DOT - Hazardous Materials Transportation Publications - Free

Transportation of Hazardous Materials
- Publications and Guidance

The following files have demonstrated to be most frequently requested by shippers, carriers, Federal and State agencies, as well as members of the general public. As a result, they are being provided for viewing and/or downloading. The footnotes associated with the following file names provide information regarding file format and instructions for downloading. .

Guidance Manuals and Publications

materials that make it easier to understand and comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Some publications enhance general understanding of the regulations, while others focus on specific training niches. See our list of Hazmat transportation training publications below. We also offer training videos and interactive CD-ROMS that are designed to help the regulated community meet the training requirements set forth in the HMR.

Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Training Publications

  • How to Use the HMR How to Use the HMR - 28 page training document on 49 CFR Parts 100-18

  • Hazmat Transportation Requirements Cover Hazmat Transportation Requirements - Condenses information from our most popular publications into an easy to read, 8-page brochure that includes Training requirements, Preparing shipping papers, Using the hazardous materials table, Performance packaging codes, and marking, labeling, and placarding.

  • Lithium Battery Test Summaries Icon New UN Requirement for Lithium Battery Test Summaries (TS) - For safety reasons, lithium batteries must be subject to a series of design tests per sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.

  • Guide to developing a Hazmat Training Program cover icon Guide to Developing a Hazmat Training Program - This guide explains the training requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations, identifies those employees who must be trained, and provides a tool to help hazmat employers determine what type of training and training environment may be best for their employees.

  • HazMat Training Requirements Hazmat Transportation Training Requirements - This brochure describes the training requirements in 49 CFR CFR#172.700-704, including security awareness and in-depth security training requirements for hazmat employers and employees. Frequently asked questions are answered and specific regulations are cited.

  • MR Number Brochure Cover MR Number Brochure

    PHMSA no longer issues R-number Approvals and has transitioned to M-number Approvals that include expiration dates in an effort to accurately locate and verify manufacturing facilities prior to performing safety inspections.

  • Hazmat Transportation Training Requirements cover Does your Cylinder Requalification Training by the Visual Inspection Method Meet the Requirements of 49 CFR CFR# 172.704?

    External visual requalifiers of DOT-approved cylinders are required to undergo function-specific training as specified in 49 CFR CFR# 172.704. This brochure summarizes function specific training required for cylinder requalifiers.

  • Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals for Bulk Shipments cover Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals for Bulk Shipments - PHMSA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide clarity on the differing agency labeling requirements to communicate the dangers of hazardous materials in "transportation" (DOT), and in the "workplace" (OSHA).

  • PHMSA Cautions Against Refilling DOT 39 Cylinders PHMSA Cautions Against Refilling DOT 39 Cylinders - PHMSA cautions the public to never refill DOT 39 cylinders, such as the 1lb. cylinders used for camping. While many types of propane cylinders are designed to be refilled, a DOT 39 cylinder of any size is strictly non-refillable.

  • How to Safely Send Batteries and Battery Powered Devices by Mail How to Safely Send Batteries and Battery Powered Devices by Mail - PHMSA and the U.S. Postal Service collaborated on a set of safety guidelines for those wanting to mail lithium batteries. Persons wishing to ship lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries should be aware that certain requirements must be met to ensure safety. Both agencies are responsible for enforcing the safety standards regarding the appropriate labeling and shipment of hazardous materials under PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Regulations for the safe transportation of lithium batteries in commerce.

  • DOT Chart 16: Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide DOT Chart 16: Markings, Labeling, and Placarding Guide - PHMSA has released the "DOT Chart 16 - Hazardous Materials Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide" in print as well as searchable mobile applications for both iOS and Android platforms to assist shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders to quickly access information regarding hazardous materials markings, labels and placards.

  • Sampling and Testing Program for Unrefeined Petroleum-Based Products

    Sampling and Testing Program for Unrefined Petroleum-Based Products - In new regulations adopted in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-180) on May 8, 2015 (80 FR 26643), PHMSA established requirements for shippers in all modes of transportation to develop and carry out a sampling and testing program for all unrefined petroleum-based products.

  • DOT-Aprpoved Third Party Packaging Certification Agencies DOT-Approved Third Party Packaging Certification Agencies - This brochure describes PHMSA's Third Party Packaging Certification Program

  • Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle Loading/Unloading Operations Best Practices Guide Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle (CTMV) - Loading/Unloading Operations: Recommended Best Practices Guide - This document is intended to aid hazmat employers and others responsible for CTMV loading/unloading by offering recommended best practices to further enhance the safety of these operations.

  • CTMV Loading/Unloading Operations Best Practices Pocket Guide Cargo Tank Motor Vehicle (CTMV) - Loading/Unloading Operations: Recommended Best Practices Pocket Guide - Before engaging in the process of loading and/or unloading a CTMV, PHMSA strongly advises you to consider the following questions.

  • Industry Alert Poster for Fireworks Shippers, Distributors and Carriers Industry Alert for Fireworks Shippers, Distributors, and Carriers - This PHMSA Safety Alert describes how to transport consumer fireworks safely and in compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

  • Van Rental for Transporting Fireworks Poster

    Are You Renting a Van or Box Truck to Transport Fireworks? - This brochure describes how fireworks shippers and carriers comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

  • Ebola Waste Transportation Poster

    Are You Preparing Suspected Ebola - Contaminated Waste For Transportation? - This 11 x 17" poster provides general guidance on the proper packaging of suspected Ebola-contaminated waste.

  • Is Your Cylinder Safe to Fill Poster

    Is Your Cylinder Safe To Fill? - This 11x17" poster provides cylinder safety guidance to show fillers how to inspect a cylinder for serviceability.

    IMPORTANT: PHMSA is aware of concerns regarding newly adopted 10-year requirements for propane cylinder requalification. Please note that during the period that PHMSA reviews and acts on a petition for reconsideration, there will be no enforcement actions taken against those using either the 10- or 12-year volumetric expansion testing. Previous requalification guidance remains valid in the interim. Read the notice for more information.

  • Propane Cylinder Safety Flyer

    Is Your Propane Cylinder Safe? - This Propane Cylinder Safety poster provides guidance on how to check manufacturing and requalification dates to see if the cylinder is safe for use. The 2-sided poster displays the information in both English and Spanish.

    IMPORTANT: PHMSA is aware of concerns regarding newly adopted 10-year requirements for propane cylinder requalification. Please note that during the period that PHMSA reviews and acts on a petition for reconsideration, there will be no enforcement actions taken against those using either the 10- or 12-year volumetric expansion testing. Previous requalification guidance remains valid in the interim. Read the notice for more information.

  • Do You Know if You're Shipping Hazardous Materials Poster

    Do You Know If You're Shipping Hazardous Materials? - This brochure is written to raise awareness of hazardous materials shipping requirements among small and entry-level hazardous materials shippers who may not be aware of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Created in partnership with the Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) and the Associated Mail and Parcel Carriers (AMPC), this brochure addresses a growing community of small shippers, which has burgeoned in size since the introduction of online auction websites.

  • Explosives Approval Regulatory Guidelines Poster

    Explosives Approvals - Regulatory Guidelines for Shipping and Transporting Fireworks - For fireworks manufacturers when applying for DOT special permits and approvals, and transporting them.

  • Fireworks Safety Guidelines for Shipping Consumer Fireworks

    Fireworks Safety Guidance for Shipping Consumer Fireworks - For fireworks shippers, distributors, and carriers when preparing consumer fireworks for transport.

  • Guide to Performance Packaging Codes Poster Guide to Performance Packaging Codes - This guide provides information associated with performance packaging as identified in 49 CFR, Part 178. It provides sample markings, codes, tests, approximate conversion factors, and definition of packing group associated with packaging used for hazardous materials shipments.

  • Radioactive Material (RAM) Regulation Review 2008 - This review provides guidance on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) contained in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) Parts 171-185, which govern the packaging and shipment of radioactive material. These materials have an excellent safety record when packaged, labeled, marked and transported in accordance with these regulations.

  • Security Requirements Brochure in English Security Requirements Brochure (English) - This brochure describes new security training and planning requirements and provides guidance in assessing security threats. It also lists suggested security measures, and provides contact information for other Federal agencies and industry organizations and associations to obtain further security planning information.

  • Security Requirements Brochure in Spanish Security Requirements Brochure (Spanish) - This brochure describes new security training and planning requirements and provides guidance in assessing security threats. It also lists suggested security measures, and provides contact information for other Federal agencies and industry organizations and associations to obtain further security planning information.

  • Shipping Batteries Safely Poster Shipping Batteries Safely by Air: What You Need to Know - This guide describes the USDOT regulations for the classification criteria, packaging requirements, and hazard communication for the transportation of batteries shipped by aircraft under 49 CFR, Parts 100-185.

  • Transporting Agricultural Products Safely Poster Transporting Agricultural Products Safely - A guide to the HM-226A rule

  • UN Cylinders Brochure UN Cylinders: What You Should Know - This brochure describes the USDOT standards for the design, construction, and use of UN pressure receptacles, adopted into 49 CFR, Parts 171-180, effective September 11, 2006.

  • Wetlines Awareness for Emergency Responders Poster Wetlines Awareness for Emergency Responders - This brochure, developed in partnership with the National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, provides general awareness to emergency responders regarding wetlines. Wetlines are external piping located beneath a cargo tank designed to break off in the event of an accident.

  • Materials of Trade Poster What Are Materials Of Trade - When certain hazardous materials are transported in small quantities as part of a business, they are subject to less regulation because of the limited hazard they pose. These materials are known as Materials of Trade (MOTs). This brochure helps explain MOTs and your responsibilities when transporting these materials.

  • Transporting Infectious Substances Safely brochure cover Transporting Infectious Substances Safely - This brochure describes the revised USDOT regulations for the classification criteria and packaging requirements for the transportation of infectious substances, adopted into 49 CFR, Parts 171-180, effective October 1, 2006.
  • Some of the materials are available here to download free and some are for sale. The free ones are highlighted in blue for you to download here.

      Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Modules - Want to conduct your own training? The self-paced tutorial presentation is in the IBM PC- format. The files include instructor and student manuals, tests, answer keys, and transparencies. The package includes:

        • Introduction module
        • Module 1 (Hazardous Materials Table: HMT)
        • Module 2 (Shipping Papers)
        • Module 3 (Marking and Labeling)
        • Module 4 (Placarding)
        • Module 5 (Packaging)
        • Module 6a (Highway)
        • Module 6b (Air)
        • Module 6c (Rail)
        • Module 6d (Water) Download them free:
        1. Instructor Guide (PDF)
        2. Student Guide (PDF)
        3. Presentation (PPT) Overhead transparencies

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