Dear Sir or Madam:

The product being sent in our oil sample container is new or used lubricating oil. It is not hazardous, flammable, or toxic. The average flashpoint of used engine oil is 380°F. Used transmission fluid or lube oil has an average flashpoint of 340°F. The minimum flashpoint for all oils we receive is 250°F. The postal regulations for Combustible Liquid Mailability (DMM 10.13.3) indicate that:

"For air or surface transportation, if the flashpoint is above 200°F (93°C) the material is not regulated as hazardous material. Such nonregulated materials must be properly and securely packaged to prevent leakage under the general packaging requirements in 2.0 Packaging."

Our oil analysis kit consists of two HDPE plastic bottles, both with lined screwed-on caps to prevent leakage. The white inner bottle (capacity: 100cc) and absorbent material should be placed in the plastic zip-lock bag. This bag and absorbent material not only prevent leakage from the inner bottle, but they also serve as packing material to prevent the inner bottle from being jarred during shipping. Should both the inner bottle and plastic bag leak, the outer bottle will contain any excess oil. The oil must be packaged as we have specified to meet USPS regulations.

In the unlikely event that oil should actually spill from the black mailer, the clean-up procedure (as specified by MSDE Safety sheets for virgin and used oil) is to simply contain the spill and wash contaminated areas with soap and water.

This letter and the accompanying packaging have been approved by the United States Postal Service. If you have any questions about the samples being sent to our laboratory, please contact Patty Buell, USPS Manager of Customer Services, at 260/427-7316. You may also contact Blackstone Laboratories at 260/744-2380.

Sincerely,

Kristin Huff
Vice President
Blackstone Laboratories