DOT HAZMAT Ground Shipper Certification Training

The course covers the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 CFR Parts 171–180 including the hazmat employee training requirements in 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H.

Proper preparation and transportation of hazardous materials is essential because errors in classification, packaging, marking, labeling, shipping papers, or placarding can create serious safety and compliance risks.

Failure to comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations can result in civil penalties for each violation. Under the current penalty limits, a knowing violation can carry a civil penalty of up to $102,348 per violation, increasing to $238,809 when the violation results in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property destruction. Training-related violations have a minimum civil penalty of $617. Continuing violations can also result in each day being treated as a separate offense. Incorrect hazmat preparation can contribute to leaks, fires, exposures, transportation incidents, property damage, and harm to workers, emergency responders, and the public.

• Designed to cover Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in 49 CFR Parts 171–180 that apply to the preparation and ground transportation of hazardous materials.
• Learn how DOT HAZMAT requirements apply to the day-to-day preparation of hazardous materials shipments.
• Build confidence in preparing shipping papers and understanding the information required for compliant shipments.
• Learn how to identify and apply the appropriate markings and hazard labels to hazardous material packages.
• Understand when and how placards are used to communicate hazardous material hazards during transportation.

This training is intended for hazmat employees involved in preparing or offering hazardous materials for ground transportation.

It can be particularly useful for:

• Shipping and receiving personnel
• Hazmat shippers and packaging personnel
• Warehouse and distribution employees
• Logistics and transportation personnel
• Shipping coordinators and supervisors
• Compliance and safety personnel
• Employees responsible for preparing hazardous materials shipments

Within 90 days of starting a hazmat job function or changing to a new one (49 CFR 172.704(c)). Until the training is complete, the employee may perform hazmat functions only under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable employee.

You may not perform hazmat functions until you are retrained. The civil penalties for DOT hazmat violations are adjusted annually for inflation and now exceed $100,000 per violation, per day. Training and recordkeeping failures are among the most frequently cited violations during DOT inspections.

DOT places the certification responsibility on the employer. The course provides the training, testing, and a certificate of completion. The employer must then certify that the employee was trained and tested, and keep the training record on file.

Only partly. A new employer may count your previous training if it covers the functions you will perform there. However, the new employer must verify that training, keep its own record, and provide any function-specific training for its operations.

Usually, yes. Limited quantity and excepted quantity shipments are still regulated, and the people preparing them are hazmat employees. The main exception is Materials of Trade (49 CFR 173.6), such as small amounts of fuel or compressed gas that a business carries in its own vehicles. For Materials of Trade, the employee only needs to be informed of the applicable requirements rather than complete full 172.704 training.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

DOT HAZMAT Ground Shipper Certification Training standards do not specify a set frequency for training renewal, unlike some other OSHA regulations. However, industry best practices suggest providing ground shipper certification training at least once every three years.

Certificate of Completion: Immediately after passing the final exam, you can download, save, or print your certificate in PDF format.

Validity: The course certificate is valid for three years.

Renewal: Simply take this course within 36 months to maintain compliance and stay current on ground shipper best practices for HAZMAT transportation on highways.