When shipping hazardous materials by common carrier, what information is not required on the bill of lading?

In the context of shipping hazardous materials by common carrier, the bill of lading serves as a crucial document that ensures safety and regulatory compliance during transport. While it must contain vital information to identify and manage the hazards associated with the materials being shipped, certain types of labeling or additional symbols, such as the NFPA 704 label, are not mandated to appear on the bill of lading.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 704 label is a standardized label used to indicate the hazards of particular materials, primarily in fixed locations such as storage facilities. Although this labeling is important for emergency responders and can provide quick information about specific hazards (fire, health, and reactivity), it does not need to be included on the bill of lading itself.

In contrast, other elements such as the hazard class, identification number (ID number), and quantity are essential components of the bill of lading. These elements ensure that all parties involved—in transit, handling, or emergency situations—are aware of the specific hazards and physical properties of the materials, which is vital for safe transport and compliance with regulations such as those set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).