For the purpose of determining the adequacy of shipping containers or loading or bracing methods or changes to existing numbered packages or other packaging and packing requirements not specifically provided for in the Classification, shipments for the purpose of experimentation and test, subject to the direction and supervision of the National Classification Committee Packaging Engineer, will be accepted for transportation without the assessment of increased charges as provided in Item 687, under the following conditions:
       (a) A request must be made to the National Classification Committee by completing the 'Test Shipment Permit Application Form' and the 'Proposal for Change in the National Motor Freight Classification Form.' Forms must be accompanied, as applicable, by supporting evidence such as photographs, certified laboratory test reports and other evidence pertinent to the request.
       (b) If such request has sufficient merit, the National Classification Committee will issue a Permit authorizing the tender and acceptance of test shipments at the rates or ratings provided by the applicable commodity description.
       (c) The shipper must furnish a copy of the Test Shipment Permit to each origin carrier at each shipping point when tendering the first shipment under Permit. The Permit copy must be directed to the attention of the carrier's terminal manager receiving the shipment. The delivering carrier must notify the National Classification Committee, the shipper and the originating carrier of any loss or damage to shipments authorized by the Test Shipment Permit, listing in detail the nature of the loss or damage and apparent reasons therefor.
       (d) The shipping containers or loading or bracing methods for the use of which a Permit is issued do not conform to the requirements of the Classification in effect on the date of shipment and are used at the election and risk of the shipper. The shipper agrees that the acceptance in transportation of such shipments, in the case of loss, damage or injury to the property, shall be altogether without prejudice to any defense of the carrier as to insufficiency of the package or loading or bracing method, act or default of the shipper, or otherwise.
       (e) When test shipments are tendered to the carrier, all carrier copies of shipping orders and bills of lading must have the following notation printed or stamped by the shipper in a prominent location in upper case characters, in such a manner that can be reproduced by conventional copying machines: TEST SHIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH NMFC ITEM 689, T-000-00 (Insert Permit number). Additionally, all commodities being shipped under Test Shipment Permits must be listed separately or underlined on the shipping order and bill of lading.
       Carrier freight bills and billing documents must also bear the test shipment notation and maintain a separate listing or underlining of commodities moving under Test Shipment Permit.
       (f) Each package must be prominently marked by the shipper 'TEST CONTAINER' with the Permit number shown under such marking. Unless otherwise specified, markings are to be placed on an outside vertical face or top of the container in upper case letters not less than 1/2 inch in height, or of a size proportional to the space available.
       (g) Where deemed appropriate, shippers may be required to furnish the National Classification Committee with copies of bills of lading involving test shipments and information regarding the condition of such shipments upon arrival. Failure to comply with any prescribed reporting requirements will result in the cancellation of the issued Permit.