Fresh Hazmat Permits Proposed: Safer Shipping or Just More Paperwork?
Published Date: 4/7/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation is reviewing new special permit requests for safely handling hazardous materials in different transport modes like trucks, trains, and planes. Companies affected can comment on these applications by May 7, 2025. These permits could change how some hazardous materials are packaged or transported, potentially speeding up processes without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit to ship otherwise forbidden materials by cargo aircraft
Tampa Cargo S.A. requests authorization under 172.101(j) to transport in commerce certain materials that are forbidden for transport via air by cargo-only aircraft (mode 4).
Ship prototype/low‑production batteries over 35 kg by air
Caterpillar Inc. requests authorization under 172.101(j) and 173.185(a)(1) to transport certain prototype and low production batteries exceeding 35 kg net weight via cargo-only aircraft (mode 4).
Mix multiple hazard classes on same motor vehicle
Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. requests authorization under 177.848(d) to transport in commerce certain DOT specification or UN certified packaging containing Division 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 5.1, 4.3, and Class 3 and 8 materials on the same motor vehicle (mode 1).
Allow alternative heat‑treat batch sizes for DOT 3T cylinders
The applicant (Shijiazhuang Enric Gas Equipment Co., Ltd.) requests authorization under 178.45(i)(2) to manufacture, mark, sell, and use DOT specification 3T cylinders using an alternative heat treatment batch size for transport modes 1, 2, and 3 (motor vehicle, rail freight, cargo vessel).
Alternative requalification method for portable tanks
Suttons International (N.A.) Inc. requests authorization under 180.605(d) and 180.605(h)(1) to transport portable tanks that have been requalified using an alternative method for modes 1 and 3 (motor vehicle and cargo vessel).
Authorize DCPD manway assemblies for DOT cargo tanks
ECC Corrosion Inc. requests authorization under 172.203(a), 178.345-1, and 180.413 to manufacture, mark, sell, and use manway assemblies constructed from dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) for installation on certain DOT specification cargo tank motor vehicles or fiber reinforced plastic cargo tank trailers for transporting certain hazardous materials (mode 1).
Allow forbidden hazardous cylinders on passenger aircraft in remote areas
Sawtooth Flying Service, Inc. requests authorization under several sections (172.101(l)(3), 172.200, 173.202(c), 175.33, 175.75(b)) to transport cylinders containing certain Division 2.1 gases and Class 3 hazardous materials that are forbidden aboard passenger-carrying aircraft, in remote areas when no other means of transportation is available and without shipping papers (modes 4 and 5: cargo-only and passenger-carrying aircraft).
One‑way transport authorization for solidified sodium metal
The U.S. Department of Energy requests authorization under 173.211 and 173.244 for one-way transportation of solidified sodium metal contained in certain non‑DOT specification non‑bulk and bulk packages (mode 1).
Move four tons of out‑of‑date chlorine
Hill Brothers Chemical Company requests authorization under 173.301(a)(6) to transport 4 tons of out‑of‑date chlorine from one location to another (mode 1).
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Previous: 2025-05945, Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for Modification to Special Permits
The Department of Transportation is reviewing requests to change special permits for safely moving hazardous materials. These changes mainly affect companies shipping dangerous goods by truck, train, ship, or plane, and could update packaging rules or weight limits. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until April 22, 2025, to send in comments—no fees or costs are mentioned.
Next: 2025-05947, Hazardous Materials: Notice of Actions on Special Permits
The Department of Transportation is updating special permits for companies handling hazardous materials, like Astrotech Space Operations and Transfer Flow. These changes allow new types of materials and packaging, helping businesses stay safe and efficient. If you want to comment, you’ve got until May 7, 2025, so don’t miss out!