Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers

HAZMAT Transportation

HAZMAT Transportation

Understand the requirements of HAZMAT transportation and how truck drivers can avoid violations.

HAZMAT Transportation

HAZMAT transportation can be lucrative for carriers but it requires understanding common Department of Transportation violations and how to avoid them in regards to hazardous materials.

HAZMAT transportation can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers which is why it typically pays at a higher rate. To enforce regulations and promote the safety of HAZMAT transportation, the FMCSA conducts over 154,000 annual roadside inspections, with an estimated 35,000 DOT HAZMAT violations reported. That’s nearly 23 percent of inspections resulting in a violation!

Most Common Violations of HAZMAT Regulations

No Copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number (8.1 %)
Package not secure in vehicle (7.6 %)
Placard damaged, deteriorated or obscured (6.9 %)
Vehicle not placarded as required (5.9 %)
No Shipping papers (5.1 %)
Shipping paper accessibility (4.7 %)
Emergency response information missing (4.5 %)
Failure to provide carrier required placards (4.4 %)
Offering a hazardous material without preparing a shipping paper (3.0 %)
No placards or marking when required (2.9 %)

Want to obtain a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL and potentially earn more with HAZMAT transportation?

GHS Transport Pictograms Cheat Sheet for hazardous materials from Global Chemical Resources.

TagsOwner Operator

7 Ways to Stay Healthy While On the Road [p]When you are driving on the road, it becomes extremely hard to stay active and healthy. Simply sitting in a seat for long hours can put immense mental and physical strain on your body. Not to mention the terrible food choices you have to make due to a lack of healthy options in many restaurants, motels, or truck stops. However, if you are really up for it, there are plenty of things you can do while you are on the road to keep your body and mind in perfect shape. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Stack Up on Healthy Snacks[/b][/p] [p]If you drive from state to state for fun or as part of your job you should always think in advance and buy some healthy snacks for the journey. Nowadays, you can find scores of nourishing refreshments at your local superstore to keep your health in check. You don't have to fill up your stomach with candies, chips, cookies, or other similar treats when you can buy some dry fruits, milk, baked chips, and other healthy alternatives. This way, you can keep consuming snacks when you are bored and remain fit.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-7WaysToStayHealthy-HealthySnacks.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Always Use Sunscreen[/b][/p] [p]We often undermine the effects the sun has on our skin. The constant bashing of the sun's rays can create serious dermal issues. Often times leading to life-threatening consequences in the form of skin cancer. You should make it your duty to protect yourself from the sun while you are on a long journey. Use good quality sunscreen, and you will never complain about blemished and wrinkly skin when you are older.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Get Ample Sleep[/b][/p] [p]Sleep is often ignored by truckers and other long-haul drivers since they are adamant about meeting strict deadlines. In reality, sleep should be your priority when it comes to long-distance driving. If you are putting in at least eight hours of sleep every night, then your mind and body will be in top shape to perform the coming day. However, skipping sleep will lead to mistakes and accidents, which we all want to avoid.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-7WaysToStayHealthy-AmpleSleep.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Meditate Often[/b][/p] [p]You should make it a habit to meditate for a short period of time whenever you get the chance. Meditation can help calm the nerves and soothe the mind. If you are a trucker who is constantly on the highway, make it your routine to meditate for ten minutes before beginning your day. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Keep Hydrated[/b][/p] [p]Our bodies need sufficient hydration to stay functional. Hence, long-distance drivers need to keep water bottles with them at all times. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas as they can cause the dehydration process to accelerate. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-7WaysToStayHealthy-Hydrate.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Try Yoga[/b][/p] [p]Driving for long hours can make the body stiff, which is why you should think about sneaking in a bit of yoga during your breaks. Yoga improves flexibility and mobility of the body while also helping the mind regain focus. You don't have to go overboard with a full routine when a small one can do your body wonders. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Socialize[/b][/p] [p]Humans are social animals, meaning we need constant human connection to stay mentally healthy. Being social is highly important for drivers who are driving alone since talking with friends and family can revitalize the soul and help regain your focus and determination. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final thoughts[/b][/p] [p]You can't possibly find time to prepare full-blown meals or go to the gym while you are on the road, but doing a little bit of what we suggested can help you keep your body and mind in tip-top condition. Here's to a healthier 2021![/p] [p]Got some wellness tips? Share them on the comments below.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Jan 29, 2021

HAZMAT Endorsement [p] Here are the steps to get your HAZMAT endorsement and potentially earn more.[/p] [h2] HAZMAT Endorsement [/h2] [p]Hazmat endorsement is required by truck driver's who have a Commercial Driver's License and wish to deliver HAZMAT loads containing hazardous materials. Since the materials you're hauling can have severe health consequences, the Department of Transportation has enlisted specific requirements before a truck driver can haul such loads. There is a risk-reward with hauling hazardous materials as it typically pays more than a typical freight.[/p] [h2]1. How to Get HAZMAT Endorsement on CDL[/h2] [p]A truck driver with a Class A, B or C CDL can apply for DOT HAZMAT endorsement by completing these five procedures.[/p] [ol] [li]Fill out HAZMAT endorsement application through the DMV or TSA[/li] [li]Complete a medical screening[/li] [li]Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)[/li] [li]Pay fees[/li] [li]Submit a [a href="https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/servicecode/111168"]TSA Background Security Screening[/a] either online or in-person[/li] [/ol] [p]The following states [b]require[/b] an in-person DMV application for TSA Security Assessment.[/p] [ul] [li]Florida[/li] [li]Kentucky[/li] [li]Maryland[/li] [li]Mississippi[/li] [li]New York[/li] [li]Pennsylvania[/li] [li]Texas[/li] [li]Virginia[/li] [li]Wisconsin[/li] [/ul] [h2]2. Carriers HAZMAT Responsibilities[/h2] [p]Truck drivers who have a HAZMAT endorsement typically earn a higher salary than standard drivers with a CDL. When hauling hazardous materials truck drivers are subject to specific responsibilities that go beyond standard requirements set by the DOT.[/p] [ul] [li]Shipping Paper[/li] [li]Placard and Mark Vehicle[/li] [li]Loading and Unloading[/li] [li]Compatibility[/li] [li]Blocking and Bracing[/li] [li]Incident Report[/li] [li]Security Plan[/li] [li]Employee Training[/li] [ul] [img src="/uploads/2017/02/HAZMAT.jpg"] [h2]3. HAZMAT Classifications[/h2] [ul] [li]Class 1 – Explosives[/li] [li]Class 2 – Gases[/li] [li]Class 3 – Flammable Liquid[/li] [li]Class 4 – Flammable Solids[/li] [li]Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides[/li] [li]Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances[/li] [li]Class 7 – Radioactive Material[/li] [li]Class 8 – Corrosives[/li] [li]Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants[/li] [/ul] [h2]4. Have a Copy of the HAZMAT Table in Your Truck[/h2] [p]The HAZMAT Table displays the classifications of hazardous materials and breaks them down by division, as well as by specific material. Having the HAZMAT Table with you at all times will allow you to correctly fill out any shipping papers or packages and comply with Hazardous Material Requirements (HMR) and avoid a violation. The [a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/common-hazmat-violations/"]most common DOT HAZMAT violation[/a] is not having a copy of USDOT hazardous materials registration number.[/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/06/Hazmat-table.png"]

Jun 16, 2017 • Carriers

Blizzard Stella Causes Travel Ban Across the Northeast [p]Spring might be next week, but severe winter storm Stella in the Northeast is causing slowdowns and even travel bans from parts of Virginia up through Maine. Brace yourself – Nor'easter is here.[/p] [h2][a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Blizzard Stella[/a][/h2] [p][i]Severe blizzard conditions are hitting the Northeast causing many road closures and delays.[/i][/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/03/inmasirNE.gif" alt=""] [h2]Connecticut Travel Ban[/h2] [p]The area is expected to get nearly 22 inches of snow in the coming days.[/p] [p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CTtraffic?src=hash">#CTtraffic</a>: 5am-10am troopers responded to 14 no-injury crashes, 34 motorist assists & 342 calls for service. Travel ban remains in effect. <a href="https://t.co/CqKo9ASbvk">pic.twitter.com/CqKo9ASbvk</a></p> – CT State Police (@CT_STATE_POLICE) <a href="https://twitter.com/CT_STATE_POLICE/status/841654405015470080">March 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[/p] [h2]Massachusetts Parking Ban[/h2] [p][i]Blizzard Stella conditions -WBZ-TV[/i][/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/03/WBZ-TV.jpg" alt=""] [p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BPDWeatherAlert?src=hash">#BPDWeatherAlert</a> Snow Emergency declared in Boston. Parking ban in effect as of 7am</p> – Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/bostonpolice/status/841614801872773120">March 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[p] [h2]New York Blizzard[/h2] [p]Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced temporary tractor trailer bans on interstates on I-81, I-84, I-86/Route 17, I-88 and all of the New York State Thruway. The Governor also announced a full travel ban for all of Broome County beginning at 9 am.[/p] [p]Metro-North service will also be suspended at 12 pm due to weather conditions. Currently, MTA New York City bus service remains active but as conditions worsen, bus service may be suspended. Travelers are encouraged to check www.mta.info for service updates and to see when their last inbound or outbound trains will depart.[/p] [p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">UPDATE: 16 inches so far with 2-3" per hour snowfall as of 11 am in Highlands, NY! Drifts 3-4 feet <a href="https://twitter.com/breakingweather">@breakingweather</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AccuRayno">@AccuRayno</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blizzard?src=hash">#blizzard</a> <a href="https://t.co/jw4cBNXrHz">pic.twitter.com/jw4cBNXrHz</a></p> – Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReedTimmerAccu/status/841667397522206720">March 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[/p] [p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Blizzard Warnings for parts of Long Island have been converted to Winter Storm Warnings as more in the way of a wintry mix is expected. <a href="https://t.co/4hx357fRYd">pic.twitter.com/4hx357fRYd</a></p> – NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSNewYorkNY/status/841583397864669187">March 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[/p] [h2]Pennsylvania Travel Restrictions[/h2] [p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">ATTENTION: Starting at 10 p.m. tonight travel restrictions are in place. ⚠️ ❄️ More info. → <a href="https://t.co/YG60PdfFSd">https://t.co/YG60PdfFSd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Stella?src=hash">#Stella</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAWinter?src=hash">#PAWinter</a> <a href="https://t.co/fHUmduV3dT">pic.twitter.com/fHUmduV3dT</a></p> – PennDOT (@PennDOTNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/PennDOTNews/status/841464886290972676">March 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>[/p] [p]These restrictions will be in place on Interstates 70, 76, 78, 80, 81, 83, 84, 95, 283, 176, 180, 476, 380 and all expressways not on the interstate system. The Turnpike will have the same restrictions beginning at 10 p.m. Monday from the Bedford Interchange east to NJ and on the entire Northeastern extension.[/p]

Mar 14, 2017