Costly Hazmat Documentation Mistakes
Documentation errors are the most common hazmat violations found during DOT inspections and facility audits. These mistakes can result in fines ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus shipment delays, out-of-service orders, and damaged business relationships. Go Freight’s compliance team helps shippers avoid these expensive errors.
Incorrect Proper Shipping Names
Using the wrong proper shipping name — or an abbreviated version — is a violation. The DOT proper shipping name must match exactly what appears in the Hazardous Materials Table at 49 CFR 172.101. Common mistakes include using trade names instead of proper shipping names, abbreviating the shipping name, using outdated shipping names from previous regulations, and failing to include required technical names for generic descriptions.
Missing or Wrong UN Numbers
Every hazmat shipping paper must include the correct four-digit UN or NA identification number preceded by the letters “UN” or “NA.” Transposing digits, using the wrong UN number for a material, or omitting the prefix are all violations that Go Freight’s verification process catches before shipments leave the facility.
Quantity Errors
Shipping papers must accurately state the total quantity of hazardous material. Common errors include listing the package count without the total weight, using the wrong unit of measure, failing to update quantities when loads change, and not distinguishing between net and gross weights when required.
Emergency Contact Failures
Every hazmat shipment must include a 24-hour emergency response telephone number on the shipping papers. The number must be monitored at all times and the person answering must be knowledgeable about the specific materials being shipped. Using numbers that go to voicemail, providing a number for the wrong product, or listing expired contract numbers are all costly violations.
Shipper Certification Errors
The shipper’s certification statement must be complete and properly signed. Missing signatures, incomplete certification language, and unsigned documents are among the most frequently cited violations. Go Freight verifies shipper certifications before accepting any hazmat load, protecting both the shipper and our transport operation from certification-related violations.
Error-Free Hazmat Documentation
Want to eliminate costly documentation errors? Go Freight provides compliance verification for every hazmat shipment we handle.
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