The basic description provides detailed information about a hazardous material that is being transported. The basic description information is placed on shipping papers in a specified order required by 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart C of the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR).

1. Identification Number—The identification number is a four digit number which that has been assigned to hazardous materials by the United Nations (UN). The ID number established uniformity and harmonization amongst international transporters of hazardous materials. The UN ID number can be found in the yellow pages of the Emergency Response Guidebook.
2. Proper Shipping Name—The proper shipping name is assigned to a hazardous material or dangerous good. This is based upon the chemical composition of the hazardous material or dangerous good and can be found in the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT). The letters “n.o.s.” are added if the proper shipping name is "Not Otherwise Specified” in the HMT.
3. Hazard Class—The 49 C.F.R. Hazard Class number of the material being shipped. (i.e., Class 1 for explosives, Class 5 for oxidizers).
4. Packing Group—The UN assigns a packaging group classifying the regulated material further by the amount of risk each material possesses during transportation. There are three packing groups:

• Packing Group I—Greatest Danger
• Packing Group II—Medium Danger
• Packing Group III—Least Danger