Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) Trucking Key Terms

Learn HAZMAT trucking key terms to improve safety

When transporting hazardous materials, it's important to understand the rules in order to ensure the safety of everyone. New truck drivers may need to learn several key terms before they are qualified to transport hazardous materials. They'll need to go through the HAZMAT Endorsement Threat Assessment Program and understand the Department of Transportation's regulations. They'll also need to learn about hazardous materials classification, so that they can put the proper placard on their truck. Start by learning the following terms.

 

Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, is the government body that regulates the shipment of hazardous materials. This organization sets the rules that truck drivers must follow.
Try: Learn more about the Department of Transportation from their website.

HAZMAT Endorsement Threat Assessment Program

As part of the USA Patriot Act, truck drivers must go through a formal assessment before they are issued a commercial driver's license. This is to ensure that they do not pose a threat to national security.
Try: The Transportation Security Administration discusses the HAZMAT Endorsement Threat Assessment Program and how to apply for clearance.

Canada/U.S. reciprocal recognition of containers

In the past, certain Canadian trucks were only allowed to cross the border and unload their goods. They could not fill up with a new load. Recent agreements, however, allow for Canada/U.S. reciprocal recognition of containers, which means that they do not differentiate between a Canadian-build and an American-built shipping container.
Try: Learn more about this from AllBusiness.

Dangerous goods classification

The DOT has several classifications for dangerous substances, including flammables, radioactives, explosives, and toxic substances. It's important to know a material's classification because you have to mark it on your truck.
Try: Oklahoma State University discusses the dangerous goods classification system.

Hazardous materials transportation placards

The Department of Transportation requires all trucks carrying hazardous materials to display a placard that specifies what it is carrying. There are placards that contain numbers and visual placards with a drawing of the danger, such as a fire for flammable objects and the skull and crossbones for poisonous items.
Try: Visit EnvironmentalChemistry.com to learn more about the hazardous materials transportation placards and to see examples.

Hazardous materials table

The hazardous materials table was created by the Department of Transportation. It provides information about all of the hazardous substances, such as their classification and quantity limits.
Try: See a copy of the hazardous materials table at MyRegs.com.

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