Indication of Number and Type of Packages

This is in response to a request we received from Brian Grenier of your company concerning a follow-up to his question to the Hazardous Materials Information Center asking if the container type of a hazardous material must be indicated on the shipping paper under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180). You stated the answer you received in the center was that it was not required. We apologize for the delay in responding and any inconvenience this may have caused.

The answer you received is incorrect. Section 172.202(a)(6) specifies that the number and type of package must be indicated on a shipping paper for a hazardous material transported in commerce. The type of packaging may be indicated by word description, such as "12 boxes" or "12 drums," and may include the packaging specification number, such as "6 1H1 drums." See the enclosed final rule.