what does the paperwork say ? If its bulk (even empty totes) you need the placards with the UN numbers ... If its non bulk - above 1001 lbs, you just need corrosive. / under you don't need nothing. Otherwise. placards is better than no placards in doubt (as per the permissive rule) from a quick search if its batteries, then you just need the Corrosive / BUT because its loaded all at one and no other freight on board the UN 2794 is totally legit. Your company is feeding you #########
If the shipper gave you the placards, use them. They know better than you or your carrier, what they put on your truck. Better safe than sorry.
The best position for any driver to be in is certainly not where one has to trust the company OR a shipper, but rather what is between the driver's own ears.
That'd be good, but trailer seals are designed to shift trust away from the driver. If you can't look inside, then you don’t really know what's in there.
You need to look in your hazmat book and check requirements, usually if a shipper gives you placards then they are more than likely required
Additionally, it needs to be placed open or with the bills marking the page on the driver's seat of your unlocked truck so any first responder can get to it.
