Hazmat

Yes. Batteries do not require placards, but you must have a note from the shipper stating the exemption. Should be included with the BOL.

 

it depends, years ago we used to haul Optima batteries, some of the loads would be placarded some would not, it varied based on where they were headed

 

When did this exemption take place? I haven't hauled car batteries in 2 or 3 years but they were all placarded by the shipper. Are the batteries "non-spillable"?

http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/173.159a

 

I have had a load of scrap automotive batteries before ,they were exempt.

 

The way it was explained to me was that if they were shrink wrapped and well secured that they were exempt, but that if they got spilled they became haz-mat.

 

whenever i pick up a hazmat load, i double check "un" numbers, with hazmat guide book, for identification, for reportable quantities, placarding, etc. employer will supply guide book or you can buy one. while it's shipper's resposibility to id hazmat, it's driver's responsibility to check for compliance. i check cuz we have to stop at "coupe", when placarded, placarding has some variables depending on chemical, quantities, etc....
if i aint sure, i look it up, even after "word of mouth". also, it saves time, if ya have an encounter, when you demonstrate you know how/what you're carrying, cuz how many officers can memorize entire hazmat tables, procedure, packing requirements, etc or is gonna be willing/able to look it up, if they do, know you're in compliance, tickets, out of service takes more time......time is golden..... in my pockets.

 

I hauled batteries that were going to be recycled. Didn't need a placard.

 

I was offered two loads today with auto batteries... No hazmat no placards.