Chapter 6. ACTIONS OF SHIPPERS, RECEIVERS, AND CARRIERS

TM 55-315

CHAPTER 6

ACTIONS OF SHIPPERS, RECEIVERS, AND CARRIERS

Section I. GENERAL

6-1. Purpose

This chapter outlines the general requirements for action by shippers (consignors), receivers (consignees), and carriers of

radioactive material. Federal, State, and municipal regulating agencies enact changes to regulations and statutes daily.

Adverse publicity and fines result from strict enforcement of these changes. It is the duty of the installation transportation

officer (ITO) to have the shipment in compliance with the latest changes when the shipment is released for transport and

the certification is signed. The ITO is held responsible for compliance and inspection of all packages and documentation

for shipments of radioactive material.

6-2. Organization and Use

Section II contains the rules and regulatory requirements (cross-indexed to the appropriate regulations or document).

Section HI contains checklists that may be used to ensure that required actions are accomplished.

Section II. RULES AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

6-3. Shipments Rules and Procedures (AR 385-11)

a. Shipments of all radioactive materials will be arranged by the installation transportation officer. The ITO will

ensure that all the required coordination is accomplished and will take such other actions as required under existing

regulations.

b. The transportation officer will assure that all external characteristics of the container(s) are fully acceptable and

comply with all regulatory requirements for the commodity described by the radiation protection officer's statement.

Transportation officers will not accept or offer for shipment visibly inadequate, damaged, or leaking package(s) or

container(s). The transportation officer will assure that tiedowns are adequate before any radioactive materials are

moved by car or truck.

6-4. General Rules for Highway Movement (Chap 11)

a. Shipments by commercial motor vehicles will be made according to applicable DOT regulations. Additional

safety requirements may be specified by Army regulations.

b. Highway shipments requiring escorts will be made only by carriers approved by MTMC to handle ammunition and

explosives, classes A and B, or by carriers with equal safety standards.

6-5. General Rules for Rail Movement (Chap 12)

a. Rail movements of radioactive materials will be made according to applicable DOT regulations. The authority to

formulate regulations for the safe transport of explosives and other dangerous articles by land in the United States is

vested in DOT.

b. Escorted shipments of radioactive materials will be made according to the rules and regulations of DOT and DA.

Expedited service (MTX Symbol) is required and will be obtained as provided in paragraph 39-9b(1), AR 55-355. Each

shipment will be handled as a separate transaction.

6-6. General Rules for Air Movement (Chap 10)

a. All commercial air shipments of radioactive material will be made according to applicable FAA regulations.

b. They also will be made according to such other rules and regulations as may be prescribed by appropriate

regulatory bodies and the military services concerned.

c. Air movement to overseas destinations will be governed by the provisions and procedures in AR 55-16.

d. When radioactive materials, other than weapons, are scheduled for commercial air shipment

6-1