Computer Printing of Certification Signature
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · May 19, 1995 · Reference No. 95-0108
Interprets: 49 CFR § 172.204
Reggie’s quick take
Someone asked whether a shipping paper's preparer signature can be printed by a computer rather than signed by hand. PHMSA says yes. Under § 172.204(d), the shipper's certification must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, partner, or employee of the shipper or its agent, and the signature may be made by mechanical means such as a typewriter, word processor, or computer printer. The condition is that the signature is produced after the shipping information has been entered on the shipping paper.
Written by AI (Claude) on Oct 22, 2026. Robots make mistakes and leave things out, so the letter below is what counts. Not legal advice.
This is in response to your letter dated September 19, 1994, concerning whether the preparer's signature can be printed by the computer on the bill of lading.
Under the provisions of § 172.204(d)(1), a shipper's certification, when required must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, partner, or employee of the shipper or his agent. Paragraph (d)(2) of § 172.204 further states that the signature may be generated either manually or by mechanical means. Use of a typewriter, word processor or computer/printer to produce the signature would satisfy this requirement provided the signature is made after the shipping information is entered on the shipping paper.
A letter of interpretation applies the regulations to the facts the requester described. It isn’t a regulation and isn’t legal advice. The agency’s copy.