Sec. 1. (a) The separate descriptions of articles name the acceptable packing requirements, see Note 1. Numbered packages or other packing provisions (other than 'DOT Specification Number' packages, for which, see DOT's hazardous materials regulations) are authorized for use only when item descriptions contain reference thereto. The definitions of or specifications for packing requirements are named in: (1) Items 200 through 297, (2) Numbered packages and (3) Note references. The material and construction specifications therein are minimum requirements and must be observed. Whether or not interior packing devices are a part of specific requirements, interior packing devices must be provided where such are necessary to afford adequate protection against damage to the contents of a container. Articles or articles and necessary interior packing devices must reasonably occupy the full cubic capacity of the outer shipping container, see Notes 2, 3 and 4.
    Note 1- The term 'packing requirements' as used in this Classification or in tariffs governed thereby means the provisions which specify: (1) the kinds or specifications of the containers, packages or other manner in which the articles shall be packed or protected for shipment, and (2) how the articles shall be packed or protected by or within such containers, packages or other manner.
    Note 2- Unless otherwise provided, commodities in shipping containers (not containers within containers) shall be deemed to be in compliance when filled to not less than 65 percent of the capacity of such containers. When filled to less than 65 percent of capacity, the gross weight of the container and its contents will be subject to the class applicable to either the container or its contents, whichever is higher.
    Note 3- Unless otherwise provided, reels, spools or flanged cores used as shipping containers which are not filled to equal or exceed their weight with a product, will be charged for at the class applicable to the empty spool, reel or flanged core. Reels, spools or flanged cores filled with a product equal to or exceeding the weight of the reel, spool or flanged core will be charged for at the class applicable to the commodity wrapped or wound thereon.
       Where the net weight of the product is less than the tare or empty weight of the container, the lower charges applicable to the product may be assessed by declaring, at time of shipment, an increased weight for the shipment equal to two times the tare weight of the reel, spool or flanged core. In such instances, the shipper must declare the following on the bill of lading: (1) the tare or empty weight of each reel, spool or flanged core; (2) the actual gross weight of each shipping container with product as tendered for shipment; and (3) the resultant declared gross weight.
    Note 4- Unless otherwise provided and unless subject to classes based on density, liquid, powdered or granular commodities or materials packaged in rigid or semirigid primary containers in an authorized outer shipping container must occupy at least 65 percent of the primary container's cubic capacity. When filled to less than 65 percent of the primary container's cubic capacity, the gross weight of the commodity as packaged for shipment will be subject to the class applicable to either the primary container or its contents, whichever is higher. Does not apply when primary inner containers are in intermediate inner containers and then placed in an outer shipping container.
    Sec. 1. (b) Unless otherwise provided for in the separate descriptions of articles, where classes are provided for 'loose' or 'in bulk,' such classes will also apply on the same articles when in packages; or if no packing or form of acceptance is mentioned, the classes will also apply on the same articles when loose or in packages.
    Sec. 1. (c) The numbered packages, containers or other forms of shipment set forth in 'Specifications for Numbered Packages,' in the Classification, and as amended, are authorized for use ONLY when item descriptions contain reference to such specific package numbers. Package numbers containing no lettered suffix are in numerical sequence, followed by package numbers containing a lettered suffix ('F' or 'S' series) also in numerical sequence. Where package numbers are missing, no package specifications have been assigned such unused numbers.
       Except as specifically provided to the contrary in individual package descriptions, packages or containers referred to as 'boxes' when made of fibreboard must comply with the provisions of Item 222. Where a bursting, puncture or edge crush test is shown for packages designated as 'cartons,' 'containers,' 'trays,' 'wrappers' or 'wrapped,' or for package components designated as 'trays,' the fibreboard used must meet the requirements of Sections 2 and 3 and must be certified as required in Item 222-1 for 'boxes.' In lieu of the certificate required under Item 222-1, trays which bear no printing may be embossed with characters not less than 1/4 inch in height showing the Package number, a symbol or code identifying the tray manufacturer and plant, and the bursting or edge crush strength of the fibreboard, e.g., 2477-AZ 1, 150 or 2477-AZ 1, 39. When the bursting or edge crush test shown in the individual package description is not listed in Section 3 of Item 222 under the appropriate column headed 'Minimum Bursting Test' or 'Edge Crush Test,' the fibreboard must meet the requirements of Secs. 2 and 3 for the next lower test shown in that column and must also meet the minimum bursting or edge crush test required by the individual package description.

Carrier's Option to Accept or Refuse
    Sec. 2. Except as provided in Item 423, whether or not the authorized minimum packing requirements are observed, outer (shipping) containers or packages, inner containers, interior protection devices, method of packing within containers or packages, or other form of shipment authorized must be made of materials of such strength or be of such nature as to afford a reasonable and proper protection of lading and to protect against damage to other freight or equipment, and carriers may for good reason refuse to accept freight the transportation of which, in their judgment, would not be reasonably safe and practicable and so notify the shipper.

Liquids, or Commodities that will Expand, Liquefy or Vaporize
    Sec. 3. Liquids, or commodities that will expand, liquefy or vaporize under any conditions during transportation must be secured in containers that will prevent leakage from such containers.

Recoopering
    Sec. 4. Provided that the shipper is notified beforehand, the carrier shall have the right to perform necessary recoopering at owner's or shipper's expense except when necessitated by carrier's negligence.

Definition of the Term 'In Packages'
    Sec. 5. When the term 'in packages' is provided in connection with the separate descriptions of articles, such articles will be accepted for transportation in any container or in any other form tendered to carrier which will permit handling into or out of vehicles as units, providing such containers or tendered forms will render the transportation of freight reasonably safe and practicable. The term 'in packages' includes articles securely fastened to elevating truck platforms, lift truck skids, or pallets, or unitized quantities, but does not include articles 'in bulk,' 'loose,' 'on skids' or articles racked or braced in vehicles.

Inner Containers versus Outer Containers
    Sec. 6. (a) The containers or packages provided in individual items are outside shipping containers, and the rates or classes shown in connection therewith apply whether the contents are in bulk, loose or in inner containers; except in those instances where items specifically provide classes when 'in inner containers' in specified containers, and except where items provide classes when 'in bulk' in specified containers.
    Sec. 6. (b) Except as otherwise provided, when classes or rates are provided for articles in boxes or drums, in glass in boxes or drums, in containers in boxes or drums, or in inner containers in boxes or drums, such rates or classes will not apply on articles in glass carboys in boxes or drums.
    Sec. 6. (c) Except as otherwise provided, rates or classes shown for articles in glass inner containers also will apply on the same articles in earthenware or molded plastic inner containers.
    Sec. 6. (d) Where in individual items, classes or ratings are provided for articles in metal inner containers, such classes or ratings apply only on articles in inner containers constructed of metal and having rigid, self-supporting sides.

Articles in Authorized Packages Fastened to Skids or to Elevating or Lift Truck Skids, Pallets or Platforms or Bundled Together
    Sec. 7. (a) Articles in boxes, crates or numbered packages of box or crate construction complying with the construction requirements for such containers will be accepted when on skids (see Item 270) attached to bottom of box or crate. When articles are authorized to move 'on skids' within individual item descriptions, skids must meet the requirements of Item 270.
    Sec. 7. (b) Articles in bags, boxes, crates, drums or numbered packages of box or crate construction complying with the construction requirements for such containers will be accepted when unitized or securely fastened on elevating or lift truck skids, pallets or platforms meeting the requirements of Item 265. When under separate provisions of numbered packages or within individual item descriptions articles are required to move on lift truck skids or pallets, such lift truck skids or pallets must meet the requirements of Item 265.
    Sec. 7. (c) Articles in fibreboard boxes complying with the construction requirements for such containers will be accepted when unitized into bundles with stretch or heat-shrinkable plastic film, or the strapping materials named in Item 680, Secs. 9 (a) or (b).

Packing-Mixed Shipments
    Sec. 8. Unless otherwise provided in the separate description of articles, the package specifications, conditions and all other requirements governing articles in straight shipments apply on the same articles when in mixed shipments.

Strapping or Taping of Articles or Packages
    Sec. 9. (a) Unless otherwise provided, where the use of metal straps, rope or wire is specifically authorized or required, or where an article must be 'strapped,' filament-reinforced pressure-sensitive or gummed tape complying with the following specifications may be used:
       Pressure-sensitive tape not less than 3/4 inch in width reinforced with continuous longitudinal woven or unwoven filaments imbedded in an adhesive, or gummed tape not less than 3/4 inch in width reinforced with continuous longitudinal unwoven filaments imbedded in an adhesive. Tape must have longitudinal tensile strength of:
       (1) Not less than 160 pounds per inch of width and not less than 12 percent stretch at break.

OR
       (2) Not less than 240 pounds per inch of width and not less than three percent stretch at break. Such tape must be used as a complete band with a four-inch overlap of the tape on itself.
    Sec. 9. (b) Unless otherwise provided, where the use of metal straps, rope or wire is specifically authorized or required, or where articles must be 'strapped,' strapping made of the following materials and meeting the following requirements may be used:
       (1) Synthetic fibre strapping, consisting of cords or yarns held in parallel position by adhesive or by being bonded to paper. Strapping must have a longitudinal strength of not less than 200 pounds per 1/4 inch of width with not less than 12 percent and not more than 20 percent stretch at break-point.
       (2) Extruded oriented nylon, polyester or polypropylene strapping must have a tensile strength of not less than 200 pounds per 1/4 inch of width, with not less than seven percent and not more than 20 percent stretch at break-point.

Definition of 'Wrapped'
    Sec. 10. When in the separate description of articles the word 'wrapped' is referred to as a form of exterior packaging, such articles must be enclosed or enfolded within packaging material which completely covers the article. Such wrappers must be securely fastened. This method of packaging must render the transportation of freight reasonably safe and practicable so that it will withstand the normal hazards of less-than-truckload shipments.

Substitution of Fibreboard Boxes for Packages, Bales, Bundles or Wrapped
    Sec. 11. When in the separate description of articles the terms 'in packages,' 'in bales,' 'in bundles,' or 'wrapped' are referred to as a form of exterior packaging, such articles may be enclosed in corrugated fibreboard boxes. When the corrugated boxes used do not meet the requirements of Item 222, they must not bear a box maker's certification as provided for in Item 222-1.

Top-Heavy Articles
    Sec. 12. Articles as tendered for shipment weighing 200 pounds or greater and greater than 48 inches in height which exhibit a high center of gravity in their normal orientation of loading for in-transit movement must be placarded on two opposite sides conspicuously displaying the following symbol as a precautionary warning:

    Top-heavy articles are those having a center of gravity higher than 1/2 their standing height and having a height of two times or greater of the shorter base dimensions, as packaged.