DOT Invites Comments on More Dangerous-Goods Permit Requests
Published Date: 11/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation just announced new requests for special permits related to transporting hazardous materials. If you work with shipping dangerous goods by truck, train, ship, or plane, this could affect you. You’ve got until December 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees mentioned, just your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
12 provisions identified: 12 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Satellite xenon cylinders allowed in non‑DOT form
Application 22422-N would authorize transport of non‑DOT specification cylinders containing xenon compressed within Hall Effect Thruster propulsion system satellite components across modes 1–5 (regulations cited: 173.301(f)(1), 178.35(e)). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Lithium cells in UN50G large packaging
Application 22424-N would authorize transportation by motor vehicle, rail freight, and cargo vessel of lithium ion cells packaged within a UN50G fiberboard Large Packaging (regulations cited: 173.185(b)(3)(i), 173.185(b)(6); modes 1,2,3). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Drums for damaged or recalled batteries approved
Application 22425-N would authorize manufacture, marking, sale and use of UN1A2 PGI drums containing granular thermal suppressant material for transportation of damaged, defective, or recalled cells and batteries (regulation cited: 173.185(f)(1); modes 1 and 2). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Spacecraft components with toxic or pressurized gases allowed
Application 22428-N would authorize transport of spacecraft or spacecraft components containing anhydrous ammonia in non‑DOT containers, xenon in aluminum-lined composite overwrapped pressure vessels, and low‑production lithium ion batteries in a Satellite Transport Container (regulations cited: multiple, modes 1,3,4). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Non‑spec IBCs under 119 gallons allowed to discharge on vehicle
Application 22429-N would authorize manufacture, marking, sale and use of non‑specification intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with capacity less than 119 gallons that may be discharged without removal from the vehicle (regulations cited: 177.834(h), 178.705(d); mode 1). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Heavy battery packs over 35 kg on cargo aircraft
Application 22439-N would authorize transportation in commerce of lithium ion batteries packed with equipment that exceed 35 kg net weight aboard cargo‑only aircraft (regulation cited: 172.101(j); mode 4). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Rotorcraft external load hazardous materials expanded
Application 22443-N would authorize transport of hazardous materials by rotorcraft external load in amounts that exceed the HMR maximum net quantity, subject to additional hazard communication, specification packaging, and stowage exceptions (regulations cited: multiple; mode 4). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
COPVs for compressed gases permitted
Application 22447-N would authorize manufacture, marking, sale and use of non‑DOT specification composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for transportation of compressed gases across modes 1–5 (regulations cited: 107.807, 173.301(f), 173.302a(a)(1), 173.304a(a)(1), 178.35). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
100% ultrasonic requalification for cylinders
Application 22448-N would authorize requalification of DOT 3AA, 3AAX, 3T cylinders or UN/ISO 11120 cylinders by utilizing 100% Ultrasonic Examination (UE) instead of internal visual inspection and the hydrostatic pressure test (regulation cited: 180.205(g)(1); modes 1,2,3). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Rail tank cars: alternate gasket testing allowed
Application 22420-N would authorize rail transportation of tank cars where the manway cover gasket is subjected to leak detection methods instead of a visual inspection (regulations cited: 172.203(a), 172.302(c), 173.31(d)(1)(ii); mode 2). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Radiation survey devices on passenger aircraft
Application 22430-N would authorize transportation of certain radiation survey devices containing Division 2.2 gases aboard commercial passenger aircraft (regulations cited: 172.200, 172.300, 172.400, 173.25, 175.75(b); mode 5). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
Prototype lithium batteries allowed on cargo aircraft
Application 22438-N would authorize transportation in commerce of prototype lithium ion batteries for lab testing on cargo‑only aircraft (regulation cited: 173.185(a)(1); mode 4). Comments are due December 9, 2026.
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The Department of Transportation is letting folks know they've received requests to change special permits for safely moving hazardous materials. If you’re involved in transporting dangerous goods by truck, train, ship, or plane, these changes might affect you. Make sure to send your comments by November 24, 2026, to have your say—no extra fees mentioned, just your voice!