HAZMAT is an abbreviation for hazardous materials or the safety programs that have been developed to protect the public from exposure to hazardous materials. Various federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have mandated regulations for the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials. The exact definition of hazardous materials varies depending on the regulatory agency.
Truckers, contractors, and other entities must follow the specific regulations regarding their use, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Transporting Hazardous Materials
According to the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Commerce, there are over 1.5 billion tons of hazardous materials transported each year in the United States either by truck, train, boat or aircraft. The strict regulations for the handling of these hazardous materials are beneficial for health reasons but certainly keep businesses on their toes.
For those involved in transporting hazardous materials, this activity raises special risks, which is why hazmat insurance exists as a special insurance policy for the transportation of hazardous materials. Depending on what cargo you haul, the various federal agencies will have different regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
Transportation of hazardous materials is the cause of unique highway safety concerns. One of these concerns is the release of cargo that may contaminate or injure those coming in contact with the hazardous substance. These crashes may also cause fires, explosions and the release of toxic fumes. Try to fathom the expense of clean-up and other damages that could occur if a truck full of hazardous materials were to explode on a busy highway. Now, try to imagine covering these costs without hazmat insurance in place.
What Are Hazardous Materials?
The Secretary of Transportation has defined hazardous materials as “any substance that poses an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property.” Most people can recognize many of the commonly known hazardous materials but you may not recognize some types of goods as hazardous.
These are some items that are considered hazardous when transporting:
- Petroleum Products
- Propane
- Dynamite
- Cleaning Compounds
- Adhesives
- Paint
- Poisonous Chemicals
- Combustible Gases
- Fertilizers
- Chemicals
- Contaminated Soil or Products
Those in the industry of transportation of hazardous materials should especially carry hazmat insurance, since your hazmat insurance policy can help you in your liability risks relating to the process of loading and unloading cargo, in-transit coverage, site pollution clean-up operations, and on-going contamination.
About Tobico Trucking Insurance
Trucking insurance is one of the most difficult types of insurance to obtain, but it doesn’t have to be. At Tobico Trucking Insurance, we are experienced and knowledgable about the trucking insurance market and the needs of trucking operations of all types and sizes. You need an agent who has the specialized knowledge of this ever-changing industry, and we have the products and the dedicated customer service to provide you with what you need. For more information, contact us any time of day at (469) 731-0707 to find out how we can help you.
