DOT Shipping Papers Exceptions

Generally, if you transport any quantity of hazardous material, you must prepare a shipping paper to accompany the shipment. However, there are some exceptions. The following exceptions do not require a hazardous materials description on shipping papers:

• Hazardous materials with "A" in column 1 of the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) offered or intended for transportation only by highway, rail, or vessel
• Hazardous materials with "W" in column 1 of the HMT offered or intended for transportation only by highway, rail, or air
• Small quantity shipments prepared in accordance with 49 CFR §173.4
• ORM-D materials, unless they are transported by aircraft, in accordance with 49 CFR §172.200(b)
• Materials of trade shipments prepared in accordance with 49 CFR §173.6
• Certain agricultural shipments prepared and transported in accordance with 49 CFR §173.5
• Certain U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) shipments prepared in accordance with 49 CFR §173.7

None of these exceptions apply if the material is identified as a hazardous substance, a hazardous waste, or a marine pollutant.

To learn more about Multimodal Shipping visit our Multimodal DOT, IATA & IMDG HAZMAT Shipping Online Training web page.