The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been instructed by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta to notify hazardous materials shippers and carriers of new security guidelines for those shipments. The guidelines are directed at carriers in particular, according to Mineta.
1. Follow hazmat routing guidelines and rules set by state and local authorities.
2. If at all possible, route hazmat shipments away from cities and populated areas.
3. Explore ways to improve hazmat cargo security measures.
4. Instruct personnel to report any suspicious behavior around shipments and vehicles to local and state authorities by calling 911 or 311.
The Department of Transportation is instructing state and local law enforcement officials to investigate any vehicles that appear to be off route or otherwise out of place.