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Shipping Documents (Papers)

Shipping Documents (Papers) are synonymous and can be found as follows:

  • Road - kept in the cab of a motor vehicle
  • Rail - kept in possession of a crew member
  • Aviation - kept in possession of the aircraft pilot
  • Marine - kept in a holder on the bridge of a vessel

Shipping Documents (Papers) provide vital information regarding the hazardous materials/dangerous goods to initiate protective actions *

Information provided:

  • 4-Digit Identification Number, UN or NA (go to Yellow Pages) **
  • Proper Shipping name (go to Blue Pages)
  • Hazard Class or division number of material
  • Packing Group
  • Emergency Response Telephone Number
  • Information describing the hazards of the material (entered on or attached to shipping document)
Sample shipping document

Example of Placard and Panel with ID Number

The 4-digit ID Number may be shown on the diamond-shaped placard or on an adjacent orange panel displayed on the ends and sides of a cargo tank, vehicle or rail car.

Sample Placard and Panel with ID number

*   For the purposes of this guidebook, the terms hazardous materials/dangerous goods are synonymous.

** After January 1, 2013 in the United States, the identification number must appear first in the basic description. For example, "UN2744, Cyclobutyl chloroformate, 6.1, (8, 3), PG II". This is currently optional in Canada.

Date modified:
2012-08-08