What is the UN number on a shipping label?

The UN number on a shipping label is a four-digit number assigned by the United Nations specifically to identify hazardous materials during transport. This system is crucial for safety and regulatory compliance, as it allows first responders and transport personnel to quickly identify the nature of the material being transported in the event of an emergency. Each UN number corresponds to a specific substance or group of sub-stances, providing essential information for handling, storage, and response to incidents involving hazardous materials.

This identification process is important in ensuring that hazardous materials are transported safely and that appropriate safety measures are in place during transit. The other options do not accurately describe the UN number's function, as they refer either to unrelated purposes such as insurance, shipment dates, or owner identification.