True or false: If placards are clearly displayed on the transportation mode, shipping papers are not required

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on the mode
• D. Not stated

Answer: (B)

Shipping papers are required with hazardous materials shipments regardless of what placards are showing. Placards warn and identify hazards on the outside of the vehicle or container, but they don’t provide all the critical details needed for safe handling and emergency response. The shipping papers list the exact proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, packing group, total quantity, shipper and consignee information, and emergency contact, which responders rely on to identify the substance and take appropriate action. While there are some specific exemptions or special cases for very small quantities or certain commodities, those do not change the general rule: placards do not replace shipping papers, and the documents are still required.