Search
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

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

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

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.