DOT Converts Hazmat Transportation Permits into Federal Regulations

“This rulemaking is another step in incorporating tested transportation technologies and operations from longstanding special permits into the regulations, promoting safety and streamlining our processes,” said PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently announced its efforts to improve the safe transport of hazardous materials by incorporating the provisions of six widely used cargo tank special permits into Federal Hazardous Materials regulations. The agency hopes the new regulation will cut down on thousands of special permit applications each year.

The special permits incorporated into regulations have long established safety records. Like all special permits, these were used to approve processes for hazmat transport not explicitly spelled out in PHMSA regulations. Over years, the practices approved in these permits became commonplace and were proven safe.

“President Obama asked us to find ways to make our government better for the people of the United States,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Getting rid of this cumbersome process will maintain safety and save businesses and the government both time and money.”

“This rulemaking is another step in incorporating tested transportation technologies and operations from longstanding special permits into the regulations, promoting safety and streamlining our processes,” said PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman.

Streamlining the hazardous materials special permit and approvals process is a major priority for PHMSA. Last year, the Department released an Action Plan to improve PHMSA’s safety oversight, processes, procedures, and policies for its hazardous materials special permits and approvals program.

Listed below are the six special permits that will be incorporated into the Hazardous Materials Regulations pertaining to the shipment of certain hazardous materials in cargo tanks.

Two of the special permits cover hazardous materials mounted on farm trucks used exclusively for agricultural purposes:

- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
- Liquid soil pesticide (toxic substances)
- One special permit covers the transportation of hazardous materials used for striping roads.
- One special permit authorizes private motor carrier companies to transport propane tanks most commonly used for home heating and cooking.
- Two special permits address nurse tanks:
- The first covers the transportation of nurse tanks securely mounted on field trucks.
- The second authorizes the use of the nurse tanks carrying anhydrous ammonia under certain conditions when the tanks are missing or have illegible identification plates.
- The final rule is available on PHMSA’s website at www.phmsa.dot.gov.