Hauling non-placarded hazardous materials: 4 tips to keep everyone safe
March 19, 2025
Hauling placarded hazardous materials is serious business, as are the regulations governing their transport (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials/how-comply-federal-hazardous-materials-regulations). From endorsements on your CDL to strict placarding rules, are all designed to keep you and the community safe when you’re carrying hazmat in your vehicle.
But what if your load isn’t placarded for hazmat or you don’t have an endorsement? Does this mean you’re not carrying hazardous materials? Not necessarily.
While the amount of hazardous material you’re carrying may be below the requirement for placarding, this doesn’t mean the materials are any less dangerous. Consider the potential danger when you’re transporting propane. Though any amount presents some danger, only a large amount requires a placard.
This potential for danger is why you should still take precautions even when no placard is required. To keep you and everyone around you safe, here are 4 tips for safely transporting non-placarded hazardous materials:
- Follow the clues
- Prevent a release
- Know what to do
- Be equipped
1. Follow the clues
You may first need to figure out whether you are in fact hauling hazmat. There are clues to help you determine this, even when it’s not obvious. Check for placarded containers elsewhere in the shipper’s yard. If you notice any, it’s worth double-checking what you’re carrying, even if there aren’t placards on your particular shipment.
When checking your shipment, keep an eye out for warning messages on labels like “irritating to skin” or “keep away from eyes”.
Another clue on shipping labels is the presence of proper shipping names or identification numbers, or even hazard class labels. Hazardous materials require these labels, even if there isn’t enough of the material to require a full placard.
2. Prevent a release
An unplanned release can happen for many reasons, including packaging failures, improper securement or human error. Help prevent these failures by inspecting packages for signs of damage and don’t transport them if they’re leaking. Remember: it’s illegal to move a vehicle with leaking hazardous materials. You further lower the risk of release by not opening any hazardous materials during your trip and avoiding the use of tools that might damage the package when loading or unloading.
Securing and balancing the load is good practice no matter what you’re carrying and is doubly important when you’re carrying hazmat, even in small amounts.
And remember, products can become even more dangerous when exposed to heat, so avoid sources of ignition like smoking and lit cigarettes.
3. Know what to do
Transporting hazardous materials, even in small amounts, comes with a responsibility to keep the public safe. If you find yourself in a situation where there may be danger, remember to:
- Park it: Make an effort to keep your vehicle away from truck stops, cafes and business or busy public areas (and try to stay upwind!).
- Secure it: Use warning equipment like hazard lights and emergency warning signals, and wear a safety vest while securing the vehicle and the area from bystanders.
- Stay there: Until emergency responders arrive, you should maintain a safe distance but don’t leave the area unattended.
- Call for help: Especially when hazardous materials are involved, call for emergency responders in the event of a fire or spill. And if you can’t make the call yourself, send someone else for help.
4. Be equipped
Having a well-stocked emergency kit is always smart but makes extra sense when you might be carrying hazardous goods. Make sure your fire extinguisher is fully charged and easily accessible but also securely mounted so it doesn’t slide or roll around.
If you have to pull over because of a spill, fire or other danger, make sure you have appropriate warning devices for stopped vehicles like flares, fusees and emergency reflective triangles. It’s also a good idea to have spare fuses to operate required parts and accessories. Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if needed.
Safely transporting dangerous goods requires diligence, awareness and care. If you are unsure whether your load includes non-placarded hazardous materials, remember to double-check, be prepared, and ask for help if needed.