DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation

• Cross-Platform Accessibility – Training can be accessed on Mac, PC, and mobile devices.

• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) – Our in house SME’s wrote and developed this online training course.

• High-Resolution Imagery – High-definition images enhance the training material.

• Comprehensive Interactive Learning – Fully interactive modules create an engaging learning experience.

• Continuing Education Credits – Earn CEUs upon successful course completion.

• Automated Assessment – Includes knowledge checks, quizzes, and a final exam for certification.

• Certification – Downloadable 8×10 certificate awarded upon course completion.

• Extended Course Entry – Enjoy course access for one full year after registration.

The DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation Course is designed to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s training requirements under 49 CFR Parts 171–180. This online program provides hazmat employees—including shippers, drivers, warehouse staff, and carriers—with the knowledge and skills needed to safely handle and transport hazardous materials by highway, rail, air, and vessel.

Through interactive modules, students learn how to classify hazardous materials, prepare authorized packaging, complete shipping papers, apply required markings and labels, and use DOT placards correctly. The course also covers safety and security awareness training, proper handling and segregation practices, and emergency response procedures using the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).

Upon successful completion, participants receive a DOT-compliant certificate of completion, valid for three years in accordance with 49 CFR §172.704(c). This training helps employers maintain compliance, reduce risk, and protect workers, the public, and the environment during hazardous materials transportation.

Course Introduction

• Welcome and course objectives

• Importance of DOT hazmat transportation training

• Overview of 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)

• Who must be trained (shippers, carriers, handlers, managers, emergency response staff)

• Training requirements under 49 CFR §172.704 (General awareness, Function-specific, Safety, Security awareness, In-depth security training if required)

Module 1: Understanding Hazardous Materials Regulations

• Purpose of DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)

• Key agencies involved (DOT, PHMSA, FAA, FMCSA, Coast Guard, FRA)

• Definitions: hazardous materials, dangerous goods, hazmat employee

• Training frequency and recordkeeping requirements

• Penalties for non-compliance

Module 2: Hazardous Materials Classification

• Nine hazard classes and associated divisions

• Understanding packing groups (I, II, III)

• Identifying hazardous substances, marine pollutants, elevated temperature materials

• Special cases (ORM-D, limited quantities, excepted quantities)

• Examples of commonly shipped hazardous materials

Module 3: Hazard Communication Requirements

• Shipping papers and required information (Basic Description sequence: UN/NA ID, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group)

• Emergency response information (ERG references)

• Marking requirements (general and specific)

• Labeling requirements (hazard labels vs. handling labels)

• Placarding requirements (design, display, exceptions, bulk vs. non-bulk)

• Relationship between DOT hazmat communication and OSHA HazCom

Module 4: Packaging and Containment

• General packaging requirements (performance standards under 49 CFR Part 173)

• Authorized packaging (UN specification vs. non-specification)

• Bulk vs. non-bulk packaging requirements

• Closure instructions and manufacturer’s responsibilities

• Special provisions for certain classes (explosives, radioactive, infectious substances)

• Reuse, reconditioning, and retesting of packagings

Module 5: Transportation Modes and Modal Requirements

• Highway transportation (FMCSA rules)

• Rail transportation (FRA requirements)

• Air transportation (ICAO/IATA alignment with DOT rules)

• Vessel transportation (IMDG Code and U.S. Coast Guard requirements)

• Intermodal considerations and international shipments

Module 6: Safety and Security Requirements

• Employee safety practices when handling hazmat

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) considerations

• Safe handling, loading, unloading, and segregation of hazardous materials

• Security awareness training under 49 CFR §172.704(a)(4)

• In-depth security plan requirements (for certain high-risk materials)

• Real-world incidents and lessons learned

Module 7: Emergency Response and Incident Reporting

• Recognizing hazmat emergencies during transport

• Using the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• Spill response procedures and notification requirements

• Reporting releases and incidents to DOT (49 CFR §171.15 & §171.16)

• Coordination with local emergency responders

• Case studies of transportation accidents

Module 8: Function-Specific Training

• Shipper responsibilities: classification, packaging, marking, labeling, shipping papers

• Carrier responsibilities: accepting shipments, vehicle placarding, handling and stowage

• Driver responsibilities: inspections, segregation, documentation in cab

• Warehouse/handler responsibilities: loading, unloading, storage-in-transit

• Customized content for industry-specific roles (e.g., waste transporters, fuel delivery, lab shipments)

Final Exam

• Course review and key takeaways

This course meets the eligibility for Continuance of Certification (COC) points awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). 

After successfully passing a final exam, you can immediately download your official certificate. A copy is stored in our site database should you need additional copies. View Certificate Example

4 hours