A driver is transporting a shipment of UN1824, Sodium hydroxide solution, Class 8, PG II, in several non-bulk drums. The shipping papers are prepared by the shipper. What is the driver's primary responsibility regarding the accuracy of these shipping papers before starting the trip?
- ATo verify the emergency response information is included but not necessarily detailed.
- BTo confirm the freight charges have been correctly calculated.
- CTo ensure the shipping papers accurately describe the hazardous materials being transported.
- DTo verify the consignee's address and delivery schedule.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To ensure the shipping papers accurately describe the hazardous materials being transported.
While the shipper is responsible for preparing accurate shipping papers, the driver has a critical responsibility to review them and ensure they accurately describe the hazardous materials being transported. This includes checking that the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN/NA ID, and quantity match the labels and markings on the packages. This is a fundamental safety and compliance check (49 CFR 177.817).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The emergency response information must not only be included but also detailed and immediately available, and the driver must know how to access and use it. However, the primary check is on the basic description matching the cargo.
- B. Freight charges are a commercial aspect, not a hazardous materials communication responsibility.
- D. While important for delivery, verifying the consignee's address and delivery schedule is not the primary hazardous materials communication responsibility.
Driver's Shipping Paper Verification
Before transporting hazardous materials, the driver must verify that the shipping papers accurately describe the hazardous materials being transported and that the information matches the packages.
- Driver's critical safety check.
- Ensures compliance with regulations.
- Involves checking proper shipping name, hazard class, UN/NA ID, quantity.
Memory trick: Papers in hand, verify with care, what's on the truck, what's written there.