What DOT Hazmat Class Are Solvents? Classes, UN Numbers, and Packing Groups
Most industrial solvents are DOT Hazard Class 3 (flammable liquids) — any liquid with a flash point at or below 60 °C (140 °F). Each solvent is assigned a UN identification number, a proper shipping name, and a Packing Group (I, II, or III) based on its flash point and boiling point, which together drive packaging, labeling, and shipping-paper requirements.
Here is how Class 3 works, how packing groups are assigned, the DOT profile of common solvents, and what you need to ship them compliantly.
What Is DOT Hazard Class 3?
The U.S. Department of Transportation organizes hazardous materials into nine hazard classes. Class 3 covers flammable liquids — liquids that give off ignitable vapor at or below 60 °C (140 °F) flash point. The large majority of the solvents RightPath distributes fall here: acetone, toluene, methanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and more. A smaller number carry additional or different hazards (for example, methanol is also toxic, and strong acids are corrosive Class 8), which is why every shipment is governed by the entry in the DOT Hazardous Materials Table, not by the class alone.
How Are Solvents Assigned a Packing Group?
Within Class 3, the Packing Group signals how dangerous the liquid is to transport, set by flash point and initial boiling point:
| Packing Group | Criteria | Relative danger |
|---|---|---|
| PG I | Initial boiling point ≤ 35 °C | Greatest |
| PG II | Flash point < 23 °C and boiling point > 35 °C | Medium |
| PG III | Flash point 23–60 °C and boiling point > 35 °C | Lower |
The packing group in turn determines the performance level of the UN-rated container you must use (X for PG I, Y for PG II, Z for PG III packaging).
DOT Classifications for Common Solvents
Typical DOT profiles for solvents RightPath stocks. Always confirm the current entry against the DOT Hazardous Materials Table and the product Safety Data Sheet before shipping, because assignments can carry special provisions:
| Solvent | UN number | Hazard class | Packing group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | UN1090 | 3 | II |
| Methanol | UN1230 | 3 (6.1 subsidiary) | II |
| Toluene | UN1294 | 3 | II |
| Isopropyl alcohol | UN1219 | 3 | II |
| Ethyl acetate | UN1173 | 3 | II |
| Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) | UN1170 | 3 | II |
| n-Hexane | UN1208 | 3 | II |
| Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) | UN1193 | 3 | II |
| Xylenes | UN1307 | 3 | II or III |
Which Solvents Carry More Than One Hazard?
Some flammable solvents have a subsidiary hazard that must also appear on labels and documentation. Methanol (UN1230), for example, is a flammable liquid with a subsidiary toxic (Class 6.1) hazard. Others may be flagged as marine pollutants. These extra designations change label, placard, and stowage requirements, so check the SDS Section 14 (Transport Information) for the complete picture.
What Do You Need to Ship Class 3 Solvents?
Compliant shipment of a flammable-liquid solvent generally requires: UN-rated packaging matched to the packing group; the correct proper shipping name, UN number, class, and packing group on the package; a Class 3 flammable-liquid label (and any subsidiary label); vehicle placarding at applicable quantities; and shipping papers or a bill of lading with the full basic description. A trained hazmat employee must prepare the shipment. For the governing federal rules, see the PHMSA Hazardous Materials Program and the Hazardous Materials Table at 49 CFR 172.101.
Grades and Sizes We Stock
RightPath Industries distributes Class 3 solvents — acetone, toluene, methanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, MEK, and more — in technical through high-purity analytical grades, packaged in 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, 275- and 330-gallon IBC totes, and bulk tanker quantities. Every shipment moves in DOT-compliant, UN-rated packaging with a Certificate of Analysis and correct hazmat documentation. Browse the solvents category and our full product catalog.
How to Order Solvents from RightPath
Tell us the solvent, grade, volume, and destination, and RightPath handles grade selection, UN-rated packaging, labeling, placarding, and shipping papers so your flammable-liquid order arrives in full compliance. Request bulk pricing and we will quote it delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hazard class is acetone for shipping?
Acetone is DOT Hazard Class 3 (flammable liquid), UN1090, Packing Group II. Confirm the current entry on the SDS and 49 CFR 172.101 before shipping.
Are all solvents Class 3 flammable liquids?
Most are, because they have a flash point at or below 140 °F, but not all. Some solvents carry subsidiary hazards (such as toxicity), and some liquids in the broader chemical catalog fall in other classes entirely.
What is a packing group in DOT hazmat?
The packing group (I, II, or III) rates transport danger within a class. For flammable liquids it is set by flash point and boiling point and determines the performance level of the UN-rated container required.
What is the flash point cutoff for a DOT flammable liquid?
A liquid with a flash point at or below 60 °C (140 °F) is a DOT Class 3 flammable liquid. Above that threshold it is generally not Class 3.
Where do I find the official DOT classification for a chemical?
Use the DOT Hazardous Materials Table at 49 CFR 172.101 and Section 14 of the product Safety Data Sheet, which lists the UN number, proper shipping name, class, and packing group.