Which document is essential for transporting hazardous materials?

The essential document for transporting hazardous materials is a hazardous materials shipping paper. This specific document serves several critical functions: it provides detailed information about the hazardous materials being transported, including the proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number, and emergency response information. It is a legal requirement under federal and state regulations that all transporters of hazardous materials carry this shipping paper to ensure safe handling, prevent accidents, and facilitate appropriate emergency response if necessary.

In contrast, the other documents mentioned, such as an ordinary bill of lading, customer invoice, and general receipt, do not contain the specialized information required for hazardous materials transport and do not meet regulatory requirements for safety and compliance in handling hazardous goods. Therefore, they cannot be used in place of the hazardous materials shipping paper in this context.