Highway

Scope

Anyone transporting hazardous materials by highway must follow the applicable sections of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 172, Subpart G — Emergency Response Information
• 49 CFR 177, Subpart A — General information and regulations
• 49 CFR 177, Subpart B — Loading and unloading
• 49 CFR 177, Subpart D — Vehicles and shipments in transit; accidents
• 49 CFR 397, Subpart A — General

Key definitions

• Cargo tank: A bulk packaging that:
  • Is a tank intended primarily for the carriage of liquids or gases and includes appurtenances, reinforcements, fittings, and closures;
  • Is permanently attached to or forms a part of a motor vehicle, or is not permanently attached to a motor vehicle but which, by reason of its size, construction, or attachment to a motor vehicle is loaded or unloaded without being removed from the motor vehicle; an
  • Is not fabricated under a specification for cylinders, intermediate bulk containers, multi-unit tank car tanks, portable tanks, or tank cars.
• Cargo tank motor vehicle: A motor vehicle with one or more cargo tanks permanently attached to or forming an integral part of the motor vehicle.
• Carrier: A person who transports passengers or property in commerce by rail car, aircraft, motor vehicle, or vessel.
• Qualified person: A person who has been made aware of the nature of the hazardous material which is to be loaded or unloaded, has been instructed on the procedures to be followed in emergencies, and (except for persons observing by electronic surveillance and those inspecting hoses equipped with stop devices) is authorized to move the cargo tank, and has the means to do so.

Summary of requirements

Carriers must:

• Comply with driving and parking rules contained in Part 397, as well as the contact requirements contained in 172.606.
• Comply with the applicable loading and unloading requirements contained in Part 177, unless specifically excepted. This applies to private, common, and contract carriers, including any connecting carrier, and anyone involved in the loading or unloading process.

Drivers must:

• Keep shipping papers readily available to, and recognizable by, authorities in the event of an accident or inspection.

Certain classes of hazardous materials have specific loading/unloading procedures.

The Segregation Table must be used whenever labeled or placarded materials from more than one hazard class or division are to be loaded, stored, or transported.