Department of Transportation Hazmat Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials to protect the public and the environment. These regulations apply to anyone who offers hazmat for transportation or transports hazmat.
Who is Regulated?
DOT hazmat regulations apply to:
Shippers: who offer hazmat for transportationCarriers: who transport hazmatPackaging manufacturers: who create hazmat containersTraining providers: who certify hazmat employeesHazmat Classification
Hazmat is divided into nine hazard classes:
Class 1: Explosives
Division 1.1: Mass explosion hazardDivision 1.2: Projection hazardDivision 1.3: Fire and minor blast hazardDivision 1.4: Minor explosion hazardDivision 1.5: Very insensitive explosivesDivision 1.6: Extremely insensitive articlesClass 2: Gases
Division 2.1: Flammable gasDivision 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gasDivision 2.3: Toxic gasClass 3: Flammable Liquids
Flash point below 141°F (60°C)Class 4: Flammable Solids
Division 4.1: Flammable solidDivision 4.2: Spontaneously combustibleDivision 4.3: Dangerous when wetClass 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
Division 5.1: OxidizerDivision 5.2: Organic peroxideClass 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
Division 6.1: ToxicDivision 6.2: Infectious substanceClass 7: Radioactive Materials
Class 8: Corrosives
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Proper Shipping Names and UN Numbers
Every hazmat must be identified by its:
Proper Shipping Name: - from the Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101)UN/NA Number: - four-digit identifierHazard Class or DivisionPacking Group: (I, II, or III based on danger level)Example: UN1203, Gasoline, 3, PG II
Packaging Requirements
Hazmat must be packaged in containers that:
Are authorized for the specific materialMeet performance standardsAre properly marked with UN specificationAre in good condition without leaksPacking Groups indicate hazard level:
Packing Group I: - Great danger (most stringent packaging)Packing Group II: - Medium dangerPacking Group III: - Minor dangerMarking Requirements
All hazmat packages must be marked with:
Proper shipping nameUN/NA numberShipper's name and addressConsignee's name and addressSpecial handling marks when applicableAdditional marks may include:
"Overpack" if multiple packages in outer containerOrientation arrows for liquids"Limited Quantity" square-on-point markMarine pollutant markLabeling Requirements
Hazmat labels are diamond-shaped warnings indicating hazard class:
Size: Minimum 3.9 inches (100mm) on each sidePlaced on same surface as markingsMultiple labels for multiple hazardsPrimary hazard closest to proper shipping namePlacarding Requirements
Vehicles transporting hazmat must display placards when:
Any amount of Table 1 materials (explosives, poison gas, etc.)Over 1,001 lbs aggregate gross weight of Table 2 materialsPlacards must be:
On all four sides of vehicleAt least 10.8 inches on each sideClearly visibleMaintained in good conditionShipping Papers
Every hazmat shipment requires shipping papers containing:
Proper shipping nameHazard class or divisionUN/NA numberPacking groupTotal quantityEmergency response informationShipper's certificationAccessibility requirements:
Driver: within reach while seat belt fastenedWhen away from vehicle: driver's door or driver's seatCarrier must retain for 375 daysEmergency Response Information
Must accompany every hazmat shipment:
Immediate health hazardsFire or explosion risksImmediate precautionsInitial response methodsInitial first aidThis can be on shipping papers, separate document, or Emergency Response Guidebook.
Training Requirements
All hazmat employees must receive training in:
General awareness: - recognizing hazmatFunction-specific: - their particular job dutiesSafety: - emergency response informationSecurity awareness: - recognizing security threatsIn-depth security: (if security plan required)Training records must include:
Name of employeeCompletion date of most recent trainingTraining materials usedName and address of trainerCertification that employee was testedRecurrent training: Required every three years (or sooner if regulations change).
Security Plans
A security plan is required for:
Any quantity of highly hazardous materialsLarge bulk quantities of certain materialsPlans must address:
Personnel securityUnauthorized accessEn route securityCommon Violations
Frequently cited issues:
Missing or incorrect shipping papersInadequate employee training/recordsImproper packaging or damaged containersMissing or incorrect markings/labelsFailure to provide emergency response informationMissing or incorrect placardsShipping undeclared hazmatPenalties
DOT can assess civil penalties up to:
$89,678 per violation (2024)$209,249 for violations resulting in death, serious illness, or severe injuryCriminal penalties may apply for willful violations.
Resources for Compliance
49 CFR Parts 100-185 (complete regulations)Emergency Response Guidebook (free from PHMSA)PHMSA website and hotlineIndustry associations and training providersCritical Dynamics provides comprehensive hazmat transportation training and compliance audits. Contact us to ensure your hazmat shipping operations meet all DOT requirements.