Summary

Open Head Container DOT 7A USA TYPE A tested Hazmat ready

Understanding Drum Regulations and 7A Type A Compliance

What you need to know when choosing containers for regulated materials

When transporting materials — whether within your state, across the country, or internationally — it’s critical to use proper documentation and compliant packaging. According to 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), it is the responsibility of the end user or packaging party to ensure the package meets regulatory requirements.

At Volunteer Drum LLC, we stock a wide range of compliant containers, including:

  • New Carbon Steel Drums

  • Plastic Drums

  • Reconditioned Drums

  • Composite Drums

  • Fiber Drums

Many of these options are UN / DOT rated for use with hazardous materials. Not sure what you need? Call us at (865) 673-9396 — we’re here to help.

Understanding UN Ratings and Packing Groups

UN-rated drums are tested to meet specific performance standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) under 49 CFR Part 178. This includes rigorous testing to determine how well a container handles impacts, pressure, stacking, and vibration.

Key Performance Tests Required by 49 CFR:

Note: §178.607 applies only to wooden barrels, so it’s not usually included in steel or plastic drum testing.

Packing Groups

Hazardous materials fall into one of three Packing Groups (PGs) under 49 CFR §173.2a:

  • PG I (X) – High Danger

  • PG II (Y) – Medium Danger

  • PG III (Z) – Low Danger

Drums will bear markings to indicate their rated PG. For example, a drum marked “1A2/X300/S/15/USA/M****” is:

  • 1A2 – Open-head steel drum

  • X – Approved for PG I (high danger) materials

  • 300 kg – Maximum gross mass

  • S – For solids

  • 15 – Year of manufacture

  • USA – Country of origin

  • M**** – Manufacturer code

What Is 7A Type A Compliance?

7A Type A packages are special UN-rated containers that undergo additional testing for the transport of radioactive materials under 49 CFR §173.465.

To qualify as 7A Type A compliant, a drum must meet:

  1. All required UN tests from 49 CFR Part 178

  2. Additional tests in 49 CFR §173.465, including:

    • Water spray

    • Free drop

    • Penetration

    • Stacking

    • Compressive load (if required)

These containers are often used for Class 7 (radioactive) materials and, in some cases, fissile materials (though additional certifications may apply for fissile content).

Important Notes:

  • Volunteer Drum does not certify 7A Type A packages.
    The end user is responsible for verifying the package meets all applicable DOT and NRC requirements.

  • We can supply test reports and closure instructions for qualified containers.

  • No substitutions are allowed. If any component (like a lid or ring) differs from what was tested, the entire package must be retested.

  • Once qualified, the 7A Type A testing remains valid for the life of the unchanged container design.