In addition to having a commercial driver’s license (CDL), HAZMAT drayage drivers must obtain a HAZMAT endorsement displayed on their license. Drivers with this endorsement have completed training and passed an exam demonstrating their knowledge of safely handling and transporting HAZMAT materials.

Hazardous materials transported via roadways must be packaged, classified, and placed in containers approved by the U.S. DOT. Placards and labels must be displayed on the exterior of packages identifying the material in the container and its hazards. Shipping documents that accompany HAZMAT drayage deliveries that describe the material, how much hazardous material is in each container, and emergency contact information in the event of accidental exposure.

The most common types of HAZMAT materials a professional drayage company can transport include:

• Flammable Solids: powdered cellulose used in explosives and propellants; fireworks and other pyrotechnics; lithium metal (ignites instantly when exposed to water or air).
• Flammable Liquids: ethanol (ethyl alcohol), diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene.
• Radioactive Materials: any material that emits ionizing radiation, such as uranium, plutonium, iodine-131, Americium-241.
• Oxidizing Materials: ammonium nitrate, potassium permanganate, sodium chlorate, nitric acid.
• Compressed Gas: carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, propane, chlorine, and ammonia stored in pressurized tanks or cylinders.
• Corrosive Materials: battery fluids; sulfuric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids; sodium hydroxide
• Toxic Materials: herbicides, pesticides, lead, asbestos, mercury.
• Infectious Biological Materials: contained bacteria and viruses; blood products such as tissue or plasma harboring infectious pathogens; prions; parasites.

HAZMAT drayage companies display diamond-shaped signs, or placards, on transportation vehicle exteriors to indicate the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials. Placards provide rapid identification of materials for inspectors and emergency responders involved in exposure incidents, helping them to minimize the health risk to the public.

Specific symbols and colors on placards follow standardized, global guidelines. For example, the universal symbol for flammable liquids is a red square on a white background. Placards identifying biohazardous materials have a biohazard symbol on a background that presents contrasting colors with the symbol.

In addition to employing only experienced, HAZMAT-endorsed drivers to transport hazardous materials, a leading HAZMAT drayage company ensures that all materials are correctly labeled and classified, packed into appropriate containers, and appropriately secured for transportation.

Depending on a material’s hazardous rating, HAZMAT drayage companies choose the safest routes to move materials after considering road conditions, traffic patterns, population densities, and other factors. Vehicles also undergo regular inspections to ensure they are in excellent working order so materials are delivered on time without incident.

HAZMAT drayage services utilize proactive risk management strategies to respond quickly to leaks or spills. HAZMAT drayage vehicles are also equipped with spill kits to contain and neutralize small leakages.

HAZMAT drayage companies incorporate GPS devices to track the speed and location of our drayage vehicles and monitor the movement of hazardous materials. Onboard communication is also used so drivers can immediately report problems or concerns during transportation.

Telematics systems, which are an advanced combination of information and communications technology, may also be used to track HAZMAT shipments. Telematics consists of hardware utilized by drivers within their vehicles, data processing software, and communication networks that help improve the safety and efficiency of HAZMAT drayage services.

Barcoding and radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems track containers in real time, and relay information between drivers and drayage companies about hazardous materials’ contents, handling, and documentation.

Temperature and humidity sensors operating within drayage vehicles monitor environmental factors that could increase the volatility of some hazardous materials during transport.

General liability insurance covers costs resulting from property damage or personal injuries. This type of insurance does not cover costs associated with hazardous materials.

Motor truck cargo insurance is a federal and state mandate that protects the value of the transported shipment in case of loss or damage.
HAZMAT cargo legal liability insurance covers the legal liabilities the drayage company may face when injuries or property damage occurs while transporting hazardous materials.

Pollution liability insurance pays for costs associated with environmental damages caused by accidents or spills involving hazardous materials.

Federal permits include a unique identification number the U.S. Department of Transportation assigns to HAZMAT drayage companies moving hazardous materials across one or more state lines. A Hazardous Material Safety Permit (MHSP) is also needed that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues. The MHSP indicates that the HAZMAT drayage company has met safety standards for moving hazardous materials via roadways.

Depending on state regulations, HAZMAT drayage services must have a permit to operate within that particular state. Such state-issued permits may include endorsements for transporting hazardous materials.

Cities and counties may require a HAZMAT drayage company to obtain a permit to transport hazardous materials through local areas. Route restrictions and unique safety protocols could also be addressed on local permits.

Yes, HAZMAT drayage services can transport mixed loads of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. However, strict regulations must be followed when transporting mixed materials, beginning with identifying whether the non-hazardous and hazardous materials are compatible. HAZMAT drayage services cannot transport incompatible mixed loads that pose the risk of contamination or volatility in adjunct storage units.

Compatible hazardous and non-hazardous materials must be properly and securely segregated within drayage vehicles. All storage units must be labeled and have the correct documentation associated with the material readily available for review.

The U.S. EPA and U.S. DOT often regulate mixed loads comprised of specific materials. For example, DOT’s segregation guidelines and tables in the Code of Regulations provide information for legally transporting hazardous materials in 49 CFR 177.848.

According to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the EPA enforces guidelines for HAZMAT drayage services regarding labeling, storing, and transporting mixed loads.

Trusting a professional HAZMAT drayage service like Century Express Virginia is the safest method for moving hazardous materials or mixed loads. Our full-service drayage company meets or exceeds regulations, has the certifications and insurance necessary to transport HAZMAT materials, and utilizes proprietary emergency response plans in the event of spillage or accidents.