Who must sign the shipping papers for hazardous materials?

The shipper—or the originating carrier—must sign the shipping papers for hazardous materials because they are legally responsible for certifying that the shipment complies with the applicable hazardous materials regulations. This includes ensuring that the materials are properly classified, packaged, marked, and labeled according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.

The signature on the shipping papers signifies that the shipper acknowledges the nature of the materials being transported and affirms that all necessary precautions and procedures have been followed to ensure safety in transportation. This practice helps maintain accountability and supports the integrity of the regulatory framework governing hazardous materials, which is critical for public safety and environmental protection.

Other parties, such as the consignee or warehouse manager, do not have the responsibility or authority to certify the shipment's compliance in the same way as the shipper. The packaging supplier is involved in providing the necessary containers but does not sign the shipping papers, as their role does not extend to ensuring compliance with transportation regulations.