Hazmat Highway: Navigating the Risks and Regulations of Dangerous Goods Transport
The transportation of hazardous materials—known commonly as "hazmat"—is a vital but inherently risky part of our modern world. From chemicals and fuels to medical isotopes and explosives, these substances are essential to everyday industries like agriculture, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. But the challenge lies in moving them safely and securely.
What Are Hazardous Materials and Why Are They Important?
Hazardous materials are substances that pose risks to health, safety, property, and the environment during transport. Even when not being moved, they can be dangerous. Every day in the U.S., there are more than 500,000 hazmat shipments, amounting to over 2.2 billion tons annually—approximately 12% of all freight tonnage.
Recent high-profile incidents, like the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, have put a spotlight on the importance of regulating and managing these materials carefully. As communities and industries continue to rely on them, the need for a comprehensive safety framework has never been more critical.
A Brief History of Hazmat Transport Regulation
Hazmat regulation has deep roots. It began in the late 1800s with safety rules for ships and railroads. By 1887, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was created to regulate railroad safety, and the Bureau of Explosives (BOE) followed in 1907 to develop transport safety standards for hazardous items.
Over the years, major incidents drove legislative change:
1917 Halifax Explosion and 1947 Texas City Disaster revealed the catastrophic potential of hazmat accidents.
The 1937 London School Explosion led to odorants being added to natural gas.
By the 1970s, incidents like the Kingman, AZ propane explosion and the hazardous waste disposal crisis at Love Canal prompted the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) of 1975, which aimed to unify regulations and improve enforcement.
The 1984 Bhopal disaster in India catalyzed global awareness, influencing the U.S. to establish the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and emergency response programs like TRANSCAER.
The 1996 ValuJet crash, caused by undeclared hazmat cargo, tightened FAA regulations.
Today’s Regulatory Framework and Modern Challenges
After 9/11, hazmat transport security became a national priority. The TSA and Department of Homeland Securitywere established, and oversight expanded.
In 2004, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) took over as the lead regulator within the USDOT. It now governs the classification, packaging, and safe movement of over a million hazmat shipments daily.
Federal agencies work across all transport modes:
FMCSA (highways)
FRA (rail)
FAA (air)
USCG (water)
The framework includes strict requirements for labeling, packaging, shipping documentation, and emergency planning. Packaging especially must meet rigorous standards to prevent leaks and withstand transport conditions.
Modern challenges include:
Rapid growth in materials like lithium batteries and shale oil.
Strain on aging infrastructure.
Rising shipment volumes.
While most hazmat incidents occur at fixed locations, transport-related incidents are riskier due to their proximity to people and limited responder information.
Risks, Incidents, and Safety Technology
Trucks are responsible for the majority of hazmat transport incidents in the U.S.—outpacing trains 33-to-1. Between 2013 and 2023, hazmat truck accidents more than doubled, accounting for:
83 fatalities (vs. zero for rail incidents)
64% of all hazmat-related property damage ($512M+)
Most commonly spilled: flammable liquids like fuel oil, followed by paint. Human error causes 18% of these incidents.
Emerging safety tech includes:
Collision avoidance systems
Lane assistance and automatic braking
Satellite tracking
While proven to reduce accidents, these technologies haven’t been mandated. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended them for nearly three decades. Concerns persist over cost for smaller operators and possible driver overreliance.
Preparing for Hazmat Emergencies
Preparedness is key. Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and emergency managers coordinate with transportation companies and agencies. Crucial tools include:
AskRail® App – provides real-time rail hazmat data
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) – used nationwide for hazmat emergencies
Training programs from organizations like TRANSCAER and the International Association of Fire Chiefs help ensure communities are ready to respond.
Future goals include:
Investing in new technologies
Researching emerging risks and substances
Strengthening infrastructure and collaboration
PHMSA’s five-year R&D plan and forums like the TRB Standing Committee on the Transportation of Hazardous Materials (AT040) drive innovation and policy discussions.
Final Thoughts
Hazmat transportation is essential to our society but carries inherent risk. Regulation has evolved over 150 years—shaped by tragedies, scientific advancement, and shifting industrial needs.
Though rail accidents dominate headlines, road transport causes far more fatalities and damage. Human error remains a major concern, and while technology offers promising solutions, implementation lags.
Ensuring safety demands vigilance, continuous improvement, and cooperation across all levels—federal, local, industry, and community. It’s a shared responsibility to safeguard both people and the planet from the dangers that come with moving hazardous goods.