages and to form one handling unit for convenience of handling and stowage.

What is Overpack in freight forwarding?

Overpack, except as provided in subpart K of part 178 of this subchapter, means an enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages. Overpack does not include a transport vehicle, freight container, or aircraft unit load device.

What is a dangerous goods Overpack?

Dangerous goods packages contained in the overpack must be properly packed, marked, labelled and in proper condition as required by these Regulations. Note: Shrink-wrap or banding may be considered an overpack. What is all of that in reality? Packagings are the pieces and parts that work together to make a final package.

What is the overpack label (labelling&marking of overpacks)?

The Overpack Label (Labelling & Marking of Overpacks) Posted on January 19, 2017 by. Overpacks are enclosures used by shippers to contain one or more packages of dangerous goods to form a single handling unit.

How tall is an overpack container?

What is packaging in shipping?

What is the purpose of packaging receptacles?

What is a package?

Is an overpack a package?

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What is an example of overpack?

In plain English, an overpack is something you put your package inside of to make it easier and safer to handle and transport. An overpack can be a protective outer packaging like a box or a crate. If you've ever shrink-wrapped or banded a pallet of packages or drums together, you've created an overpack.

What is overpack packaging?

Overpack — an enclosure used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages. An overpack does not include a transport vehicle, freight container or aircraft unit load device [49 CFR 171.8].

Is an overpack considered a package?

Many shippers think this means the gross weight of the packages and materials making up the overpack, but this is incorrect because overpacks are not packages. For a shipper's declaration, for the “quantity and type of packing”, similar rules apply.

What is the difference between overpack and all packed in one?

When different dangerous goods are packed in one outer package we should mention All packed in One on DGD. In All packed in one shipments the inner packages are not ready for transport. Outer package used should be suitable for all the Dangerous goods packed in together. They should not re act each other.

What is overpack used for?

Overpack refers to an enclosure used by a single consignor to consolidate one or more small means of containment for ease of handling but that is not a minimum required means of containment.

What is a overpack label?

What is an Overpack? Overpacks are enclosures used by shippers to contain one or more packages of dangerous goods to form a single handling unit. This makes handling and stowage more convenient during transport.

How do you know if you are overpacked?

Are You Overpacking For Your Trip? 5 Tell-Tale Signs! You Always Think “Worst-Case” Scenario. ... You Are Too Focused On Looks. ... You Are Always Packing Extra Baggage Fees. ... You Barely Use Most Things You Carry. ... You Procrastinate About Packing.

When shipping more than one overpack Which of the following is not required to be marked on each overpack?

The “OVERPACK” marking is not required when the required markings representative of each package type contained in the overpack are visible from outside of the overpack. The lettering on the “OVERPACK” marking must be at least 12 mm (0.5 inches) high.

What are the minimum dimensions for an overpack?

For overpack and other package markings, such as the Proper Shipping Name and the shipper's and consignee's name and address, the minimum sizes are: At least 12 mm in size for packages larger than 30 kg or L. At least 6 mm in size for packages less than or equal to 30 kg or L.

What does outer package mean?

Outer packaging means the outermost enclosure of a composite or combination packaging together with any absorbent materials, cushioning and any other components necessary to contain and protect inner receptacles or inner packagings.

What means the complete product of the packing operation consisting of the packaging and its contents prepared for transport?

PackagesPackages are the complete product of the packing operation, consisting of the packaging and its contents prepared for transport; NOTE: For radioactive material, see 2.7. 2.

What is the difference between inner and outer packaging?

Inner Packaging – is packaging which requires an outer packaging for transport. This applies mainly to “combination” packagings. Strong Outer Packaging – is the outermost enclosure that protects the inner packaging against the release of its contents.

Is shrink wrap considered an overpack?

An overpack can be a protective outer packaging like a box or a crate. In fact, if you've ever shrink-wrapped or banded together a pallet of packages or drums, you've created an overpack.

How do you know if you are overpacked?

Are You Overpacking For Your Trip? 5 Tell-Tale Signs! You Always Think “Worst-Case” Scenario. ... You Are Too Focused On Looks. ... You Are Always Packing Extra Baggage Fees. ... You Barely Use Most Things You Carry. ... You Procrastinate About Packing.

What are overpack drums used for?

Overpacks can be deployed to provide protection when consolidating two more packages. Salvage Drums are perfect when cleaning up a spill by containing hazardous materials.

Which means of containment is overpack found?

An overpack is defined as an enclosure used by one consignor to consolidate one or more small means of containment for ease of handling. An example of an overpack is a pallet on which one or more small means of containment are stacked and secured by straps or shrink wrap or other similar means.

49 CFR § 173.25 - Authorized packagings and overpacks.

(a) Authorized packages containing hazardous materials may be offered for transportation in an overpack as defined in § 171.8 of this subchapter, if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The package meets the requirements of §§ 173.21 and 173.24 of this subchapter. (2) The overpack is marked with the proper shipping name and identification number, when applicable, and is labeled as ...

What is in an Overpack? - Online Dangerous Goods Training

Note: For Air, if more than 1 overpack is being shipped then an ID mark should be displayed along with the total quantity of dangerous goods on the pallet. “Dangerous Goods contained in the Overpack must be properly marked, labelled and in a proper condition as required by the regulations.” MARKING & LABELLING OF PACKAGES. The dangerous goods regulations require that every dangerous goods ...

What is an overpack?

WHAT IS IN AN OVERPACK? If you look up the word Overpack in the Dangerous Goods Regulations it states “An enclosure used by a single Shipper to contain one or more packages and to form 1 handling unit for convenience for handling and stowage”.

Why do shippers put dangerous goods in a larger box?

Some shippers have small substances that must travel with other ingedients to form a kit for the buyer or perhaps your outer packaging is small but you always send out in large numbers for buyer orders, you may place the dangerous goods outer packaging into a larger box to protect them from damage during transport.

How are boxes secured together?

Typically when transporting boxes on a pallet the items are secured together by strapping or shrink-wrapping the boxes in one convenient handling unit.

What is dangerous goods labeling?

The dangerous goods regulations requires that every dangerous goods package that is being placed in the overpack MUST meet the regulations for Air, Road or Sea. Accurate Marking, Labelling and Handling labels should be found if the overpack is broken down during transportation.

What happens if we can see all of the marks and labels that represent the danger on all the boxes?

If we can see all of the marks and labels that represent the danger on all the boxes, then no further action is required

Is a lithium ion battery considered an overpack?

Note: Lithium Ion Batteries that are packed with Equipment is not considered an overpack. The batteries should be secured in inner packages against movement with the piece of equipment they intend to power.

How tall is an overpack container?

By the way, any time the word overpack is required on the outside of the overpack container, be sure it is 12 millimeters (~0.5 inches) tall. This is a requirement in all of the transport regulations.

What is packaging in shipping?

What is all of that in reality? Packagings are the pieces and parts that work together to make a final package. These are things like bottles, boxes, absorbent materials and even tape that make up combination packaging kits. Packagings also include things like drums, jerricans, and IBCs. Depending on the parts and how they are put together, they may have to be tested under the UN Packaging Standards. Many also have specific instructions for use and closure. A Package then is the final box, drum, etc. filled with a dangerous good that will be picked up and shipped. It is simply waiting around for a carrier to come and get it.

What is a package?

Package: The complete product of the packing operation consisting of the packaging and contents prepared for transport.

What is the purpose of packaging receptacles?

Packaging: One or more receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacles to perform their containment and other safety functions and to ensure compliance with the minimum packing requirements of these Regulations.

What is an overpack?

In plain English, an overpack is something you put your package inside of to make it easier and safer to handle and transport. An overpack can be a protective outer packaging like a box or a crate. If you’ve ever shrink-wrapped or banded a pallet of packages or drums together, you’ve created an overpack.

What is an overpack in a package?

US DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) define an overpack as “an enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in the handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages” [49 CFR 171.8].

Why do transporters break up overpacks?

Transporters do sometimes break up overpacks due to space considerations. This is especially common in air transport. Because this happens, every hazmat package placed in an overpack must be “complete.”. In other words, you must choose an approved packaging and your material must be packaged properly.

Why use a tested UN-specification packaging as an overpack?

That said, using a tested UN-specification packaging as your overpack provides additional protection for your goods against rigors of transportation.

How high do you have to be to mark an overpack?

The letters must be at least 12 mm (0.5 inches) high [49 CFR 173.25 (a) (4), IATA 7.1.7.1, IMDG 5.1.2.1].

What is hazmat employee?

hazmat employee is defined as any employee who, in the course of their work, can impact the safety of hazardous materials in transport.

Why do we need an overpack?

By using an overpack, you make your hazardous materials easier to handle and provide an extra layer of protection. By following these few key requirements, you can ensure your overpacks arrive to their destination safely, on time, and in compliance.

What is an Overpack?

Overpacks are enclosures used by shippers to contain one or more packages of dangerous goods to form a single handling unit. This makes handling and stowage more convenient during transport. Overpacks usually take the shape of several crates or boxes that have been secured to a pallet and shrink-wrapped/strapped, but they can also be single receptacles, such as a gas canister, placed into another protective outer box or other packaging. Overpacks must be marked with the word ‘Overpack’ or an Overpack label.

Why are overpacks important?

Overpacks make the loading of cargo units simpler and quicker and they can add extra protection to ensure that dangerous goods are kept safe during transport.

How high must an overpack be?

The overpack text must be at least 12mm high and is usually in red or black. The UN number of each substance inside the overpack must be shown, and this must be preceded by the capital letters ‘UN’. If the inner packages contain the Environmentally Hazardous Substance (EHS) mark, then this must also be shown on the overpack.

What language is an overpack?

Overpacks must also be marked with the word ‘OVERPACK’ in the official language of the country of origin. If that language is not English, French or German, then it must be marked in one of those languages also. The overpack text must be at least 12mm high and is usually in red or black.

When you ship an overpack by air, what should the net weight of dangerous goods be displayed?

When you ship overpacks by air the net weight of dangerous goods should be displayed if there is more than one package in the consignment. and in addition to the marks on the exterior of the overpack, you must apply the appropriate hazard labels for the contents, as well as the appropriate handling and shipping labels, ie this way up arrows, magnetized material, cargo aircraft only etc.

Do you need orientation arrows on an overpack?

The overpack must also display orientation arrows, on two opposite sides, if the inner packages display them but they are not visible through the outer packaging. If the packages contain liquids then orientation arrows are always advised on the overpack.

Do overpacks have hazard labels?

Generally, for road and rail, overpacks must show the hazard labels (warning diamonds – primary and subsidiary, if they are required) for each dangerous goods package contained in the overpack and any additional handling markings appearing on the packages.

What is an overpack?

There are also standards for overpacks. In the broadest definition, an overpack is a device that contains one or more packages. It provides protection and is often used for the shipper’s convenience or to consolidate two or more packages. Shrink-wrap and banding are, by this definition, overpacking materials. But this article primarily deals with the hard plastic or metal ones that are used to provide a primary container with additional protection during shipment.

What is an overpack container?

Overpacks are commonly used to ship drums or other containers that are still intact, but may not make it through the shipping process. An example of this might be a drum that has been long forgotten in the back of a warehouse, and contains a hazardous chemical that is expired or is no longer useful. The container is still intact, but it has some rusty spots. Rusty drums are a transportation no-no because they could leak or cause other problems during shipping. The contents of a rusty drum would either need to be pumped into a “good” drum, or the rusty drum and its contents could be placed in an overpack for shipment.

What is labpacking in shipping?

Labpacking is a variation of overpacking. Laboratories and educational facilities commonly use labpacks – which are small overpacks that usually have a volume of 20 gallons or less – to overpack several small, intact bottles, cans or other containers of chemicals for shipping and disposal. Whether it’s a 55-gallon drum or a bunch of 2 ml samples, overpacking helps ensure that spills won’t cause a problem on the road, rail or airplane.

Why are overpacks used?

Overpacks are used to protect non-leaking packages. Like drums and other performance-oriented packaging, overpacks have to pass specific tests in order to qualify as overpacks. Because overpacks are designed to provide additional protection, they are stronger and meet more stringent requirements than primary containers.

Why is it necessary to ship a damaged container?

Remember that the limitation of overpacks is that the container inside must be intact. Because we don’t live in a perfect world, containers don’t always remain intact. So, sometimes, it is necessary to ship a damaged, defective or leaking container.

Is an overpack a liquid or solid?

It is important to note that an overpack will never have a liquids rating. The rating will always be for solids. This is because the intact package or packages that are put into the overpack are considered to be a “solid,” even if those inner packages are containers holding liquids.

Who should be able to prepare hazardous materials for shipment?

Preparing hazardous materials for shipment can be complicated, and should only be done by someone who has had appropriate DOT hazmat shipping training. A person with this training should also be able to help select appropriate overpacks or salvage drums when they are needed.

What is an overpack?

Overpack, Overpack, except as provided in subpart K of part 178 of this subchapter, means an enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages. Overpack does not include a transport vehicle, freight container, or aircraft unit load device.

What are some examples of overpacks?

Examples of overpacks are one or more packages: (1) Placed or stacked onto a load board such as a pallet and secured by strapping, shrink wrapping, stretch wrapping, or other suitable means; or. (2) Placed in a protective outer packaging such as a box or crate.

Is an overpack a container?

For the purposes of the USDOT regulations it would be considered an Overpack. Other terms (container, package, or enclosure, &etc.) don’t apply.

Can you use an overpack for hazardous materials?

The use of an overpack in the transportation of hazardous materials should be a simple thing, but it isn’t. Some of this is due to the confusion between the terms “overpack” and “salvage packaging”; a confusion I tried to clear-up in my above-referenced article. Some is due to a hesitancy on the part of the shipper or reluctance on the part of the carrier to deal with this additional requirement of shipping a hazardous material. Whatever your concern, contact me if you have any questions about the use of an overpack for the transportation of your hazardous materials.

What is the meaning of the word "overpack" in the TDG?

49 CFR regulations and IMDG regulations are similar with this statement, the overpack is marked with the word “overpack”, the proper shipping name and UN number and is labeled as required for each dangerous goods contained therein, unless markings and labels representative of each hazardous material in the overpack are visible. Only the TDG Regulations requires the use of an “overpack” mark whenever an overpack is used, regardless of the visibility of the Dangerous Goods Marks.

What is the capacity of an overpack?

The word “Overpack” or “Suremballage” on at least one side of the overpack; The information required by subsection (3) on one side of the overpack, if its capacity is less than 1.8 cubic metres (64 cubic feet); and.

What are some examples of overpacks?

Examples of overpacks include: A pallet on which are placed or stacked one or more small means of containment that are secured by strap, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, nets or other similar means. A disposable box, crate or bin in which one or more small means of containment are placed.

What information must be displayed on the overpack?

The following information must be displayed on the overpack: The primary class label and each subsidiary class label for each of the dangerous goods contained in the overpack, except that only one label is required for dangerous goods that are included in the same class; and. The shipping name and UN number of the dangerous goods.

Do you have to put the word "overpack" on an overpack?

(so you still have to put the word “overpack” on all overpacks even if all the safety marks are visible!)

Do you need an overpack mark?

Only the TDG Regulations requires the use of an “overpack” mark whenever an overpack is used, regardless of the visibility of the Dangerous Goods Marks . The upright/orientations arrows are required on the overpack for liquids on all modes of transport except for the TDG Regulations.

How tall is an overpack container?

By the way, any time the word overpack is required on the outside of the overpack container, be sure it is 12 millimeters (~0.5 inches) tall.

What is packaging in shipping?

What is all of that in reality? Packagings are the pieces and parts that work together to make a final package. These are things like bottles, boxes, absorbent materials and even tape that make up combination packaging kits. Packagings also include things like drums, jerricans, and IBCs. Depending on the parts and how they are put together, they may have to be tested under the UN Packaging Standards. Many also have specific instructions for use and closure. A Package then is the final box, drum, etc. filled with a dangerous good that will be picked up and shipped. It is simply waiting around for a carrier to come and get it.

What is the purpose of packaging receptacles?

Packaging: One or more receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacles to perform their containment and other safety functions and to ensure compliance with the minimum packing requirements of these Regulations.

What is a package?

Package: The complete product of the packing operation consisting of the packaging and contents prepared for transport.

Is an overpack a package?

Many shippers think this means the gross weight of the packages and materials making up the overpack, but this is incorrect because overpacks are not packages. For a shipper’s declaration, for the “quantity and type of packing”, similar rules apply.

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