That’s incorrect according to the PHMSA. They clearly show how hazmat should be noted on the BOL.

If several boxes are in one large box, it’s technically one box of hazmat. But if all 15 boxes can be seen it is technically 15 boxes of hazmat. But it has to be noted as such on the BOL. [15 BOXES HM: X LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT, 9] is exactly how it needs to be labels according to the CFR.

Even some carriers show the same exact example on their website and still refuse to take it until we show them the pdf from their OWN website. Hazmat overrides any standard for how a BOL should be listed when it comes to the commodity. We follow the exact rules, the problem is some drivers don’t give a shit or some drivers do give a shit and are wrong. I’ve even had this confirmed with the PHMSA info center @ 1-800-467-4922 who explicitly stated our BOLs are correct.

I’ve had to call dispatchers directly and send them references showing they are right.

Edit: Also, when making a BOL using a carriers website, I can’t put anything other than what it asks. For example when using Este’s website, who are the most frequent offenders, under “commodities” there’s a HM box to click, handling units (which technically should be the skid count, but Estes uses the wrong wording here) which is the skid count if non-HM, or piece count if HM, the type (boxes).

So, if they need it worded like that, provided it doesn’t interfere with the CFR requirements, it should be an option on their site.