The USDOT issues most of the “Transportation” regulations in Title 49 – Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are in the volume containing Parts 100-185 and govern the transportation of hazardous materials in all modes of transportation – air, highway, rail and water
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) has the force of the law. The regulations are issued by Federal agencies to carry out the responsibilities imposed on those agencies by Congress.
The HMR must be used to determine the requirements for shipping hazardous materials and should be treated like a technical or reference book. Read it carefully and always read other sections referenced. When determining compliance always use the current HMR and any Federal Register Notices issued since the publish date. It is recommended that you tab your copy of 49 CFR Parts 100 to 185. A recommended tabbing guide is on pages 6-7 of this publication.