2.6 Department of Transportation Requirements
DOT imposes communication criteria for materials defined as hazardous for the purpose of
transportation. The marking, labeling, placarding, and shipping paper requirements are the
techniques used to communicate hazards in the transportation environment and these requirements
apply to persons who offer hazardous materials for transportation and carriers who transport them by
air, highway, rail, or water. The applicable sections in Title 49 are described below in general terms
for information purposes and are also discussed in Chapter 6. Specific details should be obtained
from the regulations.
A. Placarding. Unless excepted, ensure that placards are affixed to each side and on each end of a
transport vehicle, freight container, bulk packaging, unit load device, and rail car containing
hazardous materials. An example is shown in figure 2-3. Placard according to Title 49 CFR, Part
172, Subpart F.
B. Shipping Papers. Shipping Papers provide additional information on hazardous materials not
provided by placards or labels. Accomplish shipping papers according to Title 49 CFR, Part 172,
Subpart C and applicable transportation modal regulations.
1. An example of a commercial Bill of Lading (shipping paper) for hazardous materials is
illustrated in Figure 2-4.
2. When hazardous materials are offered for transportation by commercial air, complete a
"Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods" form for each consignment in addition to the Air
Waybill or Bill of Lading. There are specific requirements for the size and coloration of the form.
The form must be in English and signed appropriately. As with the shipping paper requirements
under Title 49, there are a number of specific requirements regarding the documentation on the form
which are spelled out in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
Regulations. An example of the IATA shippers declaration form is shown in Figure 2-5.
Documentation requirements for Military Air shipments are spelled out in AFJMAN 24-204/TM 38-
250/NAVSUP PUB 505/MCO P4030.19G/DLAI 4145.3, Preparing Hazardous Materials for Military
Air Shipments.
3. When hazardous materials are packed into freight containers or road transport vehicles for
shipment by vessel, the person offering the consignment must certify that the packaging conforms to
all the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. This certification
requires completion of an IMDG Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods (Vessel) form. As with
Title 49 and IATA, there are specific requirements for the documentation on the declaration which
are spelled out in the IMDG regulations. While a specific form is not mandated, an example of an
IMDG declaration is shown in Figure 2-6. This particular form is available through the DoD
Personal Computer - Performance Oriented Packaging (PC-POP) program which is maintained by the
Defense Distribution Center, DDC-TO, 2001 Mission Drive, New Cumberland, PA 17070.
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