Bill of lading field
Hazmat on a bill of lading: what is required
Tick this only if the shipment is regulated under 49 CFR. If it is, a general bill of lading is not sufficient on its own — hazmat requires a proper shipping description in a prescribed order, the UN identification number, hazard class, packing group, and a 24-hour emergency response contact.
Why it matters
Hazmat paperwork is a legal requirement enforced with civil and, for wilful violations, criminal penalties. A driver who spots an undeclared hazmat shipment will refuse it, and they are right to.
The mistake that costs money
Assuming a small quantity of something ordinary is exempt. Aerosols, lithium batteries, paint, adhesives and hand sanitiser are all regulated in commerce, and "it is only one box" is not a defence.
Worth knowing
- The shipping description has a required sequence: UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group.
- A 24-hour emergency response telephone number must appear and must actually be answered.
- The shipper certification on the document is a legal statement that the goods are properly classed, described, packaged, marked and labelled.
- Anyone preparing hazmat shipping papers needs current hazmat training under 49 CFR. If you are unsure, this is the point to stop and ask your carrier.