Technical Guide Shipping Aircraft Tire Assembly
Contents About the Author: Dave Macha... 4 When Aircraft Tires are Dangerous Goods... 5 What are the Restrictions?... 7 What are the Shipper s Responsibilities?... 11 3
Dave Macha Director of Dangerous Goods Compliance Contact: dave_macha@qintl.com Dave is a Dangerous Goods Regulations expert providing training and consultation to Quick s employees, partners and clients. He has been working in the transportation industry for the last 25 years, 19 of them holding various management positions at Quick; from Operations, Quality Assurance, On-Board Courier and Air Charter Control Centers, to TSA and Dangerous Goods Compliance. 4
When Aircraft Tires are Dangerous Goods Many shippers may not realize it, but tires that are fully assembled and ready for use are considered dangerous goods under certain circumstances. The problem is, the definition of dangerous goods as it relates to tire assemblies may vary based on both the shipment s point of origin and its final destination. The following information will help you determine the correct classification and responsibilities when shipping aircraft tire assembly. Note: This information is accurate at time of printing. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sterling for clarification. 5
When are Tire Assemblies Considered Dangerous Goods? Serviceable tire assemblies are considered dangerous since they are typically inflated to a high pressure. Essentially, when tire assemblies are shipped by air the pressure inside the tire will increase once the plane reaches altitude. This increase in pressure could cause an over-inflated tire to explode in the cargo hold and compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. Aircraft tires that are not mounted on the rim are not considered dangerous as they are not under pressure and do not pose a safety hazard. 6
What are the Restrictions? There are primarily two sets of rules regarding the transportation of tire assemblies via air the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). While the two sets of regulations have essentially the same end result 49 CFR, which regulates shipments to, from or within the United States, is a bit more complex and essentially calls for the shipper to disqualify the shipment as being classified a different type of commodity. According to the IATA blue pages: Tire assemblies that are inflated above their maximum rated pressure may not be shipped by air Inflated tire assemblies that are unserviceable, damaged or, again, inflated above the maximum rated pressure are also forbidden 7
However, IATA Provision A59 allows shippers to transport tire assemblies by air as non-restricted items when: Unserviceable or damaged tire assemblies are fully deflated Serviceable tire assemblies are inflated at or below the maximum rated pressure for that specific tire (special packaging is required to protect the tire and valve assemblies from damage) Simply put, if a tire assembly is not inflated above its maximum rating, is undamaged and is packaged in a manner that protects the tire and valve assembly during transit, it is not restricted from transport via air. While the IATA regulation is recognized virtually worldwide, shippers must refer to 49 CFR for tire assemblies being transported to, from or within the U.S. 8
The entry for Tires and Tire Assemblies in the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) directs the shipper to UN1002, Air, compressed or UN1066, Nitrogen, compressed. A shipper must look closely within 49 CFR for the regulations and exceptions for these commodities before shipping a tire assembly by air. For tires filled with compressed air, the shipper must first determine that the compressed air used to inflate the tire contains no more than 23.5% oxygen. If the oxygen level is greater, then the shipment would be classified as UN3156, Compressed gas, oxidizing, n.o.s. and the tire assembly would be prohibited from air transport, as the tire itself does not meet the packaging requirements for this commodity. Generally, compressed gases are required to be packaged in a cylinder (49 CFR 173.302); however, there is an applicable exception to this requirement found in 49 CFR 173.307. Tire assemblies inflated with compressed air (no more than 23.5% oxygen by volume) and those inflated with nitrogen are exempt from the packaging requirement of 49 CFR 173.302. 9
Specifically, 49 CFR 175.8(b)(4) allows tire assemblies to be transported by air as non-regulated shipments if: A tire assembly with a serviceable tire is not inflated above the maximum rated pressure for that tire Unserviceable and damaged tire assemblies contain no material meeting the definition of a hazardous material; this requirement is met if the tire is deflated to a gauge pressure below 200 kpa (29.0 psig/43.8 psia) at 20 C (68 F) The tire (including valve assemblies) is protected from damage during transport Like IATA, 49 CFR does allow for tire assemblies to be shipped via air under certain conditions, but the shipper must first ensure that the assembly does not meet the classification of a more restrictive commodity. 10
What are the Shipper s Responsibilities? First and foremost, a shipper needs to ensure that their tire assembly shipments meet IATA or 49 CFR requirements as applicable. For shipments outside of the U.S., refer to IATA For shipments to, from, through or within the U.S., refer to 49 CFR Beyond that, however, shippers must also: Complete all appropriate paperwork Note on the Bill of Lading which of the following best describes the commodity: An unmounted tire (not considered dangerous goods) An unserviceable or damaged tire assembly (must be deflated) A serviceable tire assembly that s inflated at or below the maximum rated tire pressure (will typically move as an unrestricted item) Inform their transportation partner that the shipment consists of a tire assembly. 11
IMPORTANT: This last piece of information is critical as some airlines have their own set of rules. For instance, some may not take tires at all regardless of whether they meet IATA regulations or 49 CFR. Or, an airline may accept tires and tire assemblies at some airports, but not at others. Knowing the exact specifications up front allows your transportation partner to map out the most expedient route considering all factors. While IATA is the standard for shipping to most parts of the world, it is also recommended that shippers ensure they are in compliance with regulations for every country through which a shipment will pass. NOTE: This is a general overview of IATA Regulations, IATA Provision A59 and 49 CFR. For specific details, please refer to the actual regulatory texts. 12
About Sterling Sterling is the leader in global AOG Logistics, specializing in shipping AOG aircraft parts, rapid returns, heavy weight or oversized freight. Our team of seasoned aviation transportation specialists are dedicated to making sure your worldwide shipments get to wherever they need to go, on time, integrity intact. Contact Sterling 24/7: North & South America 800 633 6666 +1 703 471 4488 AOG Freight Desk 800 633 6666 Opt. 4 Asia and Pacific Rim +65 62130489 Europe, Middle East and Africa +44 (0) 20 8757 7555