CDL Hazmat shipping papers and emergency information study guide
The hazardous materials regulations in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart C say what a shipping paper must show for a hazardous material, and Subpart G says what emergency response information and telephone number must go with it. This guide sets out what the rule text states on who must describe the material and the exceptions, how shipping papers are prepared and kept, the basic description and its sequence, the main additional entries, the shipper's certification, the hazardous waste manifest, emergency response information and the emergency response telephone number. Many duties fall on a specific person (the offeror, the carrier or the facility operator), so the exact words matter. This guide is not the State knowledge test for the hazardous materials endorsement and does not cover the TSA security threat assessment. Your State may have its own requirements, so check them too. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Who must describe hazardous materials
Except as otherwise provided in Subpart C, each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must describe it on the shipping paper in the manner Subpart C requires.
“Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation shall describe the hazardous material on the shipping paper in the manner required by this subpart.”
Subpart C does not apply to a material, other than a hazardous substance, hazardous waste or marine pollutant, that is identified by "A" in column 1 of the 172.101 table (except when offered or intended for transportation by air), identified by "W" (except when offered or intended for transportation by water), a limited quantity package (unless offered for transportation by aircraft or vessel), or a Category B infectious substance prepared in accordance with 173.199.
“This subpart does not apply to any material, other than a hazardous substance, hazardous waste or marine pollutant, that is— (1) Identified by the letter “A” in column 1 of the § 172.101 table, except when the material is offered or intended for transportation by air; or (2) Identified by the letter “W” in column 1 of the § 172.101 table, except when the material is offered or intended for transportation by water; or (3) A limited quantity package unless the material is offered for transportation by aircraft or vessel. (4) Category B infectious substances prepared in accordance with § 173.199.”
Except for materials in the UN Recommendations, the ICAO Technical Instructions or the IMDG Code, a material that is not a hazardous material may not be offered for transportation or transported when its shipping paper description includes a hazard class or an identification number from the 172.101 Table.
“Except for those materials in the UN Recommendations, the ICAO Technical Instructions, or the IMDG Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), a material that is not a hazardous material according to this subchapter may not be offered for transportation or transported when its description on a shipping paper includes a hazard class or an identification number specified in the § 172.101 Table.”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
Preparing and keeping shipping papers
When a hazardous material and a material not subject to the hazardous materials regulations are on the same shipping paper, the hazardous material entries must meet one of the options: entered first, entered in a clearly contrasting color, or identified by an "X" placed before the basic shipping description in a column captioned "HM" (the "X" may be replaced by "RQ", if appropriate).
“When a hazardous material and a material not subject to the requirements of this subchapter are described on the same shipping paper, the hazardous material description entries required by § 172.202 and those additional entries that may be required by § 172.203: (i) Must be entered first, or (ii) Must be entered in a color that clearly contrasts with any description on the shipping paper of a material not subject to the requirements of this subchapter, except that a description on a reproduction of a shipping paper may be highlighted, rather than printed, in a contrasting color (the provisions of this paragraph apply only to the basic description required by § 172.202(a)(1), (2), (3), and (4)), or (iii) Must be identified by the entry of an “X” placed before the basic shipping description required by § 172.202 in a column captioned “HM.” (The “X” may be replaced by “RQ,” if appropriate.)”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
The required shipping description on the shipping paper, and on all copies used for transportation purposes, must be legible and printed (manually or mechanically) in English.
“The required shipping description on a shipping paper and all copies of the shipping paper used for transportation purposes must be legible and printed (manually or mechanically) in English.”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
Unless specifically authorized or required in the hazardous materials regulations, the required shipping description may not contain any code or abbreviation.
“Unless it is specifically authorized or required in this subchapter, the required shipping description may not contain any code or abbreviation.”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
A shipping paper may have more than one page if each page is consecutively numbered and the first page shows the total number of pages, for example "Page 1 of 4 pages."
“A shipping paper may consist of more than one page, if each page is consecutively numbered and the first page bears a notation specifying the total number of pages included in the shipping paper. For example, “Page 1 of 4 pages.””
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
Except as provided in 172.604(d), a shipping paper must contain an emergency response telephone number and, if an emergency response information telephone number service provider is used, identify (by name or contract number) the person who has the contract with that provider.
“Except as provided in § 172.604(d), a shipping paper must contain an emergency response telephone number and, if utilizing an emergency response information telephone number service provider, identify the person (by name or contract number) who has a contractual agreement with the service provider, as prescribed in subpart G of this part.”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
Each person who provides a shipping paper must keep a copy (or an electronic image) accessible at or through its principal place of business, and must make it available on request to an authorized official of a Federal, State or local government agency at reasonable times and locations.
“Each person who provides a shipping paper must retain a copy of the shipping paper required by § 172.200(a), or an electronic image thereof, that is accessible at or through its principal place of business and must make the shipping paper available, upon request, to an authorized official of a Federal, State, or local government agency at reasonable times and locations.”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
The copy is kept for three years after the initial carrier accepts the material for a hazardous waste, and for two years after acceptance for all other hazardous materials. Each copy must include the date of acceptance by the initial carrier (for rail, vessel or air shipments, the waybill, airbill or bill of lading date may be used instead).
“For a hazardous waste, the shipping paper copy must be retained for three years after the material is accepted by the initial carrier. For all other hazardous materials, the shipping paper must be retained for two years after the material is accepted by the initial carrier. Each shipping paper copy must include the date of acceptance by the initial carrier, except that, for rail, vessel, or air shipments, the date on the shipment waybill, airbill, or bill of lading may be used in place of the date of acceptance by the initial carrier.”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
A motor carrier using a shipping paper without change for multiple shipments of hazardous materials with the same shipping name and identification number may keep a single copy, if it also keeps a record of each shipment: shipping name, identification number, quantity transported and date of shipment.
“A motor carrier (as defined in § 390.5 of subchapter B of chapter III of subtitle B) using a shipping paper without change for multiple shipments of one or more hazardous materials having the same shipping name and identification number may retain a single copy of the shipping paper, instead of a copy for each shipment made, if the carrier also retains a record of each shipment made, to include shipping name, identification number, quantity transported, and date of shipment.”
49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers
Not covered here
The rail rules for telephonic and electronic shipping papers in 172.201(a)(5) are not covered here, and neither is where shipping papers are kept in the vehicle during the trip. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
The basic description and its sequence
The shipping description must include the identification number shown in Column (4) and the proper shipping name shown in Column (2) of the 172.101 table.
“The shipping description of a hazardous material on the shipping paper must include: (1) The identification number prescribed for the material as shown in Column (4) of the § 172.101 table; (2) The proper shipping name prescribed for the material in Column (2) of the § 172.101 table;”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
It must also include the hazard class or division number from Column (3). A subsidiary hazard class or division is not required when a matching subsidiary hazard label is not required; except for combustible liquids, subsidiary hazard numbers go in parentheses immediately after the primary hazard class or division number.
“The hazard class or division number prescribed for the material, as shown in Column (3) of the § 172.101 table. The subsidiary hazard class or division number is not required to be entered when a corresponding subsidiary hazard label is not required. Except for combustible liquids, the subsidiary hazard class(es) or subsidiary division number(s) must be entered in parentheses immediately following the primary hazard class or division number.”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
The packing group is shown in Roman numerals from Column (5), and may be preceded by "PG". Class 1 (explosives) materials, self-reactive substances, Division 5.2 materials and entries not assigned a packing group (e.g., Class 7) are excepted.
“The packing group in Roman numerals, as designated for the hazardous material in Column (5) of the § 172.101 table. Class 1 (explosives) materials; self-reactive substances; Division 5.2 materials; and entries that are not assigned a packing group (e.g., Class 7) are excepted from this requirement. The packing group may be preceded by the letters “PG” (for example, “PG II”); and”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
Except for transportation by aircraft, the total quantity covered by the description must be shown (by mass or volume, or by activity for Class 7) with its unit of measurement.
“Except for transportation by aircraft, the total quantity of hazardous materials covered by the description must be indicated (by mass or volume, or by activity for Class 7 materials) and must include an indication of the applicable unit of measurement,”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
Excepted from that total quantity rule: bulk packages and cylinders, provided some indication of the total quantity is shown (for example "1 cargo tank" or "10 cylinders"), and packages containing only residue.
“The following are excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a)(5) of this section: (A) Bulk packages, provided some indication of the total quantity is shown, for example, “1 cargo tank” or “2 IBCs.” (B) Cylinders, provided some indication of the total quantity is shown, for example, “10 cylinders.” (C) Packages containing only residue.”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
The number and type of packages must be shown, with the type described, for example "12 drums".
“The number and type of packages must be indicated. The type of packages must be indicated by description of the package (for example, “12 drums”).”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
Except as provided in Subpart C, the basic description (identification number, proper shipping name, hazard class or division, packing group) must be shown in that sequence with no additional information in between, for example "UN2744, Cyclobutyl chloroformate, 6.1, (8, 3), PG II."
“Except as provided in this subpart, the basic description specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section must be shown in sequence with no additional information interspersed. For example, “UN2744, Cyclobutyl chloroformate, 6.1, (8, 3), PG II.””
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
Technical and chemical group names may be entered in parentheses between the proper shipping name and the hazard class, or after the basic description.
“Technical and chemical group names may be entered in parentheses between the proper shipping name and hazard class or following the basic description.”
49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers
Not covered here
Quantity rules for transportation by aircraft (172.202(a)(6)) are not covered here, and neither are the extra quantity provisions for Class 1 materials and salvage packaging in 172.202(a)(5)(i) and (ii). We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Additional description entries
Except as provided in 173.23, a shipping paper for a shipment made under a special permit must bear "DOT-SP" followed by the special permit number, placed so it is clearly associated with the description it applies to.
“Except as provided in § 173.23 of this subchapter, each shipping paper issued in connection with a shipment made under a special permit must bear the notation “DOT-SP” followed by the special permit number assigned and located so that the notation is clearly associated with the description to which the special permit applies.”
When a shipping paper is required, the description of a material offered as a limited quantity must include "Limited Quantity" or "Ltd Qty" after the basic description.
“When a shipping paper is required by this subchapter, the description for a material offered for transportation as “limited quantity,” as authorized by this subchapter, must include the words “Limited Quantity” or “Ltd Qty” following the basic description.”
Except for Class 7 materials described under 172.203(d), if the proper shipping name of a hazardous substance does not name the hazardous substance, its name must be entered in parentheses with the basic description; with two or more hazardous substances, at least two are named, including the two with the lowest reportable quantities (RQs).
“Except for Class 7 (radioactive) materials described in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, if the proper shipping name for a material that is a hazardous substance does not identify the hazardous substance by name, the name of the hazardous substance must be entered in parentheses in association with the basic description. If the material contains two or more hazardous substances, at least two hazardous substances, including the two with the lowest reportable quantities (RQs), must be identified.”
The letters "RQ" must be entered either before or after the basic description for each hazardous substance.
“The letters “RQ” must be entered on the shipping paper either before or after the basic description required by § 172.202 for each hazardous substance”
For highway transport in a Specification MC 330 or MC 331 cargo tank, an entry follows the basic description: for anhydrous ammonia, "0.2 PERCENT WATER" (suitable for a quenched and tempered steel tank) or "NOT FOR Q and T TANKS" when it does not contain 0.2 percent or more water by weight; for liquefied petroleum gas, "NONCORROSIVE" or "NONCOR" for noncorrosive grades, or "NOT FOR Q and T TANKS" for other grades.
“Transportation by highway. Following the basic description for a hazardous material in a Specification MC 330 or MC 331 cargo tank, there must be entered for— (1) Anhydrous ammonia. (i) The words “0.2 PERCENT WATER” to indicate the suitability for shipping anhydrous ammonia in a cargo tank made of quenched and tempered steel as authorized by § 173.315(a), Note 14 of this subchapter, or (ii) The words “NOT FOR Q and T TANKS” when the anhydrous ammonia does not contain 0.2 percent or more water by weight. (2) Liquefied petroleum gas. (i) The word “NONCORROSIVE” or “NONCOR” to indicate the suitability for shipping “Noncorrosive” liquefied petroleum gas in a cargo tank made of quenched and tempered steel as authorized by § 173.315(a), Note 15 of this subchapter, or (ii) The words “NOT FOR Q and T TANKS” for grades of liquefied petroleum gas other than “Noncorrosive”.”
Unless otherwise excepted, when a material is described by a proper shipping name marked "G" in column (1) of the 172.101 Table, its technical name must be entered in parentheses with the basic description.
“Unless otherwise excepted, if a material is described on a shipping paper by one of the proper shipping names identified by the letter “G” in column (1) of the § 172.101 Table, the technical name of the hazardous material must be entered in parentheses in association with the basic description.”
Whatever its hazard class, a material that is poisonous by inhalation must have "Poison-Inhalation Hazard" or "Toxic-Inhalation Hazard" and the right zone (Zone A to D for gases, Zone A or B for liquids) entered immediately after the shipping description.
“Notwithstanding the hazard class to which a material is assigned, for materials that are poisonous by inhalation (see § 171.8 of this subchapter), the words “Poison-Inhalation Hazard” or “Toxic-Inhalation Hazard” and the words “Zone A”, “Zone B”, “Zone C”, or “Zone D” for gases or “Zone A” or “Zone B” for liquids, as appropriate, shall be entered on the shipping paper immediately following the shipping description.”
If a liquid in a package is an elevated temperature material and the proper shipping name does not say so, the word "HOT" must immediately precede the proper shipping name.
“If a liquid material in a package meets the definition of an elevated temperature material in § 171.8 of this subchapter, and the fact that it is an elevated temperature material is not disclosed in the proper shipping name (for example, when the words “Molten” or “Elevated temperature” are part of the proper shipping name), the word “HOT” must immediately precede the proper shipping name of the material on the shipping paper.”
Not covered here
Entries for radioactive material (172.203(d)), empty packagings, air, rail and water transportation, marine pollutants, mixtures under 172.203(k)(1), organic peroxides and self-reactive materials, non-odorized LPG and holding time are not summarized here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Shipper's certification
Except as provided in 172.204(b) and (c), each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must certify that it is offered in accordance with the regulations by printing (manually or mechanically) one of the options set out in 172.204(a)(1) or (a)(2) on the shipping paper that contains the required shipping description.
“Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation shall certify that the material is offered for transportation in accordance with this subchapter by printing (manually or mechanically) on the shipping paper containing the required shipping description the certification contained in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or the certification (declaration) containing the language contained in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.”
The 172.204(a)(1) certification states that the materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation under the applicable Department of Transportation regulations.
““This is to certify that the above-named materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation.””
Except for a hazardous waste, no certification is required for a hazardous material offered for transportation by motor vehicle and transported in one of two ways: in a cargo tank supplied by the carrier, or by the shipper as a private carrier. The private carrier case does not apply to a hazardous material that is to be reshipped or transferred from one carrier to another.
“Except for a hazardous waste, no certification is required for a hazardous material offered for transportation by motor vehicle and transported: (i) In a cargo tank supplied by the carrier, or (ii) By the shipper as a private carrier except for a hazardous material that is to be reshipped or transferred from one carrier to another.”
The certification must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, partner or employee of the shipper or the shipper's agent, and may be signed manually, by typewriter or by other mechanical means.
“Must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, partner, or employee of the shipper or his agent; and (2) May be legibly signed manually, by typewriter, or by other mechanical means.”
Not covered here
The rail-only verbal and electronic certifications and the air transportation certifications in 172.204(a)(3) and (c) are not covered here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Hazardous waste manifest
No person may offer, transport, transfer or deliver a hazardous waste unless an EPA Form 8700-22 (and 8700-22A when necessary) hazardous waste manifest is prepared in accordance with 40 CFR 262.20 and is signed, carried and given as 172.205 requires of that person.
“No person may offer, transport, transfer, or deliver a hazardous waste (waste) unless an EPA Form 8700-22 and 8700-22A (when necessary) hazardous waste manifest (manifest) is prepared in accordance with 40 CFR 262.20 and is signed, carried, and given as required of that person by this section.”
The original manifest must be dated and signed by hand by the person representing the shipper (generator) when the waste is offered, and by the person representing the initial carrier accepting it.
“The original copy of the manifest must be dated by, and bear the handwritten signature of, the person representing: (1) The shipper (generator) of the waste at the time it is offered for transportation, and (2) The initial carrier accepting the waste for transportation.”
A copy must be dated and signed by hand by the person representing each subsequent carrier, at the time of acceptance, and by the designated facility receiving the waste, upon receipt.
“A copy of the manifest must be dated by, and bear the handwritten signature of the person representing: (1) Each subsequent carrier accepting the waste for transportation, at the time of acceptance, and (2) The designated facility receiving the waste, upon receipt.”
A copy bearing all required dates and signatures must be given to a person representing each carrier accepting the waste, and carried during transportation in the same manner as shipping papers.
“A copy of the manifest bearing all required dates and signatures must be: (1) Given to a person representing each carrier accepting the waste for transportation, (2) Carried during transportation in the same manner as required by this subchapter for shipping papers,”
The shipper (generator) and the initial and each subsequent carrier must keep a copy for three years from the date the initial carrier accepted the waste.
“Retained by the shipper (generator) and by the initial and each subsequent carrier for three years from the date the waste was accepted by the initial carrier.”
A hazardous waste manifest required by 40 CFR part 262 that contains all of the information Subpart C requires may be used as the shipping paper.
“A hazardous waste manifest required by 40 CFR part 262, containing all of the information required by this subpart, may be used as the shipping paper required by this subpart.”
Not covered here
The rail transportation rules (172.205(f) and (g)), exports, the electronic manifests and electronic signatures that 172.205(j) accepts in place of the paper forms and handwritten signatures, and the EPA manifest rules in 40 CFR part 262 are not covered here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Emergency response information
Subpart G applies to persons who offer for transportation, accept for transportation, transfer or otherwise handle hazardous materials during transportation.
“This subpart applies to persons who offer for transportation, accept for transportation, transfer or otherwise handle hazardous materials during transportation.”
None of those persons may offer, accept, transfer, store or otherwise handle a hazardous material during transportation unless emergency response information is immediately available for use at all times the material is present, and that information, including the emergency response telephone number, is immediately available to any Federal, State or local government representative who responds to or investigates an incident involving it.
“No person to whom this subpart applies may offer for transportation, accept for transportation, transfer, store or otherwise handle during transportation a hazardous material unless: (1) Emergency response information conforming to this subpart is immediately available for use at all times the hazardous material is present; and (2) Emergency response information, including the emergency response telephone number, required by this subpart is immediately available to any person who, as a representative of a Federal, State or local government agency, responds to an incident involving a hazardous material, or is conducting an investigation which involves a hazardous material.”
Subpart G does not apply to hazardous material that is excepted from the shipping paper requirements.
“The requirements of this subpart do not apply to hazardous material which is excepted from the shipping paper requirements of this subchapter.”
Emergency response information is information that can be used in the mitigation of an incident involving hazardous materials. As a minimum, it must contain the basic description and technical name of the material, immediate hazards to health, risks of fire or explosion, immediate precautions in an accident or incident, immediate methods for handling fires, initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fire, and preliminary first aid measures.
“the term “emergency response information” means information that can be used in the mitigation of an incident involving hazardous materials and, as a minimum, must contain the following information: (1) The basic description and technical name of the hazardous material as required by §§ 172.202 and 172.203(k), the ICAO Technical Instructions, the IMDG Code, or the TDG Regulations, as appropriate (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter); (2) Immediate hazards to health; (3) Risks of fire or explosion; (4) Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident; (5) Immediate methods for handling fires; (6) Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fire; and (7) Preliminary first aid measures.”
The information must be printed legibly in English (on paper or in electronic format) and be available for use away from the package containing the hazardous material.
“The information required for a hazardous material by paragraph (a) of this section must be: (1) Printed legibly in English (either in hard copy printed on paper or in electronic format); (2) Available for use away from the package containing the hazardous material; and”
It must be presented in one of the options: on a shipping paper; in another document that includes both the basic description and technical name and the emergency response information (e.g., a material safety data sheet); or in a separate document, such as an emergency response guidance document, that cross-references the description on the shipping paper.
“(3) Presented— (i) On a shipping paper; (ii) In a document, other than a shipping paper, that includes both the basic description and technical name of the hazardous material as required by §§ 172.202 and 172.203(k), the ICAO Technical Instructions, the IMDG Code, or the TDG Regulations, as appropriate, and the emergency response information required by this subpart (e.g., a material safety data sheet); or (iii) Related to the information on a shipping paper, a written notification to pilot-in-command, or a dangerous cargo manifest, in a separate document (e.g., an emergency response guidance document), in a manner that cross-references the description of the hazardous material on the shipping paper with the emergency response information contained in the document.”
Each carrier who transports a hazardous material must maintain this information, and the 172.606 carrier contact information, in the same manner as prescribed for shipping papers (aircraft and vessels have their own rules).
“Each carrier who transports a hazardous material shall maintain the information specified in paragraph (a) of this section and § 172.606 of this part in the same manner as prescribed for shipping papers, except that the information must be maintained in the same manner aboard aircraft as the notification of pilot-in-command, and aboard vessels in the same manner as the dangerous”
The information must be immediately accessible to drivers of motor vehicles (and to train crews, flight crews and bridge personnel on vessels) for use in incidents involving hazardous materials.
“This information must be immediately accessible to train crew personnel, drivers of motor vehicles, flight crew members, and bridge personnel on vessels for use in the event of incidents involving hazardous materials.”
Not covered here
The rule for operators of facilities where hazardous materials are received, stored or handled (172.602(c)(2)) is only referenced here. The contents of emergency response guidance documents are not covered. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Emergency response telephone number and carrier contact
A person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must provide a numeric emergency response telephone number, including the area code (and, outside the United States, the access or country codes needed to complete the call).
“A person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must provide a numeric emergency response telephone number, including the area code, for use in an emergency involving the hazardous material. For telephone numbers outside the United States, the international access code or the “+” (plus) sign, country code, and city code, as appropriate, that are needed to complete the call must be included.”
The number must be monitored at all times the hazardous material is in transportation, including storage incidental to transportation.
“The telephone number must be— (1) Monitored at all times the hazardous material is in transportation, including storage incidental to transportation;”
It must be the number of a person who is knowledgeable of the material and has comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation information for it, or who has immediate access to such a person. A number that requires a call back (an answering service, answering machine or beeper) does not meet the rule.
“The telephone number of a person who is either knowledgeable of the hazardous material being shipped and has comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation information for that material, or has immediate access to a person who possesses such knowledge and information. A telephone number that requires a call back (such as an answering service, answering machine, or beeper device) does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section;”
The number is entered on the shipping paper in one of two ways: immediately after the hazardous material description, or once, in the manner 172.604(b) prescribes and in a prominent, readily identifiable and clearly visible manner (for example by highlighting or a larger or different-color font). The rule allows the offeror to use one of the methods in that second option only if the number applies to each hazardous material on the shipping paper and it is indicated that the number is for emergency response information (for example "EMERGENCY CONTACT:").
“Entered on a shipping paper, as follows: (i) Immediately following the description of the hazardous material required by subpart C of this part; or (ii) Entered once on the shipping paper in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section in a prominent, readily identifiable, and clearly visible manner that allows the information to be easily and quickly found, such as by highlighting, use of a larger font or a font that is a different color from other text and information, or otherwise setting the information apart to provide for quick and easy recognition. The offeror may use one of the methods prescribed in this paragraph only if the telephone number applies to each hazardous material entered on the shipping paper, and if it is indicated that the telephone number is for emergency response information (for example: “EMERGENCY CONTACT: * * *”).”
The telephone number rule does not apply to materials offered under the limited quantity or excepted quantity provisions, or to materials properly described under listed shipping names such as Battery powered equipment, Battery powered vehicle and Carbon dioxide, solid.
“The requirements of this section do not apply to— (1) Hazardous materials that are offered for transportation under the provisions applicable to limited quantities or excepted quantities; or (2) Materials properly described under the following shipping names: (i) Battery powered equipment. (ii) Battery powered vehicle. (iii) Carbon dioxide, solid.”
Each carrier who transports or accepts a hazardous material for which a shipping paper is required must instruct the operator of the motor vehicle (or train, aircraft or vessel) to contact the carrier, for example by telephone or mobile radio, in the event of an incident involving the material.
“Each carrier who transports or accepts for transportation a hazardous material for which a shipping paper is required shall instruct the operator of a motor vehicle, train, aircraft, or vessel to contact the carrier (e.g., by telephone or mobile radio) in the event of an incident involving the hazardous material.”
For highway transportation, when a transport vehicle carrying hazardous material that needs a shipping paper is separated from its motive power and parked somewhere other than a consignor's or consignee's facility or a facility subject to 172.602(c)(2), the carrier must do one of the options: mark the vehicle with the motor carrier's telephone number on the front exterior near the brake hose and electrical connections (or on a label, tag or sign attached there), or have the shipping paper and emergency response information readily available on the vehicle.
“For transportation by highway, if a transport vehicle, (e.g., a semi-trailer or freight container-on-chassis) contains hazardous material for which a shipping paper is required and the vehicle is separated from its motive power and parked at a location other than a facility operated by the consignor or consignee or a facility (e.g., a carrier's terminal or a marine terminal) subject to the provisions of § 172.602(c)(2), the carrier shall— (1) Mark the transport vehicle with the telephone number of the motor carrier on the front exterior near the brake hose and electrical connections or on a label, tag, or sign attached to the vehicle at the brake hose or electrical connection; or (2) Have the shipping paper and emergency response information readily available on the transport vehicle.”
That rule does not apply to an unattended motor vehicle separated from its motive power when it is marked on an orange panel, a placard or a plain white square-on-point configuration with the identification number of each hazardous material loaded in it, and the marking or placard is visible from outside.
“The requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to an unattended motor vehicle separated from its motive power when the motor vehicle is marked on an orange panel, a placard, or a plain white square-on-point configuration with the identification number of each hazardous material loaded therein, and the marking or placard is visible on the outside of the motor vehicle.”
Not covered here
The details for numbers of emergency response information (ERI) providers (172.604(b)), shipping papers prepared for continued transportation (172.604(c)), the full list of excepted shipping names and the fumigated lading exception are not summarized here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.200, Applicability (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.202, Description of hazardous material on shipping papers (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.201, Preparation and retention of shipping papers (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.203, Additional description requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.204, Shipper's certification (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.205, Hazardous waste manifest (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.600, Applicability and general requirements (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.602, Emergency response information (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.604, Emergency response telephone number (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 172.606, Carrier information contact (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other CDL study guides: License standards, Driver qualifications, Driving rules, Hours of service, Inspection and maintenance, Brakes, Cargo securement, Drug and alcohol testing, Hazmat classes and definitions, Hazmat marking, Hazmat placarding, Hazmat highway carriage, loading and segregation, Hazmat driving, parking and training