The use of Special Permits (formerly known as Exemptions) in the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) of the USDOT/PHMSA presents opportunities and challenges for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials.  While they provide an opportunity to transport or offer for transportation a hazardous material in a manner not allowed for in the HMR, they will have requirements all of their own that are in addition to those of the HMR.  One example of this is that anyone who uses a Special Permit in the transportation of a hazardous material must provide additional Function Specific training to their HazMat Employees on the specific requirements of the Special Permit.

Below are some FAQs from the PHMSA website regarding the use of Special Permits for the transportation of hazardous materials. (more…)