Search

Latest DOT Actions on Hazmat Special Permits

Posted on 5/27/2022 by Roger Marks

US DOT PHMSA announced actions to grant or deny hazmat Special Permits in the Federal Register on May 27.

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.

See the announcements in the May 27 Federal Register:
Notice of Actions on Special Permits
Notice of Applications for New Special Permits
Notice of Applications to Modify Special Permits

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

Among the applications that DOT granted, five were requests to modify special permits already in place. PHMSA also granted two permit requests from railroad operators to allow use of electronic shipper paper information for hazardous materials rail shipments.

DOT Rules for Hazmat Special Permits

Special permit application requirements and required content are found at 49 CFR 107.105. The application must be submitted at least 120 days prior to the requested effective date with any attached supporting documentation by mail, fax, e-mail, or online on PHMSA’s website.

To have a special permit approved, the petitioner must show that their proposed alternative is at least as protective as the regulations. Once granted, the SP document, rather than the regulations, will specify the conditions and actions required for compliance for that specific function.

Typical hazmat special permit applications are requests to:

  • Modify or expand the scope of an existing special permit;
  • Authorize the use of alternative packaging or packaging orientation; or
  • Allow for hazmat to be shipped/transported in otherwise prohibited ways.

Read moreJoin the Hazmat Special Permit Party

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

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
June 6  |  June 27  |  July 7  |  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: DOT compliance, hazardous materials, hazmat shipping, special permits

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

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

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

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

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.