A question received October 16, 2020:

Hello, my name is <<Name>> at <<Company>> in <<City, State>> a freight forwarder.

I found an article regarding CANUTEC you wrote, and I am writing this email because I need your help.

We have several hazmat import containers that containing butane steel cartridges, and SM Line, ocean carrier requested “24hrs emergency contact” on the IMO/Multimodal DG Form in one of the four companies below for inland rail transportation.

Chemtrec, Infortace, Chemtel, Canutec

We have handled the exact same cargo for 3~4years with other carriers, but never had like this problem.

I don’t know what to do, so please let me know if there is any way you can help me.

HAZMAT INFO:

• UN 1075
• PETROLEUM GASES, LIQUEFIED
• CLASS 2.1, F-D, S-U
• 54,120 STELL CYLINDERS IN 4,510 FIBERBOARD BOXES

Thank you!

My reply that same day:

Thank you for contacting me. I can assist you. Please see below.

• The Hazardous Materials Regulations of the USDOT/PHMSA require the shipper (the person who “offers” a hazardous material for transportation) to provide the following to the carrier:
  • Emergency response information for the HazMat in transportation. (More on this below).
  • Emergency response phone number that will reach a person who is knowledgeable about the HazMat in transportation and has knowledge of the emergency response procedures.
• The following is required of the emergency phone number:
  • Displayed clearly on shipping paper.
  • Will be answered by a person (not a machine) 24/7 whenever the HazMat is in transportation.
    As noted above, person must be knowledgeable about the HazMat and about emergency response.

Or…

• • If not knowledgeable, has immediate contact with a person who is.
• The emergency phone number may be either of the following:
  • One of the commercial services indicated in your email (you must pay them a fee and provide them with information about your HazMat).
  • Some other person (e.g., an employee) if they can meet the requirements for knowledge and availability.
• This is not a new regulation. It is possible you did not have this issue in the past because the carrier provided the emergency phone number or it was overlooked.
• Please read:
  • Emergency Response Phone Number
  • Emergency Response Information

I hope this helps. Please contact me with any other questions.

That seemed to be all he needed to know:

Thank you for your help 🙂 I should learn a lot about Hazmat things.

Conclusion:

It’s not uncommon for a shipper of HazMat to be unfamiliar with all of their regulatory responsibilities. The Hazardous Materials Regulations of USDOT/PHMSA can be difficult to read and understand. This person was wise enough to ask for help. I’m glad I was able to help them.