Interpretation Response #26-0019
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name:
Individual Name: Kaytlynn Milam
Location State: TX Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
April 28, 2026
Kaytlynn Milam
7241 Foxtrot Drive
Orange, TX 77632
Reference No. 26-0019
Dear Ms. Milam:
This letter is in response to your February 5, 2026 email requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to shipping papers. You describe a scenario where the offeror (i.e., the shipper) provided a shipping paper, which listed the packaging description as a "pallet," to a carrier that subsequently revised the packaging type on the shipping paper based on their reasoned determination that the original packaging description was not compliant and without knowledge of this action by the shipper.
We have paraphrased and answered your questions as follows:
Q1. Does the HMR prohibit a carrier from modifying or correcting a shipping paper that has been certified by the shipper?
A1. No. If a carrier determines that the shipping paper contains incorrect information and the carrier has accepted the hazardous material for transportation, the shipping paper may be updated with correct information. Either the carrier can make the correction at the instruction of the shipper, or the shipper can update the shipping paper and send an electronic copy for the carrier to print out.
Q2. Must the shipment be held until the shipper provides corrected information to the carrier for correction or reissued shipping papers?
A2. Yes. A carrier may rely on information from the shipper or a prior carrier but, as provided in 49 CFR § 171.2(f), cannot transport hazardous materials in commerce knowing that the information provided is incorrect.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Dirk Der Kinderen
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 171.2 | General requirements |