Who is responsible for certifying on the bills of lading that the hazardous materials are prepared properly?

The responsibility for certifying that hazardous materials are prepared properly on the bills of lading falls to the shipper. This is because the shipper is the party that packages and prepares the hazardous materials for transport. They must ensure that the materials are compliant with all regulations, which includes correctly labeling them, providing appropriate documentation, and complying with the specific requirements for hazard communication.

Solely relying on the shipper to handle these aspects is crucial because they have direct control over the preparation and packaging of the materials before they are handed over to the carrier for transport. The shipper must have complete knowledge of the materials being shipped, including any potential hazards and necessary precautions, which equips them to accurately certify that everything complies with safety regulations and standards. This certification plays a key role in ensuring the safety of the transport process and the protection of all parties involved.