DOT Invites Comments on Tweaks to Hazardous-Materials Transport Permits
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation is reviewing requests to change special permits for safely transporting hazardous materials. These changes could affect companies using trucks, trains, ships, or planes to move dangerous goods. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 3, 2026—no fees mentioned, just your voice!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Update hazardous material descriptions (cargo vessel)
HyAxiom, Inc. applied to modify its special permit under 176.83(b) and 176.83(c)(2)(ii) to update the hazardous material descriptions for shipments by cargo vessel (mode 3). If your business ships or handles these materials on cargo vessels, the permit change would change which material descriptions apply under that special permit.
Relief from shipping paper requirements
Cellblock FCS, LLC applied to modify its special permit to provide relief to the shipping paper requirements for modes other than cargo vessel (modes 1, 2, 3). If your business relies on that permit, the requested change would alter paperwork requirements for motor, rail, and cargo vessel movements as listed in the application.
Allow lithium-ion batteries in equipment (air cargo)
IPG Defense Corporation applied to modify its special permit (172.101(j)) to add lithium ion batteries contained in equipment for shipment by cargo aircraft only (mode 4). If you ship equipment that contains lithium ion batteries by cargo aircraft, this application seeks authorization to include those batteries under the permit.
Add battery types for air cargo shipments
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. applied to modify its special permit (172.101(j), 173.185(b)(6)) to add additional battery types for shipment by cargo aircraft (mode 4). If your company ships batteries for Mercedes-Benz under this permit, the requested change would broaden which battery types are covered.
Authorize additional packaging for shipments
Jaguar Land Rover Limited applied to modify its special permit (172.101(j), 173.185(b)(6)) to authorize additional packaging for shipments by motor vehicle and cargo aircraft (modes 1 and 4). If your business ships under this permit, the change would allow new packaging options for those transport modes.
Add an additional cylinder design (road transport)
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. applied to modify its special permit (173.301(f), 173.302a(a)(1)) to add an additional cylinder design for transport by motor vehicle (mode 1). If you transport cylinders under this permit, the change would add a new permitted cylinder design for road shipments.
Authorize two additional battery types (air cargo)
Anduril Industries, Inc. applied to modify its special permit (172.101(j), 173.185(a)(1)) to authorize two additional battery types for shipment by cargo aircraft (mode 4). If you ship batteries for Anduril under this permit, the change would expand the battery types covered.
Increase per-article helium quantity from 214 kg to 250 kg
GE Healthcare Manufacturing LLC applied to modify its special permit (172.101(j)(1), 172.301, 173.232(g)(3)) to increase the net quantity of refrigerated liquid helium contained in each article from 214 kg to 250 kg for shipment by cargo aircraft (mode 4). If your business ships these articles under the permit, the application seeks authorization for an increase from 214 kg to 250 kg per article.
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Previous: 2026-21306, Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for New Special Permits
The Department of Transportation is reviewing new requests to allow special permits for safely moving hazardous materials in different ways, like by truck, rail, or plane. Companies and transporters dealing with dangerous goods should check these applications and send comments by November 18, 2026. These changes could make transporting hazardous materials easier and safer without extra costs right now.
Next: 2026-21308, Hazardous Materials: Notice of Actions on Special Permits
The Department of Transportation just updated special permits for companies handling hazardous materials, letting them transport new items or use different packaging. If you’re involved in shipping dangerous goods, these changes could affect how you operate starting now. Make sure to send any comments by November 18, 2026, to have your say—no extra fees mentioned, just smoother rules!