Training in Transportation Security for Hazardous Materials on Motor Carriers

Abstract

Many credible threats against hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation exist in the United States. This paper outlines the overall regulatory approach to hazmat transportation security by commercial motor carriers in the United States and focuses on the well-received training and outreach efforts that have been put in place to improve the overall level of security in the United States. In the post–September 11, 2001 (9/11), environment, safety-oriented agencies are being asked to accommodate a new role in the security arena. Many regulations affect the highway transportation of hazmat. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is primarily concerned with the enforcement of safety regulations, and the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) regulates hazmat transportation across all modes. Recently, RSPA implemented new requirements for security assessments and security plans. Because many motor carriers previously did not have much experience with security issues, the guidance provided them is an important element in improving the level of security throughout the industry. The paper discusses how the motor carriers’ security plans are reviewed and assessed by federal and state regulators. A key component of this review process, described in detail, is the importance of providing training to the regulators (a) to allow them to offer constructive recommendations to improve company security plans and (b) to develop a consistent approach to enforcement in an environment that is much more subjective than that of the safety-oriented enforcement with which they are familiar.