Question:

I have been asked to transport a cargo tank truck containing the residue of a hazardous material, e.g. gasoline.  I do not have the HazMat endorsement on my Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  If the cargo tank was empty I could transport it without the HazMat endorsement.  Do I require a certification of some type to ensure the cargo tank is empty before I accept it for transportation?

Answer:

No.  The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of PHMSA/USDOT do not apply to a cargo tank that once contained HazMat if it has been “…sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazard.”

Other requirements apply.  Read:  Requirements for Transport of Empty Packagings with HazMat Residue

However, the HMR does not establish a standard or require a certification for “…sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazard.”  While some establishments may offer this “certification” for their cleaning services, in the end it is up to the shipper of the HazMat to determine the status of the cargo tank and comply with the applicable regulations.