10/06/2022

What Stakeholders Say About Hazmat e-Communications

US DOT is still accepting public comments on a Request for Information (RFI) about the use of electronic shipping documents and emergency response information for hazardous materials transportation.  

08/26/2022

Comment Period Extended: Hazmat e-Communications

Update: US DOT PHMSA is extending the comment period on its request for input about potential benefits of electronic hazmat shipping papers, emergency response information, train consists, and other communications until 10/24.  

09/15/2020

6 Picky Parts of Hazmat Shipper Papers

Shipping paper mistakes can delay or prevent the transportation of hazardous materials. Because the shipping paper is so important to safe hazmat transportation, the requirements for this document are detailed and specific. Here we pick apart the six most picky parts of hazmat shipping papers.

04/17/2020

Signing Hazmat Shipping Papers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Unless you’re Stretch Armstrong, you can’t sign hazmat shipping papers from six feet away—the recommended social distance to prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. PHMSA has issued recommendations for meeting your regulatory responsibility from a safe distance.   

09/04/2018

You're the Hazmat Inspector: 49 CFR Compliant or Not?

From time to time, shippers, carriers, and inspectors disagree about what is or is not a violation of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). With thousands of detailed requirements to follow, it’s no wonder that interpretations of these rules can sometimes vary from state to state, county to county, or even from inspector to inspector.  

03/21/2017

Building the Perfect Hazmat Basic Description

The shipping paper is one of the most important documents in the hazmat shipping process. Call it a bill of lading, declaration, IMO, Shipper’s Dec, manifest, or whatever you want it’s a certified written record of what is being shipped, the hazards present, how much is there, and where to go for more information.

03/19/2013

DOT Basic Descriptions: Shipping Papers vs. Marks and Labels

A common question raised in Lion’s hazmat workshops lately is how the DOT’s recent change to the order of elements for basic descriptions will affect marking and labeling procedures for packages. Read on for answers to this common question and a refresher on the package marking and labeling requirements...

01/22/2013

New Requirements for Limited Quantities & Consumer Commodities

10/16/2012

Basic Description Order Phase Out

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...

07/01/2012

Last Chance to Update Your Shipping Papers

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...