Hazardous materials containers can be found all modes of transportation. Additionally, all types of transportation containers may be located at industrial facilities. These locations may have their own unique storage containers that can present challenges (IFSTA, 2010). Hazardous materials containers can be generally categorized as bulk or non-bulk:.

Bulk containers are defined as capable of holding greater than 119 gallons of liquid, greater than 882 pounds of solids, or for gas cylinders (gases) greater than a volume equivalent of 1001 pounds of water. Examples of bulk containers are:

• Railroad tank cars.
• Intermodal tanks (found in all modes of transportation)
• Highway cargo tanks
• Facility storage tanks
• Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs such as totes and super sacks)
• Ton Containers

Non-bulk packages are the most common type of packaging for shipping dangerous goods. They can be found on every mode of transportation and at industrial facilities, government buildings, and residential locations. Non-bulk is defined as capable of holding equal to or less than 119 gallons of liquid, equal to or less than 882 pounds of solids, or for gas cylinders (gases) equal to or less than volume equivalent of 1001 pounds of water. Examples of non-bulk containers are:

• Bags (plastic, paper, and cloth)
• Boxes of different construction materials and design
• Jars and bottles of glass and plastic
• Carboys made of plastic or plastic coated glass
• Cylinders for gases
• Dewar containers and flasks for holding cryogenic materials
• Drums of different construction materials and design

Radioactive materials packages are typically non-bulk containers and like most others, can also be found on all modes of transportation. They can be found at medical facilities, industrial complexes, and other businesses that have a radioactive requirement. There are five specific types of radioactive packages that will be discussed.