Shipping petroleum distillates under UN 1268 means meeting the full set of Department of Transportation requirements that apply to Class 3 flammable liquids: assigning a packing group from the product’s flash point and boiling point, placarding the vehicle, preparing a shipping paper in the prescribed sequence, using a driver with a hazmat endorsement, training everyone who handles the material, and registering the company with PHMSA. Small shipments can qualify for limited quantity relief, but the classification work still has to be done.
What UN 1268 Covers
UN 1268 is the four-digit identification number for petroleum-based flammable liquids that don’t have their own dedicated entry in the Hazardous Materials Table at 49 CFR 172.101. The “n.o.s.” tag — not otherwise specified — is the tell: naphtha, mineral spirits, petroleum ether, lighter fluid, and various petroleum solvents and oils all ship under this number.1CAMEO Chemicals. United Nations/North American Number Datasheet
Two proper shipping names share the number: “Petroleum distillates, n.o.s.” and “Petroleum products, n.o.s.” Which one applies depends on the material’s composition. The regulatory obligations are identical either way, and shippers classify by physical properties rather than brand names.
Assigning the Packing Group
Before anything moves, the shipper assigns a packing group based on two measurements pulled from the Safety Data Sheet: flash point and initial boiling point.2eCFR. 49 CFR 173.121 – Class 3 Assignment of Packing Group
- Packing Group I applies when the initial boiling point is at or below 35°C (95°F). Flash point doesn’t matter at this level.
- Packing Group II applies when the flash point is below 23°C (73°F) and the initial boiling point is above 35°C (95°F).
- Packing Group III applies when the flash point falls between 23°C and 60°C (73°F to 140°F) with an initial boiling point above 35°C (95°F).
The packing group determines packaging type, quantity limits for exceptions, and how the risk shows up on shipping papers. An error here cascades through the rest of the shipment.
Placards and Identification Number Markings
Bulk packaging, freight containers, and transport vehicles carrying UN 1268 material must display the Class 3 “FLAMMABLE” placard — a red diamond with a flame symbol and the number 3 — on each side and each end. For non-bulk highway or rail shipments, placards aren’t required if the total gross weight of Class 3 material on the vehicle is under 454 kg (1,001 pounds), though a carrier can display them voluntarily.3eCFR. 49 CFR 172.504 – General Placarding Requirements
The four-digit identification number 1268 must also be visible, shown either across the center of the placard or on a separate orange panel. The panel runs roughly 160 mm by 400 mm with a black border, and the numerals must be 100 mm high in black.4eCFR. 49 CFR 172.332 – Identification Number Markings Drivers should confirm before departure that every placard is attached and legible. A placard that falls off or fades during a multi-stop route is an immediate violation.
Shipping Paper Entries
Every UN 1268 shipment needs a shipping paper listing four items in this order: identification number (UN1268), proper shipping name, hazard class (3), and packing group in Roman numerals.5eCFR. 49 CFR 172.202 – Description of Hazardous Material on Shipping Papers A standard entry reads: “UN1268, Petroleum distillates, n.o.s., 3, PG II.”
Where the driver keeps that paper is regulated too. While driving, it must be within arm’s reach with the seatbelt on and either visible to someone entering the cab or stored in a holder mounted inside the driver’s door. When the driver leaves the vehicle, the paper goes in that door holder or on the driver’s seat. Mixed in with other documents, it must be tabbed or placed on top so inspectors and responders can find it fast.6eCFR. 49 CFR 177.817 – Shipping Papers At the destination, the driver hands the shipping paper directly to the receiver.
Limited Quantity Exceptions
Small shipments can qualify for relief from placarding and some packaging rules. Total package weight cannot exceed 30 kg (66 pounds) gross, and inner container sizes are capped by packing group. For Packing Group I liquids, each inner container holds no more than 0.5 liters (about half a quart).7eCFR. 49 CFR 173.150 – Exceptions for Class 3 Flammable and Combustible Liquids The shipment still needs proper documentation, but the burden drops significantly compared to a tanker load of naphtha.
Driver Hazmat Endorsement
Any driver hauling placarded quantities of UN 1268 in a commercial motor vehicle needs a hazmat endorsement (HME) on their CDL. That requires passing a written knowledge test through the driver’s home state.8eCFR. 49 CFR 383.93 – Endorsement Testing Requirements
Under the USA PATRIOT Act, applicants also clear a TSA security threat assessment involving fingerprints, an application through the TSA enrollment portal, and a background check covering criminal history and terrorist watchlist databases. As of 2026, the TSA threat assessment fee is $85.25, with a reduced rate of $41 for drivers who already hold a valid TWIC card.9TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA. HAZMAT Endorsement HME Threat Assessment Program State endorsement fees and renewal cycles vary.
Certain convictions permanently disqualify a driver from holding an HME, including terrorism, espionage, and treason. A broader set of felonies including arson, robbery, and drug distribution triggers a disqualification period measured in years. Checking eligibility before investing in CDL training is worth the time.
Training for Hazmat Employees
Anyone who handles, packages, or signs shipping papers for UN 1268 counts as a “hazmat employee” and must be trained before performing those duties unsupervised. Training covers four areas:10eCFR. 49 CFR 172.704 – Training Requirements
- General awareness on recognizing hazardous materials using DOT hazard communication standards.
- Function-specific training on the rules that apply to the employee’s actual job — a dock worker loading drums needs different content than the person completing shipping papers.
- Safety training covering emergency response, protective measures, and accident prevention.
- Security awareness on recognizing and responding to threats.
Employers keep a training record for each hazmat employee for the entire time they work in a hazmat role, plus 90 days after they leave. Gaps in documentation are among the most common violations PHMSA finds during audits.
PHMSA Registration
Companies that ship or carry UN 1268 in quantities requiring placarding must register with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration by submitting DOT Form F 5800.2. The registration year runs July 1 through June 30, and a company cannot legally transport or offer hazardous materials for shipment without a current Certificate of Registration on file.11eCFR. 49 CFR 107.608 – General Registration Requirements
For the 2026–2027 registration year, fees are $275 for small businesses and nonprofits or $2,600 for larger companies, both figures including a $25 processing fee. Multi-year registration comes with a modest discount. Some states add their own hazardous materials transportation permits with separate annual fees.
Spill and Incident Reporting
The person in physical possession of the material must call the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 as soon as practical, and no later than 12 hours, after any incident where a hazmat release directly causes a death, a hospitalization, an evacuation lasting an hour or more, or closure of a major transportation route for an hour or more.12eCFR. 49 CFR 171.15 – Immediate Notice of Certain Hazardous Materials Incidents A continuing danger to life at the scene also triggers the notice even without those thresholds. A written follow-up report is required after the call.
The CERCLA Petroleum Exclusion
CERCLA generally requires NRC notification when a hazardous substance releases above its reportable quantity, but CERCLA excludes petroleum and crude oil fractions from its definition of hazardous substance, even when those fractions contain chemicals like benzene that would otherwise qualify, as long as the benzene is naturally present from refining.13Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 42 USC 9601 – Definitions UN 1268 materials generally fall within this petroleum exclusion.14U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Specific Substances Excluded Under CERCLA Petroleum Exclusion
The exclusion has limits. If hazardous substances were added to the petroleum product after refining, or if the product became contaminated during use, the exclusion no longer applies and CERCLA reporting kicks in. Certain waste petroleum products listed in 40 CFR 302.4 also remain subject to CERCLA regardless of the exclusion.
Clean Water Act Sheen Rule
Even when the CERCLA exclusion applies, a petroleum release that reaches water triggers a separate reporting obligation. There’s no gallon threshold. Any discharge of oil that creates a visible film or discoloration on the surface of water or adjoining shorelines must be reported immediately to the NRC.15eCFR. 40 CFR Part 110 – Discharge of Oil This is the reporting requirement that most often applies when UN 1268 material is released near waterways.16U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When Are You Required to Report an Oil Spill and Hazardous Substance Release
Between the DOT incident criteria and the Clean Water Act sheen rule, most significant petroleum spills reach the same phone number even when CERCLA does not apply.