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

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

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.