The Official Blog of Penske Transportation Solutions

hazardous materials

Summer is a popular time for household and business moves, and with Fourth of July rapidly approaching, it’s important to note that Penske prohibits carrying or hauling hazardous cargo, like fireworks, into any of their rental trucks.

“Hauling any kind of hazardous cargo can put the driver and others sharing the road at serious risk and should be avoided,” said Barry Kemper, Penske’s vice president of insurance risk management.

Fireworks – considered a Class 1 hazardous material by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – is not the only thing truck drivers should stay away from loading onto their vehicles. Penske advises movers to avoid other hazardous items, including propane tanks, paint thinners, pesticides, fertilizer, charcoal and lighter fluid.

A truck is an enclosed space, and during the summer months especially, the inside can reach high temperatures. This can be a dangerous combination if you are transporting any of those items. There are federal regulations that apply to operators of rental trucks regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.

If you have general questions about what you are allowed to pack into your moving truck, contact a Penske moving advisor.

Have a question or want to reserve your next Penske moving truck? Contact the experts at Penske Truck Rental by calling 1-888-996-5415 or chat live with a Penske representative by clicking here.

By Chris Abruzzo

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When packing your Penske rental truck, it is extremely important to understand what is hazardous.

Most household items like clothing and furniture are completely safe. However, you should be aware of potential hazardous materials that could be dangerous or illegal.

A truck is an enclosed space, and during the summer months especially, the inside can reach high temperatures. This can be a dangerous mixture if you are transporting hazardous materials.

A general rule of thumb is that all appliances or machinery that hold gasoline or oil should be completely drained before they are loaded into a truck. You should also avoid packing any type of combustible or highly flammable items like aerosol cans and lighter fluid.

When packing items like a gas generator, lawnmower or weed whacker, make sure to drain the gasoline and oil completely until the tank is bone dry. Any amount of gasoline and oil can lead to build-up of highly combustible vapor.

There are federal regulations that apply to operators of rental trucks as it relates to the transportation of hazardous materials. Please review and if you have questions about whether specific items are hazardous, or you have general questions about what you are allowed to pack into your moving truck, then contact your local branch of the Department of Transportation or a moving advisor at Penske Truck Rental.

Taking these necessary steps is vital to the protection of yourself and your property. It is also important to your rental truck and the safety of other drivers on the road.

When packing your truck, we recommend avoiding the following items:

  • Aerosols
  • Ammunition and guns
  • Charcoal
  • Cleansers containing bleach or ammonia
  • Fertilizer
  • Lighter fluid
  • Nail polish remover
  • Oil or gas
  • Paint cans
  • Pesticides
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Antifreeze
  • Fireworks
  • Compressed gasses
  • Signal flares
  • Propane tanks
  • Matches
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Paint thinners
  • Automobile batteries
  • Weed killer or pesticides
  • Hazardous waste
  • Marine pollutants

By Paul Rosa IV

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