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What is Hazardous Truck Cargo?

hazardous truck cargoThe Department of Transportation defines hazardous material as any item or chemical which is a risk to public safety or to the environment when it is being transported or moved.   Hazardous materials can potentially cause harm to humans, animals, or environment if not handled properly.  According to the United States Department of Transportation, current research indicates that hazardous materials traffic in the U.S. now exceeds 800,000 shipments per day and results in more than 3.1 billion tons of hazardous materials annually.

Precautions for Semi Trucks Carrying Hazardous Cargo

Truckers carrying hazardous materials must acquire a specific license and undergo special training, in addition to their commercial driver’s license.  Hazardous cargo trucks must comply with detailed requirements such as labeling hazardous cargo and its transporting vehicle, cargo temperature and pressure control, vehicle warning placards, United Nations system numbering, and specific travel routes.

To secure the transport of hazardous materials, the United States Department of Transportation recently created certain rules in order for drivers to obtain a hazardous material endorsement.  The process includes the collection of an individual’s fingerprints and verification of citizenship, immigration eligibility or permanent legal presence in the United States.

Help if You’ve Been Injured by Hazardous Cargo from a Commercial Truck

At O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath, our trucking attorneys know that an accident with a truck carrying hazardous cargo has serious implications.  Our team of lawyers is highly qualified to handle accidents involving hazardous cargo or spills.  If you suspect you have an injury due to a hazardous cargo truck collision, and need to talk to a legal professional, contact us today.

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