Ship Hazardous Goods with Confidence: Priority Plastics’ HDPE tight heads

The Benefits of Using Priority Plastics’ HDPE Tight Head Containers to ship hazardous goods

Shipping hazardous materials is a high-stakes process governed by a complex network of regulations, safety protocols, and performance standards. Whether transporting caustic chemicals, flammable liquids, or other dangerous goods, companies must ensure that every package complies with federal and international laws to protect people, property, and the environment. To ship hazardous goods with confidence, it is critical to choose the right packaging solution.

Priority Plastics provides industrial clients with UN- and DOT-compliant HDPE tight head containers that meet the rigorous standards required for the safe transport and storage of hazardous materials. Our expertise resides in the manufacturing space in terms of understanding and meeting the standards set forth in the DOT and UN specifications.  We stay laser-focused in this space to assure compliance and safety for our customers.

This blog explores the regulatory landscape, common pitfalls in hazardous shipping, and how Priority Plastics’ containers are uniquely engineered to meet the highest safety and compliance expectations.

Why Packaging Matters for Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials include a wide range of substances—such as paints, solvents, sanitation chemicals, and agrochemicals—that pose risks during storage or transport. According to U.S. regulations, these goods require certified packaging that has been tested to withstand leaks, drops, vibration, pressure, and other stresses.

At Priority Plastics, we understand that container integrity and compliance are non-negotiable. That’s why our packaging solutions are specifically designed for businesses that produce, store, and ship dangerous materials. Our containers help ensure employee and customer safety while also supporting operational efficiency and brand growth.

Regulatory Framework: What You Need to Know

Domestic Regulations: 49 CFR In the United States, the shipment of hazardous materials is regulated under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), managed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). These rules cover everything from container selection and labeling to documentation and training.

Key areas of focus include:

• Material classification and proper shipping names
• Container specifications and UN performance standards
• Required package markings and placards
• Testing and certification of packaging systems

International Regulations: UN Model Regulations Outside the U.S., the UN Model Regulations serve as the foundation for hazardous material shipping rules. These standards influence international air, sea, and land shipping via organizations like ICAO, IATA, and IMO. Shippers must ensure compatibility between U.S. and international rules when shipping globally.

PriorityPour Tight Head Containers: Built for Compliance and Safety

At Priority Plastics, we manufacture a broad range of HDPE containers, with a special focus on our PriorityPour Tight Head series. These containers are engineered specifically for industrial use and help our customers ship hazardous goods with confidence. They are well-suited for hazardous chemical storage and transportation.

Key Features:

• Narrow neck opening for controlled filling
• Leak-resistant design minimizes spills during filling, storage, and transit
• UN-rated for hazardous materials with built-in compliance to DOT regulations
• Interlocking tops and bottoms for efficient, stable stacking
• Optional swing or integrated handles for easy handling
• Robust construction to withstand rugged industrial environments
• Vent or no-vent options for ease of pouring and minimization of spills

Specifically, our 5 gallon and 20 liter tight heads are the standard of choice when UN rated packaging is required. These units, also known as jerry cans, carboys or jugs, are widely used in industries such as fragrance and flavor manufacturing, agrochemical production, sanitation chemical supply, cleaning product development, hydroponics, and building materials.

In-House Testing and Certification: Confidence in Every Container

To ensure compliance with performance packaging regulations, Priority Plastics performs comprehensive in-house testing for our UN-rated tight head containers. Our “self-certifying” testing protocols include:

1. Dynamic ambient top load testing
2. Static elevated temperature top load testing
3. Zero-degree drop impact testing
4. Hydrostatic pressure testing
5. Leakproofness testing
6. Vibration testing

These rigorous evaluations confirm that our containers meet or exceed all required standards for performance packaging as defined in 49 CFR Part 178, giving our clients peace of mind and protecting against compliance failures.

Please note: Priority Plastics cannot conduct compatibility testing, i.e. evaluating that specific contents are compatible with HDPE containers and closing systems, or determining for customers the hazardous level and packing group that is appropriate for the specific hazardous material. We can refer these matters to our third-party partners to provide those services.

Common Mistakes in Hazardous Material Shipping

Even well-intentioned companies can fall short of compliance without proper systems and controls in place. Frequent mistakes include:

• Insufficient level of understanding 49 CFR Part 178
• Lack of compatibility testing
• Inappropriate packing group for the hazardous material
• Using non-certified containers for restricted materials
• Incomplete or incorrect labeling
• Failing to follow packaging closure instructions
• Insufficient employee training

Compliance depends on both the integrity of your packaging and the rigor of your internal operations.

Ship Hazardous Goods with confidence: HDPE tight heads

Choosing Priority Plastics as your packaging partner gives you access to:

• Industry-leading expertise in rigid container manufacturing
• Strategic U.S. distribution with multiple manufacturing locations
• Regulatory knowledge and product guidance
• Custom solutions for unique shipping requirements

Our containers are not only engineered for compliance—they’re designed for the real-world challenges of industrial use. With features like interlocking stackable bases, leak-resistant pours, and ergonomic handles, our containers make every part of your workflow safer and more efficient.

Get Started -The Priority Plastics difference

Shipping hazardous materials is too important to leave to chance. The combination of regulatory complexity and operational risk makes choosing the right packaging partner essential. Priority Plastics delivers containers that help you:

• Stay compliant with 49 CFR and UN regulations
• Protect employees and end users
• Improve shipping and storage efficiency
• Avoid costly compliance violations

Whether you’re a seasoned hazmat shipper or developing a compliance program for the first time, we’re here to help you ship hazardous goods with confidence.

Contact Priority Plastics today to learn more about how our UN-rated HDPE Tight Head containers can support your safety, compliance, and operational goals.