Who is responsible for preparing the hazardous material shipping papers for a common carrier?

The responsibility for preparing the hazardous material shipping papers falls on the shipper. This role is crucial because the shipper must ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate according to the regulations outlined in 49 CFR. The shipping papers serve as a critical communication tool that provides essential information about the hazardous materials being transported, including the correct identification of the material, hazard classification, and any necessary handling instructions.

The shipper is also responsible for ensuring that packaging complies with regulatory standards and that any required markings and labels are properly affixed to the containers. This responsibility is vital for ensuring the safety of all parties involved in the transportation process, including the driver and the carrier's personnel, and helps prevent incidents during transit.

In contrast, while the carrier and the driver may have roles in handling and transporting the hazardous materials, they are not responsible for preparing the shipping papers. Their responsibilities are more focused on ensuring safe transport and compliance with routing and safety protocols based on the information provided by the shipper.