What must shippers keep on file for each hazardous material shipment?

Shippers are required to maintain shipping records and documentation for each hazardous material shipment for a minimum of three years. This requirement is part of the regulations set forth in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) under 49 CFR. The three-year retention period is crucial because it helps ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations and provides necessary information in the event of an incident, investigation, or regulatory review. Keeping thorough records supports transparency, accountability, and traceability of hazardous materials throughout the shipping process.

While detailed descriptions of hazardous materials, invoices, and billing statements, and permits may be important for various logistical and regulatory reasons, they do not specifically fulfill the mandatory record-keeping requirement established for hazardous materials shipments. Thus, focusing on shipping records and documentation is critical to complying with the pertinent regulations.