Transportation Boss Fears More In-Car Gadgetry Wired News The News cites federal statistics showing nearly 6000 people died last year in accidents involving distracted drivers and half a million more were injured. ...
Fatal accident bridge reopens Press and Journal Mr Raeside had delivered fuel from the Grangemouth terminal to Inverness, and was on the return trip when the accident happened. Although the tanker was ...
Radiation leak scare at SAIT CTV.ca Hazardous Materials teams tested the area and did find trace amounts of radioactive material at the site. But officials say the amounts were so small there ...
Roadside Hazmat - News, Information & Analysis for DOT regulations and requirements
Welcome to Roadside Hazmat!
Trouble understanding the DOT hazmat rules and regulations?
Everyday, truck drivers and carriers say "I hate dealing with hazmat loads!"
Roadside Hazmat is for truck drivers, carriers and shippers and other ground transportation professionals to help them understand the USDOT hazmat regulations. If you transport hazmat you know that the hazardous materials regulations (HMR's) are full exemptions and change in the blink of an eye!
We're not chemical engineers or lawyers, so keep in mind that that this is a news and information website setup for professional purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or a safety plan. If you have serious compliance issues, it's recommended that you contact either PHMSA or seek professional legal services. Read our Terms of Service.
Using Roadside Hazmat
Use the search box in the upper left corner of the page above the logo to search for articles on this site. We've also provided resources that will be helpful to you in the "Gov't Resources" menu.
Comments or Suggestion?
If you have a comment or suggestion on how to make Roadside Hazmat better, or maybe even a hazmat trucking story you'd like to tell then Contact us.
Emergency Response Guide Training Video
Using the 2008 ERG book
You've got that dirty old Emergency Response Guide book in you're door pocket that you never look at. Do you remember how to use it?
The North Amercian Emergency Response Guide is used by everyone from truck drivers, police and firefighters to respond to a hazardous materials incident.
This video is updated for the 2008 ERG book, but the principles of its use are the same no matter which version of the book you may have.
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Civil Penalties for Hazmat Violations Adjusted by PHMSA
PHMSA issues final rule to increases maximum and minimum fines 10% for violations of the the hazardous materials regulations.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration places requirments on new entrants
Press release from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration talking about the new entrant safety assurance program that they have instituted. We've also provided a link to read the final rule for yourself.
Transporting Wet Batteries: Let the confusion begin!
Taking a look at the exception for Transporting wet batteries
You're transporting batteries and sometimes you're placarded, and sometimes you're not. What gives? It's the wet batteries exception in the regulations that can confuse drivers, carriers and inspectors.
The basics on how UN number markings are displayed
UN identification numbers can only be displayed 3 ways. Here are the basics of UN number requirements, with a few cargo tank markings thrown in for good measure!
Special Permits that have an established safety record to be included into hazmat regulatons
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) is looking to incorporate special permits into the hazmat regulations that have a proven safety record and that many other companies use.
Hazmat is most dangerous when it's been released. Now what do you do?
Hazmat spill scenes are chaos at the very least. Who do you notify when an incident happens and how long do you have to notify them? It's boring reading, but we've included two complete regualtions (171.15, 171.16) that help guide you during an incident.
What are labels and when should they appear on the package?
Labels look like mini placards that communicate the hazard inside a package. Although there are some exceptions, packages that contain a hazardous material should have labels on them.
DOT office of drug and alcohol issue compliance notice
DOT (Dept. of Transportation) declares that DOJ (Dept. of Justice) guidelines will not affect the regulated drug testing program and pursuit of criminal cases.
Civil Penalties for Hazmat Violations Adjusted by PHMSA
FMCSA New Entrant Program
Transporting Wet Batteries: Let the confusion begin!
Bulk Package Markings: UN number display
PHMSA to include special permits into regulations
Hazardous Materials Incident Reporting
Hazmat Labeling