Shipping Ethanol or Samples Packed in Ethanol

The shipment of ethanol or samples preserved in ethanol is regulated by the Department of Transportation when offered for shipment in commerce.  The following guidance will be used whenever these forms of shipments are made.  Shipments do not include transporting samples using government vehicles by government drivers during sampling activities.  Shipments include the offering of ethanol or samples preserved in ethanol to commercial entities (e.g.,  FedEx).

Limited Quantity Shipments - Exemptions for Ground Transportation Only

• Allows for limited quantities to be offered for shipment exempt from labeling and strict packaging requirements.
• Inner packagings (i.e., sample containers) cannot exceed 1 liter each.
• Shipment must be packed in strong, tight, secure containers (e.g., Coleman coolers).
• If inner containers are glass then sufficient cushioning material should be included to prevent breakage.
• Shipment must contain sufficient quantity of absorbent material (e.g., pads, kitty litter) to absorb contents of shipment.
• "This End Up" labels, two of them, are to be placed on opposing sides of the container indicating proper package orientation.
• Total package weight cannot exceed 66 lbs. gross weight.
• Identify shipment on shipping paper as "Limited Quantity, Ethanol, 3, UN1170, PG II".

Air Shipments - Fully Regulated, No Exemptions

• Maximum allowable quantity shall not exceed 5 Liters on passenger aircraft or 60 Liters on cargo aircraft.

  • If shipped by cargo aircraft the package must be labeled on opposing sides with a "CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY" label.

• Allowable shipping containers used shall be those identified in 49 CFR 173.202.

  • If combination packaging is used and the inner containers are glass then:

    • Sufficient cushioning material should be used to prevent breakage, and

    • Sufficient absorbent material must be included to absorb contents of shipment. 

• "This End Up" labels, two of them, are to be placed on opposing sides of the outermost container indicating proper package orientation.

• "Flammable Liquid" labels, two of them, are to be placed on opposing sides of the outermost container.

• Identify shipment on shipping paper as "Ethanol, 3, UN1170, PG II".