Which combination of details is used to select placards for hazmat shipments?

• A. Hazards class, quantity, and type of shipment
• B. Destination, route, and weather
• C. Package color, container shape, and label size
• D. Shipper's phone, consignee, and invoice number

Answer: (A)

Placards are chosen based on what hazards you’re carrying, not where you’re going or the packaging’s appearance. The main drive is the hazard class or division of the material, because each class has a specific placard that visually warns responders about the risk. If a shipment contains more than one hazard, you may need multiple placards to reflect each risk represented on the shipping papers.

Quantity matters because there are thresholds that determine whether placards are required at all, and how many placards must be used on the vehicle. Very small or limited quantities may be exempt from standard placarding, while larger or bulk shipments require standard placards and may need multiple signs.

The type of shipment, meaning the mode of transport and how the material is packaged (bulk, non-bulk, etc.), also influences placarding rules. Different shipment types can have different placarding requirements or exceptions, so the combination of hazard class, quantity, and shipment type gives you the correct set of placards to display.

Choices like destination, route, weather, or cosmetic details of the packaging do not determine which placards are required, and contact details or invoice numbers are not used for placarding.