326 Shipping Papers

A shipping paper is defined as a shipping order, bill of lading, waybill, manifest, or any other document used to identify a hazardous material being offered for transport. A shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods (shipping paper) prepared under 49 CFR 172.200 through 172.205 is required for certain types of hazardous materials when mailed. A sample form is shown in Exhibit 326. The shipping paper must be completed and signed in triplicate by the mailer. It must be affixed to the outside of the mailpiece within an envelope or similar carrier that can be easily opened and resealed to allow viewing of the document. Shipping papers are required as follows:

1. Air Transportation. Most mailable hazardous materials must be accompanied by a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods (shipping paper). To determine which mailable hazardous materials require a shipping paper when sent via air transportation, refer to the appropriate sections in this chapter and the appropriate Packaging Instruction in Appendix C.
2. Surface Transportation. Certain mailable hazardous material may require a properly prepared shipping paper. To determine which mailable hazardous materials require a shipping paper when sent via surface transportation, refer to the appropriate sections in this chapter, and the appropriate Packaging Instruction in Appendix C.

Neither DOT nor the Postal Service makes blank shipper’s declaration forms available to shippers of hazardous materials. It is the responsibility of the shipper to obtain forms meeting the format specifications in 49 CFR from commercial printers, vendors, or internet retailers. The shipper is also responsible for properly completing the form prior to mailing.

Exhibit 326 

Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (Sample Form)