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CDL · Communication Rules

What document must accompany a hazardous materials shipment and describe the materials being transported?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Shipping papers (including a hazardous materials description) that the driver must keep accessible

  1. A A road map
  2. B A weather report
  3. C Shipping papers (including a hazardous materials description) that the driver must keep accessible
  4. D A fuel receipt

Why this is the answer

SHIPPING PAPERS must accompany a hazmat shipment, describing the hazardous materials (proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number, quantity, etc.). CDL hazmat. The driver must keep shipping papers ACCESSIBLE: while driving, in a pouch on the driver's door or within reach on the seat; the papers must be easily found by emergency responders if the driver is incapacitated. The shipping papers must be tabbed/marked to clearly identify the hazmat. EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION (like the ERG guidance) must also be carried. Knowing that shipping papers describe the hazmat and must be kept accessible is core hazmat documentation knowledge.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Hazmat, Shipping Papers

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About this topic: Communication Rules

Communication rules cover shipping papers, placards, labels and markings: what each must show, where papers must be kept in the cab, and when placards are required. This is the most heavily tested hazmat topic. This is one of 19 Hazardous Materials questions on communication rules, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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