Updated hazmat routes from FMSCA
Federal Registry highlights new routes where truck drivers can legally transport hazardous materials
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently unveiled an updated list of routes truckers are not allowed to use for carrying hazardous materials in commercial motor vehicles. For attorneys who litigate truck accident cases, this new updated list of routes will be important information.
First, what is the significance of the new hazmat routes where trucks can transport hazardous materials? Within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), there are special subsets of rules that apply only to hazardous materials. Among those are regulations on which routes a trucker can use to move hazardous materials. These routes are strategically selected so ensure safe transport of hazmats, and to avoid potential accidents in sensitive areas that can have a disproportionate impact on public safety if a truck carrying a hazmat load were to be involved in a crash.
The National Hazardous Materials Route Registry lists every single designated and restricted road for highway route-controlled quantities, or HRCQs, of radioactive materials and nonradioactive hazmat transportation.
The list, which can be found here in the Federal Registry, also outlines the limitations for using these routes. Shippers and carriers should review the registry in order to determine what logistical impact the updated information can have on their operations; and of course, to ensure the safe and legal transportation of hazardous materials. Truck drivers should also review the registry to make sure they do not inadvertently drive through a restricted route.
The new registry is effective immediately, and replaces the antiquated guidelines adopted way back in 2000.
Related information:
What does the 30-minute rest break mean for hazmat drivers?
