Shipping used gas tank?

I'm going to sell an old Farmall gas tank and am wondering about how hard they are to ship? Didn't know if UPS has an issue with shipping them or not. Hasn't had gas in it since this summer, but I have heard they don't ship stuff they consider to be explosive. Anyone know for sure?
Aaron SEIA

I've shipped several gas tanks. I wash them out with soapy water then a hot water rinse then drain them out well. Then package them up. Never had an issue. Shipped them UPS and USPS.

Any container that has had gas in it in the past is considered hazardous materials as far as DOT is concerned. The only way it is not considered hazardous any more is if it has been steamed cleaned out and then the water you use is considered hazardous so you have a disposal problem.

The box it is in must be marked with a flammable label also or the UN # of 1203. While it does not require placards on the truck because it is under 1001 lbs it still needs markings on the package.

UPS and USPS will not and can not haul hazardous materials by federal law. They do not have the authority to do so. This leaves you with shipping with a LTL carrier like Roadway or Estes and paying the hazardous charge over and beyond the regular shipping charges. In other words WAY TO much money for just a tank.

Now that you know what the law is; what you do is up to you. I will tell you a guy sent me a 6 gallon fuel tank I bought with a outboard a few years back using UPS. He washed the tank out as best as he could and kept his mouth shut about what was in the box. This is a chance you might want to take; I do not know. I would be willing to take this chance if it were me and I am sure many others have also done it in the past. Just make sure you can not detect and scent of gas once it is boxed up.

I have had no problems with Fed EX. Didn't ask-didn't tell. I had
them acid washed and rinsed so it was clean. Fed EX beats UPS
price wise all the time if you have one close by.

John, I think I read in the codes there's some goofy rule that if it has less than 17 ounces of fuel, it's ok to ship, just not by air. Don't remember where I found it though.

Have not seen such a rule myself.
You got to remember gas fumes burn or explode; gas liquid does not burn or explode.
In fact a empty tank is more volatile than a full one.
17 ounces is just right for keeping such a small tank full of fumes during transit.

If you had the tanks acid washed before shipping you were most likely OK.

Like I said the tanks can be made shippable if they are cleaned out properly.

A hot tank dip at the local radiator shop also works.

The test I tell others is.........
Is it clean enough you can weld it????????

I've shipped and received fuel tanks with UPS. When asked what was inside I told them tractor parts. I usually wash the tank out with kerosene and then soap water and rinse then wrap the tank and box with shrink wrap that I buy at our local ACE Hardware store.


Just a note;
The roll of shrink wrap works great on irregular shaped packages any one may have to ship. It lasts longer than a roll of packing tape too!

Why don't you call UPS and ask them !

As long as it is drained, no problem.

I have both shipped and recieved gas tanks via the USPS. Package them good, ship by Priorty First Class Mail (they ain't very heavy, and First Class cannot be opened for inspection), if asked what it is say "tractor part", and you should have no problems. Of course drain and clean the interior of the tank and seal the tank, i.e. plug the vent hole in the cap and the feed line fitting in the bottom of the tank so no fumes can escape.

just ship it,and dont tell ups to much

To those who say "don't ask/don't tell". I spent over 40 years in the freight business, also many friends/co-workers were volunteer firefighters.
Haz-Mat markings & rules are for the protection of fire fighters/ rescue personnel in case of accident.
One tank in a truckload might not present much danger by itself, but how many more may be in that load?
First order of business when approaching a truck accident is to check for Haz-Mat. Look for stickers/placards. Look for paperwork. If driver is on board, paperwork must be within reach of driver with seatbelt fastened. If driver not on board, paperwork must be in a pouch on driver's door, or on driver's seat. If more than one shipment in vehicle, Haz-Mat paperwork must be on top. If more than one item on papers, Haz-Mat item must be listed first and/or highlighted.
Some classes of Haz-Mat must not be parked within certain distances of occupied buildings except to load/ unload.
Some classes must be attended at all times by authorized person, capable of moving vehicle if needed. (team drivers take turns, one attends vehicle while partner takes lunch or potty break). Taking a nap in seat over steering wheel, or in sleeper bunk does not count as being attended.
To cut it short, Haz-Mat is serious business. The fire fighter/rescue person is someone's friend/family member. Is saving a couple dollars worth putting that person's life at risk?
Willie in Mn

Local UPS drop off here says not unless certified cleaned.

I sent mine USPS but it had been empty for many years.
If yours has had fuel in it in the last year its most likely ready to go BOOM.

Stand back and throw a match in it if it goes boom don't ship it. Giggle

Walt

Adding vinegar should neutralize the fumes.Running some car tailpipe through it will dry it out good.Id say they dont ship stuff that is explosive for sure.Who would?I had UPS deliver racing fuel but container said toluene.Driver was quite suprised when I opened it and showed him it was five gallons of gas in the box.

Yesterday the Cincinnati Police Bomb Squad blew up a package at the Post Office. Leftover fumes in an old kerosene lantern started smoking, robot read address of shipper and the FBI contacted the shipper and found out what it was. Blown up anyway and they are considering charges against the shipper.

I wonder if eBay will count that against him.