Who is responsible for packaging, labeling, and preparing the hazardous material shipping papers for a common carrier?

The shipper is responsible for packaging, labeling, and preparing the hazardous material shipping papers when transporting hazardous materials by a common carrier. This responsibility is critical to ensuring that the materials are safely and correctly handled throughout the shipping process.

In the context of hazardous materials transportation, the shipper must ensure that the materials are properly classified, packaged according to regulatory standards, and labeled with the appropriate hazard labels. They are also responsible for completing the shipping papers, which include details about the hazardous materials being transported, ensuring compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the specific guidelines provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant authorities.

This level of responsibility emphasizes the shipper’s role in the overall safety and compliance of hazardous materials transport. It requires the shipper to be knowledgeable about the applicable regulations and standards to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials handling and ensure safe transit to the carrier and ultimately to the final destination.