Many transportation companies dealing with hazmat face issues that are strictly regulatory. In order to conform to DOT compliance standards, the shipper needs to be aware of various aspects related to hazmat transportation. If such services are to be hired, then it becomes imperative to ensure 3PL hazmat compliance status. Read more.

1. Hazmat Transportation Regulations – A General Overview
Many transportation companies dealing with hazmat face issues that are strictly regulatory. In order to conform to
DOT compliance standards, the shipper needs to be aware of various aspects related to hazmat transportation. If such
services are to be hired, then it becomes imperative to ensure 3PL hazmat compliance status. Non-compliance can
lead to heavy penalties ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions.
To give a general overview of what a shipment company needs to know about hazmat, here is a list of responsibilities
that a shipper must shoulder:
• Determine whether a material is classified as hazardous by the regulations
• Proper shipping name
• Division/class
• Identification number
• Packaging instructions
• Marking instructions
• Training of employees
• Warning labels
• Shipping papers
• Emergency response information
• Certification and compatibility
• Blocking, bracing and placarding
• Security plan and incident reporting
This list includes only the major responsibilities of the shipper. A detailed list of the same is available on the FMCSA
website. The shipping company is required to keep track of different sets of information pertaining to each separate
type of hazmat being transported. This increases complexities tremendously. Apart from adherence to DOT standards,
FAA compliance is also required.
There are many consulting firms that offer professional DOT compliance training courses in hazmat shipping. They also
provide direct operational support to shipment companies. It is necessary to safely transport hazmat in order to
prevent harm to humans and property. Proper training of shippers ensures safety. The transport company that
complies with hazmat shipping standards demonstrates efficiency and smooth operation.