CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Communication RulesHard
A driver is transporting 1,500 pounds of UN1824, Sodium hydroxide solution, Class 8, PG II, in 20 non-bulk packages. The driver notices that the shipping papers list the material as 'Sodium Hydroxide, liquid' instead of 'Sodium hydroxide solution'. What action should the driver take?
- ANotify emergency services about the discrepancy upon arrival at the destination.
- BCorrect the shipping papers immediately by crossing out the incorrect name and writing in the correct one.
- CContact the shipper to resolve the discrepancy before continuing the transport.
- DProceed with the shipment, as the difference is minor and will not affect safety.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Contact the shipper to resolve the discrepancy before continuing the transport.
Drivers are responsible for verifying that the shipping papers accurately describe the hazardous materials being transported. Any discrepancy, even seemingly minor, must be resolved with the shipper before continuing the trip to ensure proper identification for emergency response and regulatory compliance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Notifying at the destination is too late; the discrepancy must be resolved before or during transport to maintain safety and compliance.
- B. Drivers are generally not authorized to unilaterally alter official shipping papers; corrections must typically be made or authorized by the shipper.
- D. Even minor discrepancies can have significant safety implications, so proceeding without correction is a violation.
Shipping Paper Discrepancy Resolution
If a driver discovers a discrepancy between the hazardous material being transported and the information on the shipping papers, the driver must contact the shipper to resolve the issue before continuing transport.
- Driver's responsibility to verify accuracy.
- Discrepancies must be resolved with the shipper.
- Resolution must occur before or during transport, not after.
Memory trick: Found a 'Paper Problem'? 'Call the Shipper' to fix it!