Interpretation Response #25-0049
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Boost Oxygen, LLC
Individual Name: Rob Neuner
Location State: CT Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
April 2, 2026
Rob Neuner
Chief Executive Officer
Boost Oxygen, LLC
125 Old Gate Lane
Milford, CT 06460
Reference No. 25-0049
Dear Mr. Neuner:
This letter is in response to your April 24, 2025, email requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) pertaining to the applicability of the HMR when shipping oxygen canisters via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
We have paraphrased and answered your questions as follows:
Q1. Does the Department of Transportation (DOT) have regulatory and/or enforcement authority over the USPS for the filling and transportation of oxygen canisters?
A1. No. The HMR govern the classification, packaging, marking, shipping documentation, hazard warning labeling, and placarding for hazardous materials in transportation in commerce. Hazardous materials transported by USPS are not subject to the HMR, see 49 U.S.C. § 5102(9)(b)(i) 1. These materials must comply with USPS regulations2 for transporting hazardous materials. Contact USPS directly for any inquiries concerning U.S. mail shipments of hazardous materials.
Q2. You state in your letter that you only ship via USPS Ground Advantage—involving no private or other carriers. Is Boost Oxygen, LLC subject to fines by DOT if a shipment fully complies with USPS regulations versus DOT regulations?
A2. No. See A1.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Alexander Wolcott
Acting Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
173.309; 180.209(j)