Hazmat Shipping Glossary: Key Terms Every Shipper Should Know

Essential Hazmat Shipping Terminology

The world of hazardous materials shipping comes with its own vocabulary. Understanding these key terms helps you communicate effectively with carriers, regulators, and customers. This glossary covers the most important terms every hazmat shipper should know.

Classification and Identification Terms

Proper Shipping Name (PSN) is the DOT-designated name for a hazardous material as listed in the Hazardous Materials Table. UN Number is the four-digit identification number assigned to a hazardous substance by the United Nations. Packing Group (PG) indicates the degree of danger — PG I is most dangerous, PG III is least. Hazard Class is the category (1-9) that describes the primary hazard of a material. And subsidiary hazard is an additional hazard beyond the primary class.

Packaging and Handling Terms

UN Specification Packaging refers to containers tested and certified to meet United Nations performance standards. Overpack is an enclosure used to consolidate multiple packages into a single handling unit. Compatibility Group categorizes explosives based on their characteristics for storage and transport together. Limited Quantity refers to small amounts of hazmat eligible for reduced regulatory requirements. And DOT exemption is a special permission to deviate from standard hazmat regulations under specific conditions.

Transport and Compliance Terms

Placarding is the display of hazard diamonds on transport vehicles. Shipping Papers are the documents that accompany every hazmat shipment with classification and emergency information. Bill of Lading is the freight document that serves as the shipping paper for hazmat. Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is the reference guide used by first responders for hazmat incidents. And CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability — FMCSA’s carrier safety measurement program.

Regulatory Bodies

PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) is the primary federal hazmat regulator. FMCSA regulates motor carriers including hazmat trucking. EPA oversees environmental aspects of hazmat transport and spill cleanup. OSHA regulates workplace hazmat safety including training requirements. And TSA manages security threat assessments for hazmat drivers.

Working With Experts

Don’t navigate hazmat terminology alone. Go Freight’s logistics team speaks the language of hazmat compliance fluently and can translate regulatory requirements into practical shipping solutions for your business.