DOT Approves and Denies Hazmat Permit Tweaks
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation just updated special permits for companies handling hazardous materials, approving some changes and denying others. If you work with or ship dangerous goods, these updates could affect how you operate and what’s allowed. Make sure to send any comments by February 17, 2026, to have your say—these changes could impact safety rules and shipping costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Use Electronic Shipping Papers Allowed
The special permit for Amazon.com (21948-N) authorizes transporting hazardous materials when an electronic shipping paper is used instead of a physical shipping paper. If your business ships dangerous goods, you may be allowed to use electronic shipping papers under this permit.
Lithium Batteries Over 35 kg Authorized
Special permits (for example, Anduril 21676-M and Beta Technologies 22008-N) authorize transportation of lithium‑ion batteries that exceed 35 kg net weight aboard cargo‑only aircraft if they meet the stated conditions. Companies dealing with large lithium batteries can operate under these permits.
Final‑Delivery Exemption from HMR
The special permits for Amazon.com (22085-N) and Zipline (22087-N) authorize transporting certain hazardous materials as not subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) when transported to their final delivery destination, including delivery by unmanned aircraft systems under specified conditions. Businesses using these delivery methods may be covered by these exemptions.
Non‑DOT Plastic Inner Containers Approved
Plastipak Packaging (22056-N) was authorized to manufacture, mark, sell, and use non‑DOT specification, non‑refillable plastic inside containers for transporting the hazardous materials authorized by that special permit. Manufacturers and packagers covered by the permit may use these containers in commerce.
Certain Explosives May Be Shipped by Air
Atlas Air (22080-N) was authorized to transport in commerce certain Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 explosives that are otherwise forbidden or exceed normal quantity limits for cargo‑only aircraft under the terms of the special permit. Explosives shippers covered by the permit may use these cargo‑only air transport authorizations.
Rail Carriers May Use Electronic Train Papers
Alton Southern Railway (22086-N) received a permit to use electronic means to maintain and communicate on‑board train consist and shipping paper information instead of paper documentation when hazardous materials are transported by rail. Rail operators can use electronic on‑board documentation under this permit.
Tank Car Owners Get Temporary Operating Relief
GATX Corporation (21134-M) received a permit modification authorizing new tank car owners to operate under the special permit until the next tank car qualification due date. New owners of tank cars covered by this permit may continue operations until that qualification date.
Battery Labeling Relief Granted
Call2Recycle, Inc. (20851-M) received a permit modification that provides additional relief from the Subpart E labeling requirement in Part 172 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Entities operating under that permit may have reduced labeling requirements for covered batteries.
No Plastic Wrap Requirement for Seats
The Boeing Company (22059-M) had its special permit modified so airplane seating assemblies no longer need to be wrapped in plastic during transportation under that permit. Suppliers and shippers of seating assemblies covered by the permit no longer must wrap them in plastic for transport under the permit terms.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-00870 — Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for New Special Permits
The Department of Transportation is reviewing new special permit requests for safely handling hazardous materials during transport. Companies like Space Exploration Technologies want permission to test pressure vessels differently, which could affect trucks, trains, ships, and planes. If you have thoughts, send them by February 17, 2026—this could speed up or change how dangerous goods move, but no new fees are mentioned.
Next: 2026-00873 — Information Collection: Cooperation With States at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants and Other Nuclear Production and Utilization Facilities
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing its info-sharing agreement with states that have commercial nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This means states and the NRC will keep working together smoothly to keep everyone safe. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by February 17, 2026—no extra costs or big changes, just a fresh start on cooperation!
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