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I work a carrier that hauls dangerous goods. I learned recently that the loads were not up to code. Where can I get the information about carrier responsibility and obligations? ma1959@XXX.ca If your read the driver’s guide for the transportation of dangerous goods, you’ll notice that the driver is responsible for insuring that all the conditions for transport have been met prior to leaving with the load. While the carrier and the shipper each have duties and responsibilities, the driver makes the final decision on whether or not to haul the load. The load must be packaged and labeled properly, in accordance with the requirements set forth in the regulations (see driver’s handbook); the paperwork must be in order and it must properly describe the contents of the shipment (UN number, classification, etc.); and all the necessary documentation (placards, bills of lading, etc.) must be handed to the driver. Once all the above conditions have been met, and the driver has applied the placards and placed the paperwork in the appropriate location on the truck, he or she is free to leave. In this entire transaction, any one of the three parties may have failed to deliver on some obligation or responsibility, but it’s the driver who has the final say in whether or not the load moves. The driver should never accept a Dangerous Goods shipment until all the requirements have been met regardless of whose obligations have not been fulfilled. All the requirements the driver is responsible for are outlined in the Drivers’ Handbook. Or, you can visit this website for a more precise description of the regulations and responsibilities.
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