ULSD Proper Shipping Name: Compliance & Docs Guide

Classifying Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) for transport hinges on a single laboratory result: the closed-cup flash point relative to 140°F (60°C). That number decides whether the shipment moves as UN1202 Diesel Fuel or UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel), a binary switch that cascades into every shipping paper entry, package mark, label, placard, and emergency response code. Misclassification triggers immediate regulatory violations under 49 CFR 172.101 and 172.202, exposes carriers to DOT penalties, and delays cargo at borders where inspectors verify the flash point certificate against the hazard description.

This guide walks through the complete compliance workflow: how ASTM D93 and D3828 results are interpreted at the decision boundary, the exact Hazardous Materials Table row differences (including bulk packaging authorizations), the mandatory description sequence for shipping papers, technical name formatting for n.o.s. entries, marking and labeling specifications for non-bulk and bulk packagings, the 1,001 lbs placarding threshold versus combustible liquid exemptions, and the critical IMDG and IATA variations such as the marine pollutant designation for UN1202. You will learn which documents to retain, how to handle borderline test results, and the precise formatting rules that keep ULSD shipments moving legally across road, rail, sea, and air.

ULSD Proper Shipping Name: Regulatory Decision Matrix (UN1202 vs UN1993)

If the flash point is at or below 140°F the material ships as UN1202 Diesel Fuel Class 3 PG III. If the flash point exceeds 140°F it ships as UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) Class 3 PG III with the technical name in parentheses. This binary decision drives every downstream documentation marking and packaging requirement.

Flash point threshold decision logic (≤140°F vs >140°F)

The flash point threshold decision logic (≤140°F vs >140°F) is the single regulatory switch that dictates whether ULSD uses UN1202 or UN1993. A closed cup flash point at or below 140°F (60°C) classifies the material as a flammable liquid Packing Group III requiring the proper shipping name Diesel Fuel UN1202. A result above 140°F moves the material to the n.o.s. entry UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) still Packing Group III but with a mandatory technical name in parentheses. Shippers must retain the test certificate for each batch because a single degree of variance changes the shipping description placards and emergency response guide assignment.

UN1202 Diesel Fuel entry criteria and usage

UN1202 Diesel Fuel entry criteria and usage apply when the closed cup flash point is at or below 140°F. This entry covers conventional diesel ULSD and most straight run distillates that meet the flash point threshold. The shipping paper shows UN1202 Diesel Fuel 3 III and the package displays a Class 3 flammable liquid label unless the combustible liquid reclassification is invoked.

UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) entry criteria and technical name requirement

UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) entry criteria and technical name requirement take effect when the closed cup flash point exceeds 140°F. The proper shipping name must appear as UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) 3 III on all shipping papers and the technical name Diesel Fuel in parentheses is mandatory per 49 CFR 172.203(k). Shippers must ensure the technical name matches the safety data sheet and the emergency response information references ERG Guide 128.

Parameter	UN1202 Diesel Fuel	UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel)
Flash Point Threshold	≤ 140°F (60°C) closed cup	> 140°F (60°C) closed cup
Proper Shipping Name	Diesel Fuel	Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel)
Hazard Class / Division	3	3
Packing Group	III	III
Technical Name Required	No	Yes (in parentheses)
Combustible Liquid Reclassification (49 CFR 173.150)	Allowed in non bulk	Allowed in non bulk

The table above maps the two possible classifications for ULSD against the six decision factors that determine documentation labels and placards. U.S. distillate fuel oil exports rose by 182,000 b/d to about 1.30 million b/d in 2024 according to U.S. EIA which underscores the volume of shipments that must apply this exact decision matrix every day. A single batch test result places the shipment in one column or the other with no intermediate category.

Flash Point Testing & Classification Protocol (ASTM D93 vs D3828)

ULSD flash point is tested using ASTM D93 Pensky Martens closed cup or ASTM D3828 Small Scale closed cup to determine whether the material falls at or below 140°F for UN1202 or above 140°F for UN1993. The test temperature directly controls the proper shipping name the UN number the hazard class the packing group and the eligibility for combustible liquid reclassification.

ASTM D93 Pensky-Martens closed cup method procedure

ASTM D93 Pensky Martens closed cup method procedure is the primary referee test for ULSD classification. An ignition source is introduced at 1°C or 2°C intervals until a flash propagates across the vapor space. The observed flash point is corrected for barometric pressure to 101.3 kPa. A result of 140°F (60°C) or lower assigns UN1202 Diesel Fuel while any result above 140°F assigns UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel).

ASTM D3828 Small Scale closed cup method applicability

ASTM D3828 Small Scale closed cup method applicability extends to ULSD when a rapid screening result is needed for operational decisions. If a D3828 result falls between 137°F and 143°F the shipper must confirm with ASTM D93 before finalizing the shipping name.

Interpreting results near the 140°F regulatory boundary

Interpreting results near the 140°F regulatory boundary requires applying the reproducibility limits of the test method used. Shippers should request the laboratory to report the observed flash point the barometric pressure correction and the method precision statement. Mexico was the largest destination for U.S. distillate exports in 2024 at 272,000 b/d (21%) according to U.S. EIA which means thousands of cross border shipments rely on this exact interpretive protocol every month.

Hazardous Materials Table Breakdown for ULSD (49 CFR 172.101 Row Analysis)

Hazard Class 3 and Packing Group III assignment

ULSD appears in the Hazardous Materials Table under two distinct entries depending on flash point. Both entries carry Hazard Class 3 and Packing Group III. The UK took 81,000 b/d of U.S. distillate exports in 2024 according to U.S. EIA making accurate classification critical for transatlantic compliance. A shipment misclassified as UN1202 when the flash point is actually 138°F triggers a violation of 49 CFR 172.101 and incorrect emergency response information.

Special Provisions 144, B1, IB3, T4, TP1, TP29 explained

Packaging authorizations for non-bulk and bulk containers

Non-bulk packaging for UN1202 and UN1993 Packing Group III is authorized under 49 CFR 173.203. Approved non-bulk packagings include drums 1A1 1A2 1B1 1B2 1N1 1N2 1H1 1H2 1D 1G jerricans 3A1 3A2 3B1 3B2 3H1 3H2 and boxes 4A 4B 4N 4C1 4C2 4D 4F 4G 4H1 4H2 with inner packagings.

Column	UN1202 Diesel fuel	UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s.	Regulatory Reference
Hazard Class	3	3	49 CFR 172.101 Col 3
Packing Group	III	III	49 CFR 172.101 Col 5
Label Code	3	3	49 CFR 172.101 Col 6
Special Provisions	144 B1 IB3 T4 TP1 TP29	B1 IB3 T4 TP1 TP29	49 CFR 172.101 Col 7
Non-Bulk Packaging	173.203	173.203	49 CFR 172.101 Col 8A
Bulk Packaging	173.241	173.242	49 CFR 172.101 Col 8B

The table above contrasts the two Hazardous Materials Table entries for ULSD. Both share Hazard Class 3 Packing Group III and Label Code 3. Shippers must verify the flash point certificate before selecting the row because the packaging authorization columns 8A and 8B point to different regulatory sections for bulk shipments.

Shipping Paper Requirements: Complete Description Sequence & Examples

Required description sequence per 49 CFR 172.202

The basic description for ULSD on shipping papers must follow the exact sequence: UN Number Proper Shipping Name Hazard Class Packing Group. For UN1202 the entry reads UN1202 Diesel fuel 3 III. For UN1993 the entry reads UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. 3 III.

Technical name formatting for n.o.s. entries (SP 274)

The correct format is UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel fuel) 3 III. The technical name must be a recognized chemical or microbiological name used in scientific and technical handbooks. Trade names alone such as Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel or ULSD are not acceptable as the sole technical name. If the mixture contains multiple hazardous constituents the two most predominant hazardous components must be listed. The technical name addition does not alter the hazard class UN number or packing group.

Reportable Quantity (RQ) and Marine Pollutant notation

ULSD is not listed as a hazardous substance in 49 CFR 172.101 Appendix A so the letters RQ do not precede the description unless the shipment contains a reportable quantity of a listed hazardous substance such as benzene above its threshold. ULSD is not a marine pollutant under 49 CFR 172.101 Appendix B therefore the marine pollutant notation is not required. However if the ULSD blend contains a marine pollutant additive above the concentration cutoff the description must include Marine Pollutant after the packing group and the shipping paper must show the technical name of the marine pollutant. For international shipments under IMDG the marine pollutant mark is required on the package if the substance meets IMDG criteria regardless of the domestic classification.

Component	UN1202 Example	UN1993 Example	Regulatory Basis
Proper Shipping Name	Diesel fuel	Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel fuel)	49 CFR 172.101 Col 2
Hazard Class	3	3	49 CFR 172.101 Col 3
UN Number	UN1202	UN1993	49 CFR 172.101 Col 4
Packing Group	III	III	49 CFR 172.101 Col 5
RQ Prefix	Not applicable	Not applicable	49 CFR 172.101 App A
Marine Pollutant	Not applicable	Not applicable	49 CFR 172.101 App B

The table displays compliant shipping paper descriptions for both ULSD classifications. The UN1202 entry requires no technical name in parentheses because Diesel fuel is the proper shipping name itself. The UN1993 entry requires the technical name Diesel fuel in parentheses per SP 274. Neither entry carries an RQ prefix or Marine Pollutant designation for standard ULSD. Shippers must ensure the description appears exactly as shown with no extra words between components. The emergency response telephone number and shipper certification must appear on the shipping paper as required by 49 CFR 172.201(d) and 172.204.

Package Marking, Labeling & Placarding Specifications

UN marking and proper shipping name display requirements

Packages containing ULSD must display the UN identification number preceded by the letters UN in capital letters at least 12 mm high on a contrasting background. The proper shipping name Diesel fuel for UN1202 or Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel fuel) for UN1993 must appear in uppercase letters adjacent to the UN number. For non-bulk packages the marking must be durable legible and placed on a surface other than the bottom. The technical name in parentheses for UN1993 is not required on the package exterior but must appear on shipping papers. All markings must withstand open weather exposure without substantial degradation.

Class 3 Flammable Liquid label specifications

Each non-bulk package must bear a Class 3 Flammable Liquid label measuring at least 100 mm on each side with a red background and a black flame symbol. The number 3 must appear in the bottom corner in text at least 12 mm high. Labels must be affixed on a contrasting background near the proper shipping name marking and must not be obscured by other markings or attachments. For combination packages each inner receptacle does not require a label but the outer packaging must display the label. Bulk packagings do not carry labels; they rely on placards and orange panels instead. The label must meet the design specifications in 49 CFR 172.419 and be printed on material that passes the 30-day weathering test.

Placarding 1,001 lbs threshold vs Combustible Liquid exemptions

Transport vehicles carrying ULSD in non-bulk packages require a FLAMMABLE placard on each side and each end when the aggregate gross weight of all hazardous materials reaches 1,001 lbs (454 kg). If the ULSD is reclassified as a combustible liquid under 49 CFR 173.150 and transported in non-bulk packages no placard is required regardless of weight. Bulk packagings such as cargo tanks and portable tanks must display a FLAMMABLE placard or the UN1202 identification number on orange panels at all times even when the combustible liquid exception applies to non-bulk shipments. Placards must be maintained in good condition and replaced if faded damaged or obscured.

Packaging Type	UN Marking Required	Label Required	Placard Threshold	Combustible Exception Applies
Non-bulk drums	Yes UN1202 or UN1993	Class 3 label	1,001 lbs aggregate	Yes if reclassified
Cargo tank bulk	Orange panels UN1202	No labels	Always required	No for bulk
Portable tank bulk	Orange panels UN1202	No labels	Always required	No for bulk
IBC non-bulk	Yes UN1202 or UN1993	Class 3 label	1,001 lbs aggregate	Yes if reclassified

The table summarizes marking labeling and placarding obligations for common ULSD packaging configurations. Non-bulk packages always require the UN marking proper shipping name and Class 3 label. Placarding is triggered at the 1,001 lbs aggregate threshold for non-bulk but is mandatory for all bulk packagings regardless of weight. The combustible liquid reclassification under 49 CFR 173.150 eliminates placarding only for non-bulk shipments; bulk cargo tanks and portable tanks must continue to display FLAMMABLE placards or UN1202 orange panels. Shippers should verify the packaging type and total quantity before finalizing placard selection.

IMDG & IATA Variations: International Shipping Names & Marine Pollutant Rules

The proper shipping name remains Diesel fuel with UN1202 Class 3 Packing Group III. Segregation from oxidizing substances Class 5.1 is required. The flash point criteria align with the closed cup test at 60°C or below for Class 3 assignment. Shippers must verify the sulfur content certificate and ensure the safety data sheet reflects the marine pollutant status for vessel loading.

IATA Proper Shipping Name and Special Provision A3 variations

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations list UN1202 Diesel fuel as the proper shipping name for air transport with Class 3 Packing Group III. The technical name is not required in parentheses because Diesel fuel is the proper shipping name itself. A Class 3 Flammable Liquid label and the cargo aircraft only label when applicable must be affixed. The shipper declaration must include the 24-hour emergency response telephone number. IATA does not assign a marine pollutant designation for air transport but the shipper must ensure the packaging meets Packing Group III performance standards and passes the pressure differential test for liquids.

Vessel stowage Category A vs B and segregation from oxidizers

Stowage away from sources of heat is required. For UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. the stowage category depends on the packing group and subsidiary hazards but typically aligns with Category A for Packing Group III. The dangerous goods manifest must reflect the correct stowage category and segregation requirements for the vessel operator to plan loading.

Regulation	Proper Shipping Name	UN Number	Marine Pollutant	Stowage Category	Passenger Aircraft Limit
IMDG	Diesel fuel	UN1202	Yes (P)	Category A	N/A
IATA	Diesel fuel	UN1202	No	N/A	60 L
49 CFR Domestic	Diesel fuel	UN1202	No	N/A	60 L
49 CFR Alt Entry	Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel fuel)	UN1993	No	N/A	60 L

The table compares the proper shipping name UN number marine pollutant status stowage category and passenger aircraft quantity limits across IMDG IATA and 49 CFR domestic regulations. IMDG uniquely assigns the marine pollutant designation to UN1202 Diesel fuel which triggers additional marking documentation and stowage communication requirements for vessel transport. IATA and 49 CFR do not designate ULSD as a marine pollutant. All three frameworks allow transport on passenger aircraft with a 60 L per package limit for Packing Group III. Shippers moving ULSD internationally must prepare separate documentation sets that reflect the correct proper shipping name and regulatory marks for each mode of transport.

Combustible Liquid Reclassification: Bulk vs Non-Bulk Exceptions (49 CFR 173.150)

ULSD can be reclassified as a combustible liquid when its flash point is above 60 degrees Celsius and below 93 degrees Celsius and it meets no other hazard class definition. This reclassification is authorized under 49 CFR 173.150 and provides regulatory relief for ground transport within the United States. If the flash point falls below the applicable threshold the material remains a Class 3 flammable liquid and must be shipped as UN1202 or UN1993 with full hazardous materials regulations applied. Shippers must retain test documentation to support the reclassification decision during inspection.

Non-bulk packaging exception criteria and documentation

Non-bulk packagings containing ULSD reclassified as a combustible liquid are excepted from most hazardous materials requirements under 49 CFR 173.150(f) when transported by motor vehicle or rail car. The packaging must be a non-bulk container such as a drum pail or intermediate bulk container that is strong tight and secured against shifting. Shipping papers must still be prepared but the proper shipping name changes to "Combustible liquid n.o.s." with the technical name "Diesel fuel" in parentheses. The hazard class is listed as "Combustible liquid" and the packing group is omitted. No UN identification number is required on the shipping paper for this domestic exception. The package must be marked with the proper shipping name "Combustible liquid n.o.s." and the technical name but does not require a Class 3 flammable liquid label or UN marking.

Bulk packaging exception criteria under 49 CFR 173.150(f)

Bulk packagings such as cargo tanks portable tanks and tank cars transporting ULSD as a combustible liquid must comply with the specific requirements of 49 CFR 173.150(f). The packaging must be an authorized bulk container under 49 CFR 173.241. The material must be loaded and unloaded under the supervision of a qualified person. Shipping papers must contain the proper shipping name "Combustible liquid n.o.s." with the technical name "Diesel fuel" the hazard class "Combustible liquid" and the total quantity. The bulk packaging must show the identification number NA1993 on each side and each end. Orange panel placard or square-on-point display is permitted. The COMBUSTIBLE placard is red and white reads COMBUSTIBLE and carries no hazard class number 3. A FLAMMABLE placard may be used instead. Emergency response information and a 24-hour emergency contact number must accompany the shipment.

Impact on shipping papers marking and placarding

Reclassification to combustible liquid fundamentally alters the documentation and marking profile for domestic ground transport. The shipping paper description sequence becomes "Combustible liquid n.o.s. (Diesel fuel) Combustible liquid NA1993" followed by the quantity and packaging type. The shipper certification statement remains mandatory. For non-bulk packages the Class 3 flammable liquid label is removed and replaced with no hazard label. For bulk packages the Class 3 placard is replaced by the Combustible liquid placard. This exception does not apply to vessel or aircraft transport where the material must revert to UN1202 Diesel fuel Class 3 PG III with full IMDG or IATA dangerous goods declarations. Shippers operating intermodal supply chains must maintain dual documentation sets to switch between the combustible liquid exception for the domestic leg and the full dangerous goods classification for the international leg.

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Conclusion

Classify ULSD by its closed-cup flash point relative to 140°F. Use UN1202 Diesel Fuel at or below that threshold and UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) above it, adding the technical name in parentheses on shipping papers for UN1993. Retain flash point test certificates and full laboratory reports for every batch to support 49 CFR 172.201 recordkeeping and defend classification during DOT audits.

Apply the correct Class 3 label, UN marking, and placarding rules for road, rail, sea, or air shipments, noting the marine pollutant designation for UN1202 under IMDG and the technical name requirement on IATA Shipper's Declarations. Confirm borderline results with ASTM D93 before finalizing documentation. Consult the PHMSA Hazardous Materials Table for authoritative verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ULSD?

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is a diesel fuel standard with a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm). It replaced Low Sulfur Diesel (500 ppm) for highway use in the United States to enable advanced emission control systems. The specification is defined in ASTM D975 Grade No. 2-D S15.

What is the proper shipping name for diesel fuel?

The proper shipping name depends on the closed-cup flash point relative to 140°F (60°C). At or below 140°F it is UN1202 Diesel Fuel; above 140°F it is UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel). The flash point result dictates every downstream documentation and marking requirement.

ULSD proper shipping name UN number?

ULSD ships as UN1202 when the flash point is at or below 140°F and as UN1993 when the flash point exceeds 140°F. Both entries carry Hazard Class 3 and Packing Group III but trigger different special provisions and technical name rules.

Difference between UN1202 and UN1993 for diesel?

UN1202 applies at or below 140°F flash point and requires no technical name; UN1993 applies above 140°F and mandates the technical name "Diesel Fuel" in parentheses on shipping papers. UN1202 carries a Marine Pollutant designation under IMDG; UN1993 does not.

When is diesel fuel a combustible liquid vs flammable liquid?

Diesel fuel is a flammable liquid (Class 3) when its flash point is at or below 140°F. It may be reclassified as a combustible liquid for non-bulk ground transport under 49 CFR 173.150(f) when the flash point is at or above 38°C (100°F) and the material does not meet another hazard class. This reclassification is not limited to UN1202 shipments.

Does ULSD require a technical name on shipping papers?

Only UN1993 shipments require the technical name "Diesel Fuel" in parentheses immediately after the proper shipping name per 49 CFR 172.203(k) and Special Provision 274. UN1202 Diesel Fuel does not require a technical name on shipping papers.

What is the packing group for ULSD?

Both UN1202 and UN1993 entries for ULSD are assigned Packing Group III. This reflects the relatively low hazard degree of diesel fuel within Hazard Class 3 and determines the authorized packaging standards under 49 CFR 173.203 and bulk packaging sections 173.241 or 173.242.

ULSD marine pollutant requirements IMDG?

Under the IMDG Code, UN1202 Diesel Fuel carries a Marine Pollutant (P) designation requiring the marine pollutant mark on packages and "MARINE POLLUTANT" on the dangerous goods declaration. UN1993 Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel) does not carry this designation.

Biodiesel blend shipping name B5 B20?

Biodiesel blends up to B20 (20% biodiesel) typically ship under the same UN1202 or UN1993 entries as ULSD based on flash point testing of the finished blend. The proper shipping name remains Diesel Fuel or Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel); the blend percentage is not part of the regulated shipping name.

ULSD flash point classification criteria?

Classification hinges on the closed-cup flash point relative to 140°F (60°C) using ASTM D93 (referee) or ASTM D3828 (screening). Results within the reproducibility limit of the threshold (approximately 137°F, 143°F) must be confirmed by ASTM D93 before finalizing the shipping name. The test certificate must be retained per 49 CFR 172.201.

HTS code for ultra low sulfur diesel import?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule code for ULSD imports is not 2710.19.06, as that subheading covers heavier fuel oils such as Nos. 4, 6. ULSD is classified under other 2710.19 subheadings for distillate fuel oils. Verify the exact subheading and current tariff rate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before entry.

Shipping paper description example for diesel fuel?

For UN1202: UN1202, Diesel Fuel, 3, III. For UN1993: UN1993, Flammable liquids n.o.s. (Diesel Fuel), 3, III. The basic description sequence is UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group. Add the technical name in parentheses for UN1993 only.

Sources

• U.S. EIA (2024): U.S. distillate fuel oil exports