How to Use 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Shipping Regulations
Structure of the Code of Federal Regulations
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49 CFR Basic Outline
The Code of Federal Regulations follows the same basic outline used for most written material. Headings follow the descending order shown below:
Title: | Title 49 - Transportation |
Subtitle: | Subtitle B - Other Regulations Relating To Transportation |
Chapter: | Chapter I: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation |
Subchapter: | Subchapter C - Hazardous Materials Regulations |
Part: | Part 172 - Hazardous materials table, special provisions, hazardous materials communication, emergency response information, training requirements, and security plans |
Subpart* | Subpart D - Marking |
Section* | 172.201 |
Paragraph* | 172.201(a) |
Subparagraph* | 172.201(a)(1) |
Sub-subparagraph* | 172.201(a)(1)(i) |
*Listed under Parts, as needed, in descending order. |
Steps to Understanding the Structure of 49 CFR
Step 1: Turn to page 1 in 49 CFR, Parts 100-185. Notice the CFR title at the top of the page:
"Title 49 — Transportation"
The Parts contained in this volume are noted in parentheses: (This book contains parts 100 to 185). The subtitle and chapter are also listed:
"Subtitle B - Other Regulations Relating to Transportation"
"Chapter I - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation"
Step 2: Now locate the Chapter I index:
Chapter I - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation"
Notice that Subchapter C contains the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Pyramid Diagram
The pyramid diagram below illustrates the HMR format just discussed and the location of the HMR in 49 CFR.
TITLE
SUBTITLE
CHAPTER
SUBCHAPTER
PARTS
Rules of Construction, § 171.9
Unless specifically stated otherwise:
- singular words include the plural;
- plural words include the singular;
- masculine words include the feminine;
- "must" means required;
- "shall" means required;
- "should" means recommended, but not required;
- "may" means permitted, but not required;
- "includes" means includes, but not limited to; and
- "no person may" means no person is required, authorized or permitted to...
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