Basics of Transporting Liquids and Chemicals by Truck

Title 49 CFR establishes regulations that chemical trucking companies must follow

Transporting liquids and chemicals by truck is one mode of transportation manufacturers utilize to receive resources needed to make their product. Chemicals transported on American highways fall under one of nine hazardous material classes established by the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 173.2: explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizers, poisons, radioactive materials, corrosive liquids, miscellaneous and other regulated material. Title 49 CFR serves to protect citizens by establishing regulations that companies transporting liquids by truck must adhere.

Transporting liquids and chemicals by truck to meet the safety standards of United States Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (Title 49 CFR) includes:

1. Ensuring you hire properly licensed and trained drivers

2. Placing appropriate placards

3. Training employees on chemical transportation safety

 

Employ drivers that have the necessary qualifications to operate liquid and chemical trucks

Drivers involved with the transportation of chemicals must have their Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
Try: Refer to the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to review the requirements needed to obtain a Commercial Drivers License. Truck Driving Schools such as the Truck Driver Institute can provide one with the necessary training. One should be cognizant of criminal offenses provided by the CDL Digest that disqualify one from transporting hazardous materials.

Place the appropriate placards when transporting liquids and chemicals by truck

The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations require that hazardous materials placards be used during chemical transport so in the event of an accident or other situation, emergency response personnel know what liquids they are dealing with and respond accordingly.
Try: The United States Department of Transportation provides an Emergency Response Guidebook that lists the four-digit UN number for hazardous materials. ShippingLabels.com sells placard holders and labels identifying the materials in the liquid chemical transport that you can purchase.

Provide training to employees on transporting liquids and chemicals by truck basics

The United States Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations requires that employees (including those individuals transporting chemicals by truck) receive hazmat training within three years of their previous training. Make sure they are knowledgeable about the chemicals they are transporting and what action to take should an accident or leak occurs.
Try: Online training programs such as Mastery Technologies and Compliance Solutions allow employees to meet the requirements of Title 49 CFR at their leisure.

 

• Be proactive in preventing accidents involving vehicles that transport chemicals by performing routine maintenance, checking the integrity of the tank to ensure there are no leaks and providing drivers with driver education courses, in addition to the required Title 49 CFR training. Participating in driver education courses not only helps improve one's driving habits, but may also allow you to receive a discount on your insurance premium.

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