Transportation
Volume 8, Issue 3
Question of the WeekWhen Must I Start Using the New Shipping Description Order? Q. I just saw that DOT published a new rule that changed the order of the shipping description to put the identification number first, but I'm confused about when I have to start doing this. I thought it said that we didn't have to start using this order until 2013, but the impression I got from the Federal Register is that this change was effective immediately for air shipments. Is this correct?
A. In some cases, yes; however, it is not a DOT requirement to do so, but rather an ICAO/IATA requirement. On December 29, 2006, DOT published a final rule to harmonize many of their requirements with international standards. One of these new rules changed the order of the basic description, putting the identification number first, followed by the proper shipping name, the hazard class(es), and then the packing group (ID#, PSN, HC, PG) [49 CFR 172.202(b), 71 FR 78627]. However, in order to give businesses time to train employees, update shipping software, and just generally prepare for the change, DOT has delayed the effective date of this change until January 1, 2013 [49 CFR 171.14(e), 71 FR 78612]. Providing that several conditions are met, DOT allows you to prepare your air shipments according to the ICAO/IATA regulations rather than their own (49 CFR 171.11). If your air shipment is prepared in accordance with the ICAO/IATA regulations, then you must use the "new" order of UN number, PSN, Hazard Class(es), and Packing group because that is the order that these rules require [IATA DGR 8.1.6.9.1]. Many air carriers require preparation in accordance with the ICAO/IATA rules for shipments to be accepted; you would in such cases be "required" to enter the UN number first on the shipping papers right now. Join the conversation! Visit the hmt-mgmt Discussion Group to post comments, ask questions, and get answers! Getting More Answers DOT News01/08/2007—FRA
Inaugurates ‘New Era of Rail Safety’ with Approval of First Positive
Train Control System Developed Under New Regulations 01/08/2007—DOT
Provides Model Legislation for Private-Sector Involvement in Transportation
Projects 01/05/2007—Growing
Economy Making it Easier for Roanoke Railroad Industry to Add Jobs,
FRA Says on Day Government Announced More Than 167,000 Jobs Were
Created in December 01/05/2007—Rose
A. McMurray Named as Chief Safety Officer for FMCSA
International Transportation News01/05/2007—IATA:
Passenger Traffic Recovers to Reach Six Month High 01/01/2007—MARPOL
Amendments Take Effect: Stricter Rules for Carriage of Chemicals
and Vegetable Oils in Bulk Recent DOT Rules, Standards, and InterpretationsFor Lion Members and Recent Course Attendees 01/10/2007—Hazardous
Materials: Enhancing Rail Transportation Safety and Security for
Hazardous Materials Shipments 12/29/2006—Hazardous
Materials: Harmonization With the UN Recommendations, IMDG Code,
and ICAO's Technical Instructions
Recent DOT InterpretationsTo view the most recent DOT interpretive letters visit the Lion Online Library.Your NewsInfo Links Subscription Keep on top of the latest regulatory issues and quickly find topics
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