Search

Latest DOT Actions on Hazmat Special Permits

Posted on 8/15/2022 by Roger Marks

US DOT PHMSA announced actions to grant or deny hazardous materials Special Permits in the Federal Register on August 15.

The Special Permit (SP) program allows hazmat shippers, carriers, and packaging manufacturers to innovate new or alternate methods for shipping hazardous materials. The SP mechanism is easier to use and more expeditious than the standard rulemaking process.

Federal hazardous materials transportation law requires DOT to notify the public about its decisions concerning special permits (49 USC 5117(b)).

See the latest announcements in the August 15 Federal Register:
Notice of Actions on Special Permits
Notice of Applications for New Special Permits
Notice of Applications to Modify Special Permits

Among the special permits granted by DOT in the past month are requests from shippers and stakeholders to: manufacture and sell packaging for shipping lithium batteries for recycling, reuse, refurbishment, or evaluation; use alternative packaging to transport lab packs; modify existing hazmat special permits, and more.

DOT/PHMSA maintains a useful hazmat special permit search tool that allows stakeholders to search by special permit number, state, or company name.

What is a Hazmat Special Permit (SP)?

A special permit is a document issued by US DOT to allow a person to do something that is not otherwise authorized in the hazardous materials regulations (HMR).

As DOT puts it: “Special permits enable the hazardous materials industry to quickly and safely integrate new products and technologies into the production and transportation stream... A special permit must achieve at least an equivalent level of safety to that specified in the HMR.”

Hazmat Special Permits (SPs) are commonly used to authorize:
  • Packaging construction criteria that differ from a UN Standard or DOT Specification,
  • Alternative means of testing or closure,
  • The reuse of the packaging,
  • Alternative hazard communication requirements (e.g., relief from labeling or the requirement for additional wording),
  • Alternative segregation requirements, or
  • The transportation of normally forbidden materials under certain conditions.
Read More: Rules for Hazmat Special Permits

Latest DOT Actions on Hazmat Special Permits
 

Recurrent DOT Hazmat Training Available Online 

Join an expert Lion instructor for a live, one-day webinar to help satisfy DOT’s recurrent hazmat training mandate at 49 CFR 172.704. DOT requires hazmat training once every three years for all “hazmat employees.”

Live webinars blend the convenience of online learning with the reliable, up-to-date training you expect from Lion Technology. Join from anywhere, get answers to your questions, and download robust regulatory resources to support your decision making.
 
Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Webinars
August 29  |  September 26  |  October 18  |  Sign up 

Or train at your own pace with these comprehensive online courses:
Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)

Tags: hazardous materials, hazmat shipping, special permits

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year. 

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.