HMCRP Report 8: Evaluation of the Use of Electronic Shipping Papers for Hazardous Materials Shipments examines the challenges of advancing the use of electronic shipping papers as an alternative to the current paper-based hazardous materials communication system. Paper copy hazardous materials shipping papers have several drawbacks: they are labour intensive and subject to human error; they are perishable and may not be available to emergency responders in the event of an incident; and they are difficult to exchange between modes or different vehicles within a mode. The use of internationally compatible electronic data-sharing technologies could significantly improve the exchange of hazardous materials shipping information among shippers, carriers, regulatory agencies, and emergency responders. Timely access to accurate hazardous materials shipping information will likely reduce errors in information exchange, improve efficiency, enhance security, and improve the response efforts in the event of a hazardous materials incident. Organizations representing shippers and carriers have expressed the need to improve the hazardous materials documentation process by allowing the option of electronic shipping papers, thereby enhancing transportation productivity and efficiency. Although there are no legal or regulatory prohibitions regarding the use of electronic shipping papers, cost, privacy, and lack of uniformity are factors that could restrict their adoption. Under HMCRP Project 05, Battelle was asked to develop a road map for the use of electronic shipping papers as an alternative to the current paper-based hazardous material communication system. To do so, the researchers examined the needs of key stakeholder groups including (1) motor carriers, railroads, ocean shippers, and cargo-carrying airlines; (2) emergency responders; (3) regulatory agencies; and (4) associations, organizations, and agencies affiliated with the preceding groups. The research examined current practices involving electronic transactions, including those applicable to hazardous materials transportation, and impediments to more widespread use of electronic shipping papers. The research resulted in a critical examination of how a unified electronic shipping paper system could emerge. This is expressed in a road map that demonstrates how affected stakeholders can implement an electronic hazardous materials documentation and data transfer system. It also identifies a methodology for proof-of-concept exercises designed to test the implementation strategies and functionality of an electronic hazardous materials documentation and data transfer system identified by the road map. (Author/publisher)
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