247SimpleTests
CDL · Driving and Parking

What is the purpose of marking and labeling on hazardous materials packages (in addition to placards on the vehicle)?

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

To identify the specific package's contents and hazards — markings (proper shipping name, ID number) and labels (hazard class diamonds) communicate the hazard at the package level

  1. A To identify the specific package's contents and hazards — markings (proper shipping name, ID number) and labels (hazard class diamonds) communicate the hazard at the package level
  2. B To show the price
  3. C To indicate the driver's name
  4. D Decoration

Why this is the answer

MARKINGS and LABELS on individual hazmat PACKAGES identify each package's contents and hazards at the package level (whereas PLACARDS communicate the hazard at the vehicle level). CDL hazmat. MARKINGS include: the PROPER SHIPPING NAME, the IDENTIFICATION (UN/NA) NUMBER, the consignee/shipper, and orientation arrows ('this end up') where required. LABELS are smaller diamond-shaped versions of placards showing the HAZARD CLASS (color and symbol). Together, markings and labels let handlers and responders identify exactly what's in each package, even when separated from the vehicle. The driver should verify packages are properly marked/labeled and refuse improperly prepared shipments. Knowing the purpose of package markings and labels (package-level hazard identification) is commonly tested hazmat knowledge.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Hazmat, Markings and Labels

Practice more questions

This question is from our CDL Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Driving and Parking and other topics.

Take the Hazardous Materials practice test →

About this topic: Driving and Parking

Driving and parking with hazmat covers route restrictions, railroad-crossing stops, where you may and may not park with explosives or flammables, attending the vehicle, and what to do in a fire or leak. This is one of 17 Hazardous Materials questions on driving and parking, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Driving and Parking

When driving a placarded hazmat vehicle, you must:

 Driving and Parking

At a railroad crossing, what must a driver of a placarded hazmat vehicle do?

 Driving and Parking

How often must a driver inspect a placarded hazmat vehicle's tires?

 Driving and Parking

Where may a placarded hazmat vehicle be parked overnight?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

CDL Study Guide (Trivium)

Complete prep for all CDL written tests: general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazmat, and all endorsements. Includes full-length practice tests.

Check Price → Study guide

CDL Practice Tests & Flashcards (Accepted Inc.)

600+ practice questions covering every FMCSA knowledge area, plus 400 flashcards for endorsement prep.

Check Price → Study guide

Master the CDL Truck Driver's License (Arco)

Arco's classic CDL prep with in-depth FMCSA manual coverage, endorsement chapters, and scored practice exams.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →