Regulation

177.817(e)

Regulation summary

Section 177.817(e) establishes the general requirements for shipping paper accessibility for drivers of a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials.

Question/Dilemma

In this scenario, a carrier inquires if a driver can carry shipping papers inside a clipboard with a metal cover located beside the driver during transportation.

In this interpretation, PHMSA addresses the proper storage of hazardous materials shipping papers.

Interpretation summary

In interpretation Ref. No. 11-0030, PHMSA advises that shipping papers must be either readily visible to a person entering the driver’s compartment or in a holder which is mounted to the inside of the driver’s side of the vehicle.

• The clipboard is readily visible, but the fact that it contains shipping papers is not apparent.
• To use the clipboard to store shipping papers, the driver must ensure that the metal cover is clearly marked with the terminology “Shipping Papers.”
• When the driver is at the vehicle’s controls, the shipping paper shall be within the driver’s immediate reach while restrained by the lap belt.
• When the driver is not at the vehicle’s controls, the shipping paper shall be in a holder which is mounted to the inside of the door on the driver’s side of the vehicle or on the driver’s seat in the vehicle.
• PHMSA recommends keeping hazardous materials shipping papers in the driver’s door pouch.