I see on the loadboards every so often hazmat loads for flatbeds. My driver has hazmat endorsement but as a carrier what do I need to do to haul those loads? Also there is different types of hazmat, how do you know which one to haul? I'm assuming insurance goes up and so on. Any experienced hazmat haulers around? Thank you for your help
You have to register with FMCSA and DOT to carry it. Get the ridiculous insurance to haul it and so on, so on.... I was told by a driver that his hazmat insurance was $50k a year ADDITIONAL to his normal cargo insurance.
Yes you have to have the extra insurance, but there are actually quite a few hazmat loads for flat and step decks. There is a place that loads paint close to me, and they always prefer to load a flat, because the paint goes to construction site's and they can't unload a van unless they have a pallet jack. Also most any tanks over 500 gallons that still have product in them will be hazmat. Cutting boxes in the oil field, some of the drilling equipment , all kinds of stuff
Company needs to register with PHMSA (+/- $275 per year), each driver needs training in compliance with 48 CFR 172, company needs a security plan and make sure your cargo insurance will handle it. It can be done but it is a fair amount to keep up with.
I haul many hazmat loads (currently hauling radioactive) but I am also leased to Landstar, so I just have the endorsements and training, they pay the insurance.
i'm guessing that's why my first OTR company went broke. LOL why they bought it is beyond me. but then, i don't know why they installed drop axles to run to cali either. bio fuel and grease isn't hazmat. and cali won't allow over 34. don't ask me how they sent a driver down. but i'm sure that citation was HEFTY. and i don't even know if even had a permit.
