Q&A: Do I need the HazMat endorsement on my CDL to haul UN2211, Polymeric beads?

Q&A: Do I need the HazMat endorsement on my CDL to haul UN2211, Polymeric beads?

Pretty simple question from December 4, 2017:

I’m hauling UN2211 class 9 Polymeric Beads 44K lbs

Do I need to be Hazmat Endorsed as a Carrier to haul this?

Pretty simple answer:

No. The Class 9 placard is not required to be displayed on a motor vehicle within the U.S. Read: Is the class 9 placard required?

However, if you are transporting a bulk packaging (read: Bulk Packaging for HazMat Explained!), you must display the identification number (2211) on all four sides of the vehicle. You MAY choose to display the identification number on the class 9 placard.

Since the Class 9 placard is not required to be displayed, you are not required to have the HazMat endorsement on your CDL.  The HazMat endorsement is only required if you transport a quantity of HazMat that requires the display of placards.

However, if you transport any quantity of HazMat you must have HazMat Employee training to include a component on safe driving.

I hope this helps. Please contact me with any other questions.

His reply:

Thank you for the clarification.  Basically I’m not Hazmat Endorsed.  My drivers are not Hazmat certified.  But because it’s a UN2211 Class 9. Then we can still haul it even though it’s over 2,000 LBS.

My clarification:

Yes.  That is correct.

  • Placards are not required for Class 9 in the U.S. no matter the amount.
  • The HazMat endorsement on the CDL is only required if the vehicle transports a quantity of HazMat that requires placards.
  • However, HazMat Employee training is required for anyone involved in the transportation of a hazardous material – even Class 9.
  • An additional component of Driver Training should be added to HazMat Employee training.
  • Also, though terms such as “Hazmat Endorsed” or “Hazmat certified” are used in the industry, they don’t exist in the regulations.  The regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) refer simply to the HazMat Endorsement on the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).