DOT Greenlights New Hazmat Packaging and Load Rules
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation just updated special permits for companies handling hazardous materials, letting some use new packaging or carry different amounts safely. If you work with these materials, these changes could affect how you ship or store them. Make sure to send any comments by March 19, 2026, to have your say—these updates keep things safe and smooth without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit allows QR code instead of paper permit
PHMSA granted a special permit (21433-M) allowing a QR code to be marked on packages instead of requiring a paper copy of the special permit to be carried aboard each motor vehicle. The same permit also increases the number of packages authorized in non-exclusive use transport under that special permit. Comments on the notice are due by March 19, 2026.
Amazon allowed to ship small gas cylinders (≤1 L)
PHMSA authorized Amazon (22067-N) to transport certain compressed gases (Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Helium, Nitrogen) in authorized cylinders with a capacity of no more than 1 liter as limited quantities. Comments are due by March 19, 2026.
Retail products with certain alcohols excepted from HMR
PHMSA authorized transportation in commerce (22083-N) of beverages, food, cosmetics, medicines, and other retail products containing saturated linear or branched alcohols (except methanol) to be treated as excepted from the Hazardous Materials Regulations. This action appears in the notice with comments due March 19, 2026.
Cargo tanks authorized up to 7,000 gallons
PHMSA modified a special permit for Catexel Nease LLC (13546-M) to authorize cargo tanks each with a capacity not to exceed 7,000 gallons. This change is listed in the February 17, 2026 notice; comments are due March 19, 2026.
Higher cylinder service pressure authorized
PHMSA modified a special permit for Honeywell (21528-M) to increase the authorized service pressure from 10,000 psig to 10,400 psig. The permit modification also corrected typographical errors; comments are due by March 19, 2026.
Denial of non-UN 5-gallon drum transport request
PHMSA denied a request (22136-N) to authorize transportation in commerce of UN1992 flammable liquids, toxic, n.o.s., in non-UN specification 5-gallon steel drums. The denial is included in the February 17, 2026 notice; comments were invited by March 19, 2026.
Labeling relief for battery recycler approved
PHMSA modified a special permit for Call2Recycle, Inc. (20851-M) to provide additional relief from labeling requirements in Parts 172 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The modification appears in the February 17, 2026 notice with a March 19, 2026 comment deadline.
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