What Is a HazMat Endorsement?

A Hazmat endorsement (HAZMAT) is an additional certification that a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder can obtain. It allows the holder to transport hazardous materials (hazmat) in commerce.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has certain regulations in place to ensure the safe transport of hazardous materials. These regulations include requirements for the transportation of hazmat, such as the use of certain types of placards and labels, packaging, and emergency response procedures.

To obtain a Hazmat endorsement, a CDL holder must pass, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) specifically for HazMat, a background check, including fingerprinting, and pass a written examination covering the federal regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials. Additionally, The hazmat endorsement also includes a security threat assessment by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Hazmat endorsement are categorised by classes, covering different types of materials, like explosives, flammable liquids, gases and radioactive materials .

Commercial drivers who wish to transport hazmat are required to obtain this endorsement on their CDL in order to be legally able to haul hazmat cargo on the road.