Search

Basic Description Order Phase Out

Posted on 10/16/2012 by James Griffin

When shipping fully regulated hazmat packages, all shippers must create shipping papers to provide hazard information to their carriers and emergency responders. The core element of a hazmat shipping paper is the “basic description” of each hazardous material in the consignment. [49 CFR 172.202(a)] The basic description is made up of the following four elements, in order:
 
  1. Identification Number
  2. Proper Shipping Name
  3. Hazard Class or Division
  4. Packing Group (if applicable)
You may notice that these elements are in the same order as the column headings in the List of Dangerous Goods (IATA DGR 4.2) and the Dangerous Goods List (IMDG Code 3.2).
 
Ages ago, the U.S. Department of Transportation authorized shipping papers to display the basic description in this order:
 
  1. Proper Shipping Name
  2. Hazard Class
  3. Identification Number
  4. Packing Group
This order is the same as the column headings in the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), and form the mnemonic anagram “SHIP.”
 
In 2007, the DOT amended the Hazardous Material Regulations to harmonize the order of elements in the basic description with international standards. In part because expensive legacy database systems were already in place under the old method, the DOT implemented the rule change with a lengthy 6-year phase-in period.
 
That phase-in period ends in 76 days.
 
As of January 2, 2013, the U.S. DOT will consider it a violation of the HMR to offer shipping papers that list the Proper Shipping Name first.
 
Keep in mind that dicta on the U.S. EPA’s Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest still refer to the old order, and we have no reason to believe it will be revised any time soon. As the DOT is the agency that enforces transportation, go with its instructions until the EPA catches up.
 
Keep Up to Date on the Latest DOT Rules
Ensure your facility is in compliance the latest rules with Lion’s Hazardous Materials Transportation Certification Public Workshop.
 

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, shipping papers

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

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

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics 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.