Aviation - Air Carrier Responsibilities

The air carrier relies on the shipper for compliance with the HMR based on the package markings and description on the shipping papers. Air carriers must ensure that the shipper has prepared packaging and shipping documents properly. Carriers must not open packages or test the content of packages. §175.30 lists specific actions for inspecting packages before accepting hazardous material packages for air transportation.

The air carrier must comply with the following responsibilities:

• Ensure that the HAZMAT is authorized and within the quantity limitations as specified in the HMT for passenger or cargo aircraft.
• Verify the content and accuracy of the shipping papers.
• Determine whether the hazardous materials are marked, labeled, and when required, placarded correctly.
• Ensure that when hazardous materials are permitted on cargo aircraft, but not on passenger aircraft, that they are labeled with a Cargo Aircraft Only label.
• Ensure that packages are in good condition for air transportation, that the integrity of packages has not been compromised, or that packages are not leaking.
• Check that the seals on radioactive material packages have not been broken.

If the air carrier employer finds that the shipper has not prepared the package properly, the air carrier must refuse the package.

To learn more about Aviation HAZMAT visit our DOT Aviation HAZMAT Online Training web page.