The Truth About Hauling Hazmat

Did you know that if you haul hazmat materials, you need to have a registration number with the PHMSA? 

Not only that, but you need to update/renew your permit every year.

https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/ is where you can get that done.

It doesn’t stop there, though. If you are transporting through specific states, like Colorado, you need to get a state permit. 

As of the time, we are writing this if you only transport Class 9 hazardous materials. None of this is required.  But as we all know, that is subject to change.

This is only the beginning, and throughout this blog, we will cover many more things that you should know.

Here are the things that you should have on or in your truck before your start hauling Hazmat.

1. Emergency response Guide (ERG)
   1. Every truck needs to have its own ERG, and it needs to be accessible from the ground of the driver’s side door.
2. A bigger fire extinguisher
   1. We already knew that we needed a fire extinguisher on all CMV’s. But when we haul Hazmat the size, we need increases. Also, the rating might be different as well.  Be sure to check out the FMCSR’s to be sure you have the right equipment.
3. SD Sheet
   1. It would help if you had a Safety Datasheet in your truck for what you are hauling.
4. Emergency contacts
   1. Every company needs to have a sheet in the truck book in the truck that has emergency contact information.  
   2. A lot of companies use Chem tracks for this service.  They have trained professionals on call 24-7 specifically for this purpose.
5. Placards
   1. Every vehicle transporting Hazmats needs to have placards on all four sides that let others know what you are hauling. The primary purpose of these placards is to make sure that emergency responders can tell what is being transported from a distance. That way, they can be safe if there is an accident.
6. Shipping documents.
   1. Shipping documents are vital, especially with Hazmat loads.  It would help ensure that your drivers are tracking what they are hauling, when and where they pick it up, and when and where they drop it off.

We might miss a few more things, so don’t take our word for it. Read the Regulations to MAKE sure that you comply.

We can’t stop there, though.

When you work with Hazardous Materials, you also need to make sure that you have the proper training, policies, and other key essential items in place to ensure that your crews are safe.

All employees who work around Hazmat need to go through HazMat awareness training every three years.  

This means everyone, from the manager to the driver to the person who bills to file the shipping documents.

Every employee who you hire needs to go through initial training as well. This doesn’t need to be a HUGE production, just a simple conversation that introduces them to your systems and procedures, so they know how to succeed with your company. It also helps you because they can learn how your company operates and what you expect from them regarding HAzmat.

Site security plans are also an essential item that everyone who handles Hazmat needs to have in place.  If you keep hazardous materials on your premises, it gets a little bit more complicated. But they aren’t impossible to write.  

Be sure to include what precautions you take to ensure they are safe, in transit, and at your facility. 

This is just the tip of the ice burg. But I’m sure after reading this, you might feel like you are drinking from a fire hose!

It’s not that bad. Remember one step at a time, and we are here if you ever need any help.