If a shipping paper includes information about both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the hazardous items must be clearly identified on the paper. They may be entered first, highlighted in a contrasting color, or identified with an "X" placed before the shipping description.

All drivers must be trained in the security risks of hazardous materials transportation. This training must include how to recognize and respond to possible security threats. Hazardous materials employees must be trained and tested at least once every three years.

You must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the beginning of each trip. The only effective way to check tire pressure is by using a tire pressure gauge.

A person attending a placarded vehicle must be awake inside the vehicle or otherwise within 100 feet of the vehicle; know the hazards associated with the materials; know what to do in an emergency; and be able and authorized to move the tank if necessary.

If a hazardous materials label will not fit onto a package, it may be placed on a tag that is securely attached to the package.

Radiation will surround each package of radioactive materials and pass through to all nearby packages. The number of packages that can be loaded together is controlled.

Shipping papers must be quickly accessible in the event of an emergency. While driving, operators must keep the papers in a pouch on the driver’s door or in clear view and within immediate reach while their seat belt is fastened. Shipping papers may be kept on the driver’s seat when the driver is out of the vehicle.

If your vehicle breaks down while you are transporting explosives and you need to use warning signals, use reflective triangles or red electric lights. Never use burning signals, such as flares or fuses, when transporting explosives.

Many hazardous materials classified as poisonous are also flammable.

The use of cargo heaters is not always permitted. When transporting materials that are categorized as Class 1 (Explosives), Class 2.1 (Flammable Gases), or Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), the use of heaters in the same space is generally prohibited.

You must have a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement to operate a vehicle of any size that is used to transport hazardous materials.

If transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, you must follow a written route plan. Whenever placarded, avoid heavily populated areas, crowds, tunnels, narrow streets, and alleys. Be sure to research any restrictions that may apply to the routes you plan to take.

A vehicle that lacks the proper placards for any hazardous materials on board may not be driven, except as necessary to protect life and property in an emergency.

In general, vehicles carrying hazardous materials are required to display diamond-shaped warning signs on all four sides. These warning signs are called "placards."

Shippers of hazardous materials are required to warn drivers and others about the risks of the materials by putting hazard warning labels on packages, putting placards on the transporting vehicles, and providing proper shipping papers and emergency response information.

If your vehicle has cargo tanks that are used to carry hazardous materials, you must stop before crossing railroad tracks. This is true whether the tanks are full or empty.

When required, hazardous materials placards must be placed on all four sides of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials.

Containers of hazardous materials should be braced so they will not fall, slide, or bounce around during transportation.

A shipper of hazardous materials must certify on the shipping paper that the shipment has been prepared in accordance with the rules.

It is always a good idea to compare package markings and labels to accompanying shipping papers. Always make sure the shipper has displayed the correct basic description on the shipping paper and has provided the proper labels on the packages.

If you discover that a cargo of hazardous materials is leaking from your vehicle, you should park the vehicle as soon as possible. The longer you continue driving, the longer the trail of contamination becomes. While this creates potential danger and harm to others, it also increases clean-up expenses.

Always set the parking brake before loading or unloading hazardous materials.When loading or unloading containers of hazardous materials, you should not use hooks, or any other tools that could damage containers or packaging. Hazardous materials should be kept away from heat sources.

When a shipper packages hazardous materials, they certify that the package has been prepared according to Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or noncomplying with HMR, you may accept the shipper’s certification concerning the proper packaging of a material.

If the words "Inhalation Hazard" are on a package or its shipping paper, you must display the proper inhalation hazard placards, as well as any other necessary placards. This applies regardless of the amount of materials being carried.

Shippers of hazardous materials are required to provide proper shipping papers to communicate the risks of the materials.

A person attending a parked placarded vehicle must be either awake inside the vehicle or they must be within 100 feet of it. If not inside the vehicle itself, the person must have a clear view of the vehicle. The person attending may not be inside the sleeper berth.

If a cargo of hazardous materials begins to leak, do not move your vehicle any more than safety requires. If you continue to drive, an even larger area will become contaminated. Instead, you should park your vehicle, secure it, stay with the vehicle, and contact the proper emergency personnel. If you do not have access to a phone, you should send someone else to get help.

If you are experiencing a truck fire, you should not attempt to open trailer doors without first feeling the doors to see if they are hot. If the doors are hot, there may be a cargo fire. Leave the doors closed if there is a cargo fire.

When experiencing a cargo fire, it may be a bad idea to open the doors to the trailer. Doing so allows oxygen to enter the area, potentially causing the fire to flare up and expand.

When applying for an original or renewed HazMat endorsement, you must undergo a federal security threat assessment done by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).