NTTC, ATA reaffirm support for e-hazmat papers

From Fleet Owner.

National Tank Truck Carriers and American Trucking Associations reaffirmed their support for utilizing electronic shipping papers in hazardous materials transportation in comments filed Oct. 23 in response to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s request for information regarding hazard communication alternatives.

The two trucking associations first petitioned the agency to “without delay” develop rulemaking that allows motor carriers to use electronic documents for hazmat shipments in a joint letter to PHMSA in November, 2020, as their members sought ways to reduce physical contact between individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But PHMSA has been considering the use of electronic hazmat shipping documents since at least 2009.

“NTTC and ATA ask that PHMSA amend 49 CFR § 177.817, 49 CFR §§ 172.201-172.205, and related regulations to the extent that those provisions require the shipping paper to accompany the shipment by being physically present on the vehicle,” association leaders stated in their most recent comments addressed to William Schoonover, PHMSA’s associate administrator.

See the complete article from Fleet Owner online.