Standards for Handling Dangerous Shipments
Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser
If you participate in any step of the process of shipping hazardous goods, you need proper safety training. A proper education protects you, others in the transportation process and the public at large. It’s also required by federal law.
Dangerous goods shipping safety is important for a surprising variety of jobs. Packagers picking orders in electronics warehouses, heavy truck drivers hauling gas shipments, shipment managers in transit hubs and everything in between are all subject to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) HAZMAT shipment rules.
Here we will explore the standards for handling potentially harmful shipments and the safety training that may be required for your job.
Understanding DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations and Compliance Requirements
The transportation of all dangerous goods — from gasoline to batteries — across the country is overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation. HAZMAT is an abbreviation for hazardous materials, which refers to all materials that pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. These products can include solids, liquids and gases.
There are nine DOT-recognized classes of restricted materials:
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases
- Class 3: Flammable Liquids
- Class 4: Flammable Solids
- Class 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Class 7: Radioactive Materials
- Class 8: Corrosives
- Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is a subordinate agency of the DOT. It is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safe and secure movement of these goods to industry and consumers by all modes of transportation, ranging from trucks to pipelines.
As part of that mandate, PHMSA enforces the federal DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, especially Parts 100 through 185. PHMSA is just part of a larger strategy of HAZMAT law enforcement that includes organizations ranging from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
The rules found in the HMR apply to everyone involved in the transportation of any restricted good. Complying with these requirements is important for your job, whether you’re a delivery driver or a logistics manager. Fortunately, your employer is required to train you on the rules for your role. What compliance means for each job varies, depending on work duties, expected hazards and other factors.
Specifics On Shipping Hazardous Materials and Classification Criteria
It’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed with all the agencies and regulations involved in HAZMAT shipping standards. Protecting people and the environment from the potential risks of transporting dangerous products is extremely important.
But the average worker doesn’t need to understand every part of the regulatory process. Like most workers, you just need training in the aspects that apply to your job.
DOT provides a helpful guide on how to determine what specific steps you need to take to ship HAZMAT. There are six steps to follow:
1. Classify the Material
Look up the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Most products will have an SDS you can use to classify the item according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Every SDS includes a four-digit ID number, a proper shipping name, the hazard class and the packing group for the product.
You can use this information to find the right entry on the Hazardous Materials Table. Getting this step right is key because it dictates the correct precautions for every other part of the shipping journey.
2. Select Quantities and Packaging
Pick the appropriate packaging for the volume of HAZMAT. You may need to choose specialized packaging to meet regulatory needs. For some very dangerous substances, the packaging itself may pose a separate health hazard that you will need to take into account.
3. Create the Package
Package the shipment based on the regulations you found in the last step. If you need to use specialty packaging, the manufacturer should provide instructions on how to prepare it. This type of packaging is designed to contain HAZMAT, so you must assemble it correctly. Failure to follow instructions may cause harmful exposure later.
4. Mark and Label
Use the correct hazard communication on the package. It could include orientation arrows, shipper’s information, hazard class labels, placards and more. PHMSA offers a guide to interpreting packaging markings.
5. Prepare to Send
If regulations require it, prepare a shipping paper or bill of lading that includes a description of the HAZMAT. Details may include:
- UN identification number
- Proper shipping name
- Hazard class
- Packing group
- Quantity
- Number and type of packages
- Emergency contact information
- Shipper’s certification
Other information may be required as well. Make sure to go over all paperwork in exacting detail for mistakes. It’s better to find problems early — before accidentally causing a health hazard or facing a lawsuit.
6. Ship
DOT encourages shippers to work closely with carriers to verify any additional carrier requirements for shipping dangerous goods. Depending on your destination, a package may need to meet any number of road, rail, airline or watercraft restrictions.
Shipping Dangerous Goods Training Options
All the steps above only get your package to the starting line! Every clerk, pilot, driver or other professional who handles the HAZMAT after the initial handoff must abide by additional dangerous goods shipping rules.
Staying compliant with federal safety rules for moving dangerous goods can feel complex. We provide clear, accessible online learning options to help you and your team.
Our programs feature two main online courses covering essential knowledge, plus extras:
Basic General Awareness Training– Four-hour course aligned with HM-181; perfect for logistics staff, packagers, office teams, labelers, identification specialists and others who handle/move dangerous goods.
All-in-One Course– Seven hours of end-to-end compliance coverage; great for employees who handle/move dangerous goods by rail, sea and air. This program meets guidelines found in 49 CFR 172.704 Subpart H (HM-181).
If you are unsure of what regulations apply to your job and what training you might require, check out our frequently asked questions page.
Why Choose OSHA Education Center?
Keeping shipments safe doesn’t have to be complicated. Our online courses are built to give your crew the know-how and confidence they need without slowing down daily operations.
Learn On Your Schedule
Log in at any time from home, the office or on the road using a phone, tablet or laptop. Don’t waste hours or travel days — just enjoy flexible learning that fits real life.
Engaging, Real-World Lessons
Our courses use video examples, step-by-step demos and scenarios pulled straight from the field to illustrate concepts like material classification, transportation regulations, packing standards and more. They’re hands-on, memorable and easy to apply right away.
Save Time & Cut Costs
Online courses mean no commutes, no schedules, no hotels, no off-site classrooms and no waiting around. Your people build skills while your schedule (and budget) stays on track.
Proof of Completion, Fast
Certificates can be printed as soon as the course is done. Students can show off their accomplishment immediately, which is something inspectors, managers and clients all like to see.
Stay Confident, Stay Compliant
Every course follows up-to-date federal standards. That means reduced risks, fewer headaches during inspections and more peace of mind on every hazardous shipment.
Get Started Today!
You are already doing a tough job. We want to make it easy to get the safety education you need. We turn challenging information, including federal hazardous materials regulations, into 100% online lessons that are easy to absorb and understand.
No matter what role you play in transporting hazardous materials, we’re here to help. Train at your pace from any internet-connected device as you prepare to pick, pack, label and ship all kinds of dangerous goods. Sign up today to get instant, 24/7 access to engaging online lessons that meet DOT HAZMAT training requirements.