Search

Last Chance to Update Your Shipping Papers

Posted on 7/1/2012 by James Griffin

Beginning January 2013, any shipping papers printed with the old style hazmat description (PSN first) will be subject to rejection by the transporter, enhanced inspection by the authorities, and possible civil fines.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) establishes requirements for describing hazardous materials on shipping papers at 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart C.
 
Currently, the basic description of a hazmat consists of the following four elements, in the following sequence:
 
  • the identification number,
  • the proper shipping name (PSN),
  • the hazard class or division, and
  • the packing group.
Example: UN1090//ACETONE//CLASS 3//PG III
 
When PHMSA first created the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180), the authorized sequence was proper shipping name first, followed by hazard class/division, then the identification number, and finally the packing group.
Example: ACETONE//CLASS 3//UN1090//PG III
 
For several years both sequences were used interchangeably, then in 2007 domestic and international regulatory authorities switched over to the current style (id# first) and ceased to use the old style.
 
For various reasons, when PHMSA adopted this change they extended a six-year transitional period during which the old style sequence could continue in use. The transitional authorization ends this year.
 
Reference: “Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With the United Nations Recommendations, International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and International Civil Aviation Oganization’s Technical Instructions” (71 FR 78596, December 29, 2006.)
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules, shipping papers

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

Download
Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.