Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) Trucking Education and Training

Hazardous materials (Haz Mat) trucking education and training is available from various resources

Hazardous materials trucking is an occupation that requires ongoing education on regulations pertaining to the transportation of such materials. In addition to maintaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), drivers employed by hazmat transportation companies are also required to be educated on 49 CFR, the materials they transport, proper handling procedures of materials, use of placards identifying the material being transported and emergency response procedures should a hazmat incident occur.

Individuals can achieve a career in hazmat trucking by:

1. Meeting hazmat trucking requirements

2. Completing hazardous materials (Haz Mat) trucking education and training

3. Keeping abreast of regulatory changes in the transportation of hazardous materials

 

Meet hazardous material trucking requirements

In order to qualify for a job in the hazardous materials trucking field, one must possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). In addition, one must receive endorsement from the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program as required by the USA Patriot Act.
Try: Refer to the Top Trucking Schools website to locate a trucking school in your area so you can obtain your CDL. When contacting a trucking school, ask if a loan program is in place to help finance tuition. Apply to the TSA Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program as required by the USA Patriot Program. The purpose of this program is to ensure that individuals transporting hazardous materials do not pose a risk to security and involves checks on an individual’s criminal history, legal status and international databases, if applicable.

Complete hazardous materials (Haz Mat) trucking education and training online

Online training programs enable hazmat trucking companies to not only schedule employee training to fit their schedules, but also allows drivers to work through the course material at their own pace.
Try: Online Hazmat School and idrivetrucks.com offer hazmat transportation companies online training programs designed to educate drivers on 49 CFR and the Department of Transportation requirements.

Complete hazardous materials (Haz Mat) trucking education and training in a classroom environment.

Hazardous materials transportation companies can provide training to their employees in a classroom environment to not only ensure drivers complete the hazardous materials program, but also accommodate individuals who are not familiar or comfortable with computers.
Try: Hazardous Materials Regulations Training and Lion Technology provide onsite training related to trucking hazardous materials, ensuring that drivers are educated on the regulatory requirements of transporting hazardous materials.

Join a trade association to keep abreast of regulatory changes in hazardous material trucking

Drivers must complete hazardous materials training courses regularly. Over time, changes in regulations pertaining to trucking and hazardous materials occur. Trade associations are an effective way for hazmat transportation companies and drivers to remain current on regulations affecting hazmat trucking and hazmat trucking jobs.
Try: The Council of Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) and the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals are organizations devoted to keeping members up to date not only on regulatory changes and on issues facing the hazardous waste industry, but also provides educational and training opportunities to its members.

 

• Contact your local emergency operations center and volunteer your hazardous materials trucking company to participate in hazmat drills. Participation in a mock disaster event provides participants further hands-on training regarding hazmat response procedures that will prove invaluable should an actual incident occur.

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