As the Sensitive Instrument Facility is located off the main campus, it is accessible only by travel on public roads. Thus, all samples must be cleared for packaging and transportation by the Ames Laboratory Shipping Office in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) policy.

It is critical that every SIF user transports their sample appropriately to and from SIF. Our Ames National Laboratory Shipping Department reviews each sample and categorizes them according to regulatory safety protocols. Some samples may be transported to the SIF without being packaged, and some samples must be transported in tested and approved packaging. Each user is responsible for taking the appropriate precautions to ensure proper sample packaging and transportation. For more information or instructions, please see the SIF Transport Rules link under Useful Links.

All materials submitted on MESA or Materials Processing Requests forms will be reviewed by the Shipping Office. You do not need to submit them separately.

All shipments are to be approved by the shipping department to ensure proper packaging and transportation is identified. Failure to follow outlined requirements for proper transportation and packaging of hazardous materials can result in DOT civil penalties of up to $55,000 ($100,000 in the case of death) and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment up to 5 years (10 years if there was release of a hazardous material or death).