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To: All BNSF Intermodal Customers
11/05/2010

Reminder: Complete Hazardous Information Needed

BNSF has seen an increasing number of Intermodal shipping papers for UN 3268 (air bag modules, air bag inflators and seat belt pre-tensioners) that are failing to comply with the hazardous material regulations in the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations book (49 CFR). In these cases, the shippers failed to forward the required shipping paper entries for UN 3268 (EX numbers or product codes or the word “recycled” following the PSN on shipments moving of recycling) in 49 CFR 173.166 (c) & (d)(4).

Below, as reference, is the regulatory cite in 49 CFR for section 173.166:

    (c) EX numbers. When offered for transportation, the shipping paper must contain the EX number or product code for each approved inflator, module or pre-tensioner in association with the basic description required by § 172.202(a) of this subchapter. Product codes must be traceable to the specific EX number assigned to the inflator, module or pre-tensioner by the Associate Administrator. The EX number or product code is not required to be marked on the outside package.

    (d)(4) Shipments for recycling. When offered for domestic transportation by highway, rail freight, cargo vessel or cargo aircraft, a serviceable air bag module or seat belt pre-tensioner removed from a motor vehicle that was manufactured as required for use in the United States may be offered for transportation and transported without compliance with the shipping paper requirement prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section. However, the word “Recycled” must be entered on the shipping paper immediately after the basic description prescribed in § 172.202 of this subchapter. No more than one device is authorized in the packaging prescribed in paragraph (e)(1), (2) or (3) of this section. The device must be cushioned and secured within the package to prevent movement during transportation.

The EX number or Recycled information should be provided in the ADI segment of an EDI 404 transaction. See example below:
    LH1*PC*1*UN3268**4966333*LB*5***III
    LH2*9*P
    LH3*AIR BAG MODULES*D
    LFH*ADI*EX 9504037 or (RECYCLE)
    PER*HM*CONTRACT: 454545*TE*800-424-9300
    LH1*PC*1*UN3268***LB*5***III
    LH2*9*P
    LH3*AIR BAG MODULES*D
    LFH*ADI*(RECYCLE) or EX 0001000
    PER*HM*RAIL CO*TE*800-424-9300

Complete Hazardous Information
As a reminder, complete hazardous information and documentation are required as outlined in the BNSF Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide. The FRA can charge approximately $2,000 for shipping paper violations, as well as other charges. In addition to the potential FRA charges, BNSF restricted and hazardous charges can apply for incomplete hazardous information, as well as result in possible delays to your shipment.

By following the FRA and BNSF policies, you’ve helped facilitate a safe arrival of your shipment. For additional information or assistance, please contact your BNSF Marketing or Hazardous Representative.

Your business is important to us. Thank you for choosing BNSF Railway as your transportation service provider.

If you have any questions, please send an email to Customer.Notifications@bnsf.com