The preferred method of transporting gas cylinders is to let a professional gas transport company handle it, but there might be times when that is not an option. In those cases, you need to know how to do it yourself properly.

Truck Transport Stand
Transport Rack
Model # GR2275FS

Guidelines for transporting gas cylinders safely

  • Try to limit the number of cylinders that you are transporting.
  • Ensure the cylinder contents are clearly labeled.
  • Ensure the cylinder valve is in the fully closed position.
  • Use valve protection caps before moving.
  • A pressure relief device must be in communication with the vapor space of the cylinder.
  • Use cylinder dollies or other mechanical lifting devices to move the cylinders to the vehicle.
  • Never drop the cylinders or allow things to bang into them.
  • An open vehicle or trailer is preferred.
  • Transporting the cylinders in an upright position is always preferred.
  • Cylinders should be placed only on flat floors or platforms.
  • If the cylinders are secured to a pallet, the pallet must be able to transport 3500 lbs per pallet, and the cylinders must be secured by a web strap rated at 10,000 lbs.
  • Secure the cylinders in the vehicle or trailer to prevent movement during transit. Cylinders should not be allowed to shift relative to each other or the supporting structure.
  • When transporting hydrogen or cryogenic liquid cylinders, the vehicle must have an open body with a support capable of holding the cylinder upright when subjected to 2g of acceleration, and the vehicle may not enter a tunnel.

Requirements for a Vehicle Transporting Cylinders

Any vehicle transporting gas cylinders must also been carrying the following items:
  • Shipping papers. Also called hazard manifests, pick-tickets, way bills, or daily trip sheets. These contain information on the type, size, and quantity of hazardous materials. They must be within reach of the driver at all times. This requirement does not apply to cases when the material is used as a material of trade - e.g. a welder transporting gas to a job site. Medical oxygen does not fall under this exception.
  • When transporting medical oxygen for home health use, shipping papers are typically referred to as oxygen manifests.
  • North American Emergency Response Guide or equivalent
  • If the vehicle is transporting more than one liter of a material poisonous by inhalation or a compressed gas with a methane content of at least 85 percent, it also must have a safety permit issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The application for the permit can be found online at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/urs

Requirements for the Driver or Motor Carrier Company Transporting Cylinders

  • Any employee that comes in contact with or drives a vehicle transporting 1,001 or more pounds of hazardous materials must:
    • Have Hazmat training. Training must occur within 90 days of employment and be renewed every three years.
    • Drivers must have commercial driver's license (CDL) training.
    • Drivers must receive drug and alcohol information.
    • Drivers' supervisor must be training on drug testing.
  • A motor carrier transporting more than 3,500 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) must carry $5 million in financial responsibility coverage.
  • A motor carrier in interstate or foreign commerce transporting LPG in containment systems not in excess of 3,500 water gallons requires $1 million in coverage.
  • Intrastate transport of LPG in systems smaller than 3,500 gallons are subject only to state financial responsibility requirements.
  • Hazardous materials haulers must provide insurance liability between $1 million and $5 million, depending on cargo.

Home Health Workers and Patients Carrying Oxygen Cylinders

  • Use a cart or holster to carry portable oxygen. Holsters look like a shoulder bag with an opening on top. Tanks should not be placed in closed bags or backpacks.
  • Secure tanks so they do not roll in a car. Liquid oxygen tanks should never be laid on their sides. Portable cylinders can be laid on their sides, but valves must be protected from collision. Tanks should never be placed in a tightly closed space like a trunk.
  • When using oxygen, sit near a partially opened window to prevent oxygen and heat from building up in the vehicle.
  • When traveling by bus, give the bus service advance notice that you will be traveling with oxygen. If you are traveling on Greyhound with oxygen, you are allowed 4 cylinders: two on board, and two in the cargo compartment.

The following video shows how to travel safely with oxygen tanks in your car.

Equipment to Transport Cylinders

The USA Safety Truck Transport Stands provide a safer method to transport gas cylinders. When the stand is properly bolted to the bed of the vehicle or trailer, the polypropylene strap(s) included prevent the cylinders from falling over and the locking post and ring plate prevents up-and-down movement of the cylinder.

A cylinder safety cap with the stand is required for proper use. If you have any questions about these stands or other products we carry please contact us.

Cylinder Transportation Disaster on Video

To get an idea of how dangerous transporting gas cylinders can be take a look at this highway accident video of a gas cylinder delivery truck:

More Information

Every situation is unique and it is best to consult with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to be sure all safety requirements are being followed.

View our Gas Cylinder Safety Guide and Gas Cylinder Regulations & Guidelines pages for more information about how to safely move and store your gas cylinders.

Insurance Brokers and Carriers
Companies offering a Transportation of Hazardous Materials Insurance Policy:

State and Regional Contact Lists

Sources