What information does a UN identification number convey in hazmat transportation?

• A. It identifies the substance or article being transported for regulatory and response reference.
• B. It indicates the price of the shipment.
• C. It shows the shipping company.
• D. It denotes the route the shipment will take.

Answer: (A)

The UN identification number is a four-digit code used to identify the specific substance or article being transported. This code is standardized internationally so regulators, shippers, and emergency responders can reference the exact material quickly and unambiguously. It ties to the hazard class, packing requirements, and the appropriate response actions, helping to determine which regulations apply and what safety procedures to follow. The UN number is typically shown on shipping papers, labels, and emergency response guides, and it is used to disambiguate materials that might have similar names.

This information is not about price, the shipping company, or the route, so those details aren’t conveyed by the UN number.