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USERS OF PACKAGINGS
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CARRIER
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PACKAGE TYPE
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Hospitals and their suppliers
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common carrier
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Type A
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Industrial radiography companies
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private carrier
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Type B
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Soil testing laboratories
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private carrier
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Type B
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Food irradiators
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contract carrier
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Type B
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Medical supply sterilizers
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contract carrier
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Type B
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Academic research institutes
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common & contract carrier
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all types
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Nuclear energy fuel cycle facilities
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common & contract carrier
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all types
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Nuclear weapons complex
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contract & government carrier
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all types
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An agency or company that wants to ship RAM (shipper) often makes arrangements with a common or contract carrier or (where appropriate) a private carrier may transport the material. Packagings may be procured or provided by the carrier or a broker; or the shipper may procure the packagings.
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Common
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Common and contract carriers provide a service to others. They carry other peoples' materials. Common carriers have published rates for hauling material, while contract carriers negotiate a specific contract with the shipper. Common and contract carriers are not licensed by the NRC. The responsibility for safety rests with the shipper, who must meet the requirements of DOT and NRC.
(e.g. Federal Express is a common carrier, whereas TriStates is a contract carrier.)
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Contract
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Private
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Private carriers own the radioactive material which they carry. The transport of material is accomplished in direct support of the radioactive material user's business. These carriers are licensed by the NRC. Examples of private carriers who transport their sources from one job site to another are:
Industrial Radiographers
Portable Gauge Users
Well Loggers
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The transportation of radioactive materials is regulated jointly by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The responsibilities of the two agencies are generally
divided as follows:
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DOT
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Regulates shippers and carriers of radioactive material and the conditions of transport (such as routing, tie-downs, vehicle requirements, handling and storage).
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NRC
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Regulates users of radioactive material and the design, construction, use and maintenance of shipping packages for more hazardous radioactive material shipments.
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