Which document must accompany hazardous materials during transport?

The document that must accompany hazardous materials during transport is a shipping paper. Shipping papers serve as a critical component for the safe transport of hazardous materials, as they provide essential information about the material being transported, including its identification, classification, quantity, and emergency response procedures. This documentation ensures that carriers and responders have the necessary information to handle the material appropriately and safely.

Shipping papers are also legally required and must be readily accessible during transport, aiding in compliance with regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and corresponding regulatory bodies. In an emergency situation, they facilitate a timely and effective response to hazards posed by the materials being transported.

While a bill of lading serves a similar function in commercial shipping, it is not specifically required for hazardous materials transport in the same way that shipping papers are. The carrier's inspection report and the driver's license do not contain the requisite information about the hazardous materials themselves and are not designed for the transport of these materials. Therefore, the necessity of a shipping paper underscores the importance of safety and preparedness when dealing with hazardous substances during transport.