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CDL Hazmat Endorsement Exam

Hazmat Shipping Papers Practice Questions

30 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the CDL Hazmat Endorsement Exam.

  1. Q1.Shipping papers must include the 'Basic Description' of the hazardous material. The correct order for this description is:

    A.UN Number, Proper Shipping Name, Hazard Class, Packing Group
    B.Proper Shipping Name, Hazard Class, UN Number, Packing Group
    C.Hazard Class, Proper Shipping Name, UN Number, Packing Group
    D.Packing Group, UN Number, Hazard Class, Proper Shipping Name
    AUN Number, Proper Shipping Name, Hazard Class, Packing Group

    Explanation: The order is strictly mandated as ISHP: Identification Number (UN), Shipping Name, Hazard Class, Packing Group.

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  2. Q2.If a vehicle transporting hazardous materials is stopped, where must the shipping papers be located?

    A.In the glove box
    B.On the driver's seat or in the driver's door pouch
    C.In the trailer with the load
    D.In the sleeper berth
    BOn the driver's seat or in the driver's door pouch

    Explanation: To ensure emergency responders can find them quickly, shipping papers must be visible and within reach (e.g., driver's door pouch or seat) when the driver is not at the controls.

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  3. Q3.Which entry on the shipping paper must be listed first or highlighted in a contrasting color?

    A.The heaviest item
    B.The hazardous material entry
    C.The consignee's name
    D.The freight cost
    BThe hazardous material entry

    Explanation: Hazardous materials must be distinguished from non-hazardous freight by entering them first, highlighting them, or printing them in a contrasting color, or by placing an 'X' in the HM column.

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  4. Q4.The total quantity of hazardous materials must be indicated on the shipping paper by:

    A.Weight or volume (including the unit of measure)
    B.Number of packages only
    C.Estimated value
    D.Pallet count
    AWeight or volume (including the unit of measure)

    Explanation: The shipping paper must specify the total quantity (by weight, volume, or other appropriate unit) for each hazardous material description.

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  5. Q5.An emergency response telephone number must be included on the shipping paper. This number must be monitored:

    A.During business hours (9-5)
    B.At all times the hazardous material is in transportation
    C.Only when the vehicle is moving
    D.Only if the load is explosive
    BAt all times the hazardous material is in transportation

    Explanation: The emergency response number must be monitored at all times the hazardous material is in transportation (including storage incidental to transport).

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  6. Q6.If the shipping paper describes both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the hazardous materials must be:

    A.Listed last
    B.Identified by an 'X' or 'RQ' in the HM column
    C.Written in pencil
    D.On a separate page only
    BIdentified by an 'X' or 'RQ' in the HM column

    Explanation: Mixed loads require the hazmat entries to be identified by an 'X' (or 'RQ' if a Reportable Quantity) in the HM column to stand out.

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  7. Q7.The Packing Group (PG) indicates the degree of danger. PG I indicates:

    A.Great Danger
    B.Medium Danger
    C.Minor Danger
    D.No Danger
    AGreat Danger

    Explanation: PG I = Great Danger; PG II = Medium Danger; PG III = Minor Danger.

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  8. Q8.What does the symbol 'G' in the HM column mean?

    A.Gas
    B.The Proper Shipping Name is generic and the technical name must be added in parentheses
    C.Great Danger
    D.Ground Transport Only
    BThe Proper Shipping Name is generic and the technical name must be added in parentheses

    Explanation: The 'G' symbol identifies a generic shipping name (e.g., 'Flammable Liquid, n.o.s.') which requires the technical chemical name to be listed in parentheses.

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  9. Q9.For Division 2.3 (Poison Gas), the shipping paper must contain the words:

    A.Toxic Inhalation Hazard or Poison-Inhalation Hazard
    B.Dangerous Gas
    C.Do Not Breathe
    D.Explosive Gas
    AToxic Inhalation Hazard or Poison-Inhalation Hazard

    Explanation: Materials poisonous by inhalation (Zone A, B, C, D) must include the phrase 'Poison-Inhalation Hazard' or 'Toxic-Inhalation Hazard' on the shipping paper.

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  10. Q10.If a shipper offers a 'Limited Quantity' of a hazardous material, the shipping paper must state:

    A.Limited Quantity or Ltd Qty
    B.No Hazmat
    C.Small Box
    D.Consumer Commodity
    ALimited Quantity or Ltd Qty

    Explanation: The abbreviation 'Ltd Qty' or 'Limited Quantity' must appear on the shipping paper for these exceptions.

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  11. Q11.Which document must always accompany the shipping papers for hazardous materials?

    A.Emergency Response Information (e.g., ERG page or SDS)
    B.The driver's birth certificate
    C.A map of the route
    D.The invoice
    AEmergency Response Information (e.g., ERG page or SDS)

    Explanation: Emergency response information (mitigation, fire, spill, first aid info) must be immediately available, often as an SDS or ERG page attached to the shipping paper.

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  12. Q12.When transporting hazardous waste, you must have a:

    A.Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
    B.Bill of Lading only
    C.Waste disposal permit
    D.Recycling receipt
    AUniform Hazardous Waste Manifest

    Explanation: Hazardous waste shipments require a specific Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22) to track the waste from cradle to grave.

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  13. Q13.If you are driving a placarded vehicle and you break down, who should you give the shipping papers to?

    A.Leave them in the truck cab
    B.Keep them with you if you leave the vehicle
    C.Give them to the tow truck driver
    D.Hide them under the seat
    ALeave them in the truck cab

    Explanation: Wait—standard rule: If you leave the vehicle, leave the papers on the seat or door pouch. If you stay, keep them within reach. If broken down/emergency, responders need them. The question asks 'who'. If you leave, leave them IN the cab (on seat). You don't take them with you if you abandon the vehicle during an incident, so responders can find them.

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  14. Q14.The Shipper's Certification on the shipping paper certifies that:

    A.The carrier has insurance
    B.The shipment is properly classified, described, packaged, marked, and labeled according to DOT regulations
    C.The driver is qualified
    D.The truck is in good condition
    BThe shipment is properly classified, described, packaged, marked, and labeled according to DOT regulations

    Explanation: The shipper certifies that they have prepared the shipment in full compliance with the HMR. The carrier relies on this certification.

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  15. Q15.If the letter 'W' appears in the HM column of the shipping paper, it indicates:

    A.Water Reactive
    B.Marine Pollutant (applies only to water transportation)
    C.Waste
    D.Winter Grade
    BMarine Pollutant (applies only to water transportation)

    Explanation: 'W' indicates a Marine Pollutant that is regulated primarily when transported by vessel (water), unless it meets bulk limits.

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  16. Q16.What is the proper shipping name for UN1203?

    A.Propane
    B.Gasoline
    C.Diesel Fuel
    D.Kerosene
    BGasoline

    Explanation: UN1203 corresponds to Gasoline. (UN1993 is Diesel/Fuel Oil; UN1075/1978 is Propane).

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  17. Q17.You must refuse a shipment if the shipping papers:

    A.Are not typed
    B.Do not have the Shipper's Certification signed
    C.Are in a sealed envelope
    D.Are printed on white paper
    BDo not have the Shipper's Certification signed

    Explanation: The carrier must ensure the shipper's certification is signed. If unsigned, the shipment cannot be accepted.

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  18. Q18.For which hazard class is the 'Packing Group' NOT required on the shipping paper?

    A.Class 3
    B.Class 8
    C.Class 2 (Gases)
    D.Class 4
    CClass 2 (Gases)

    Explanation: Class 2 Gases, Class 7 Radioactive, and Class 1 Explosives generally do not use Packing Groups.

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  19. Q19.The identification number (UN/NA) must be preceded by:

    A.UN or NA
    B.DOT
    C.HM
    D.ID
    AUN or NA

    Explanation: The ID number must be preceded by the letters 'UN' (United Nations) or 'NA' (North American).

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  20. Q20.Can a shipping paper contain abbreviations?

    A.Yes, freely
    B.No, unless specifically authorized in the HMR
    C.Yes, if the driver understands them
    D.Only for the quantity
    BNo, unless specifically authorized in the HMR

    Explanation: Abbreviations are generally prohibited unless specifically authorized (e.g., 'Ltd Qty').

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  21. Q21.When transporting a 'Reportable Quantity' (RQ) of a substance, the letters RQ must appear:

    A.Before or after the basic description
    B.On the placard
    C.On the driver's license
    D.Nowhere, it is implied
    ABefore or after the basic description

    Explanation: If a package contains an RQ, the letters RQ must be entered on the shipping paper either before or after the basic description.

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  22. Q22.Who must sign the Hazardous Waste Manifest?

    A.The Shipper, the Carrier, and the Receiving Facility
    B.Only the Shipper
    C.Only the Receiver
    D.The EPA
    AThe Shipper, the Carrier, and the Receiving Facility

    Explanation: The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest is a chain-of-custody document signed by the generator (shipper), transporter (carrier), and designated facility (receiver).

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  23. Q23.If a shipper offers a 'HOT' material (elevated temperature), the word 'HOT' must appear:

    A.On the shipping paper preceding the proper shipping name
    B.Only on the package
    C.On the driver's log
    D.It is not required
    AOn the shipping paper preceding the proper shipping name

    Explanation: Elevated temperature materials must be identified by the word 'HOT' preceding the proper shipping name on the shipping paper.

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  24. Q24.If you are pulling a trailer with hazmat, you must ensure the shipping papers are:

    A.Given to the next driver or carrier upon transfer
    B.Destroyed after the trip
    C.Hidden
    D.Mailed to the shipper
    AGiven to the next driver or carrier upon transfer

    Explanation: Shipping papers must accompany the shipment at all times and be transferred to subsequent carriers or drivers.

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  25. Q25.What is the 'Subsidiary Hazard Class'?

    A.A secondary hazard presented by the material (e.g., Flammable AND Toxic)
    B.A hazard that only exists at night
    C.A hazard for small packages only
    D.The packing group
    AA secondary hazard presented by the material (e.g., Flammable AND Toxic)

    Explanation: Some materials have multiple hazards. The primary hazard determines the class; secondary hazards are subsidiary. Subsidiary classes must be listed in parentheses after the primary class.

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  26. Q26.How long must a carrier retain shipping papers after accepting a hazmat shipment?

    A.1 year (3 years for hazardous waste)
    B.30 days
    C.6 months
    D.5 years
    A1 year (3 years for hazardous waste)

    Explanation: Carriers must retain a copy of the shipping paper for 1 year (375 days) after acceptance. For hazardous waste, it is 3 years.

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  27. Q27.If a shipping paper lists 'N.O.S.', what does it mean?

    A.Not Otherwise Specified
    B.Not On Ship
    C.No Other Substance
    D.New Organic Solid
    ANot Otherwise Specified

    Explanation: N.O.S. stands for Not Otherwise Specified. It is used for generic shipping names.

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  28. Q28.A 'Residue' shipping paper is required for:

    A.Tank cars or cargo tanks that have been emptied but not cleaned/purged
    B.Full loads only
    C.Packages under 5 lbs
    D.Non-hazmat loads
    ATank cars or cargo tanks that have been emptied but not cleaned/purged

    Explanation: Empty tanks containing hazmat residue must still be shipped with papers indicating 'Residue: Last Contained [Proper Shipping Name]'.

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  29. Q29.The technical name of a material must be entered in parentheses for:

    A.Generic or N.O.S. shipping names
    B.All shipping names
    C.Explosives only
    D.Liquids only
    AGeneric or N.O.S. shipping names

    Explanation: If the Proper Shipping Name is generic (e.g., Compounds, cleaning liquid), the technical chemical name must be included in parentheses.

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  30. Q30.Which of the following is an incorrect Basic Description?

    A.UN1090, Acetone, 3, II
    B.Acetone, 3, UN1090, II
    C.UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II
    D.UN1824, Sodium Hydroxide Solution, 8, II
    BAcetone, 3, UN1090, II

    Explanation: The order ISHP is mandatory: ID Number, Shipping Name, Hazard Class, Packing Group. Option B puts the name first, which is incorrect.

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