National Tank Truck Carriers recently recorded another regulatory win.
Thanks to the efforts of Patrick Usher, Usher Transport executive vice president of corporate governance and NTTC Energy Services committee chair, and a group of NTTC leaders, Doraville, Georgia, no longer will require drivers to obtain a city-issued ID to access local fuel terminals.
The Doraville City Council approved the change to Section 6-14 of the city’s ordinances in a May 21 vote.
“Hazmat carriers and their drivers are among the most highly regulated and thoroughly trained professionals in the transportation sector,” Usher said in a news release. “The now-repealed Doraville ordinance placed an undue burden on these essential workers, created inefficiencies, and opened the door to a patchwork of conflicting local requirements.
“The city’s decision brings necessary clarity and relief to carriers operating in this critical region.”
The ordinance requiring local identification cards for petroleum and propane drivers dated back to the 1970s, NTTC reported. While originally enacted following a tragic fire near a fuel terminal—unrelated to tank truck drivers—the regulation imposed additional background checks, fees, and administrative steps for drivers already fully vetted and regulated under robust federal hazardous materials transportation laws. These redundant requirements conflicted with federal preemption standards under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA), which seeks uniformity and safety through consistent national regulations.
“This is a significant victory for regulatory common sense and the safe, efficient transportation of fuel,” said Ryan Streblow, NTTC president and CEO. “Doraville’s action aligns local law with long-standing federal preemption principles, eliminates duplicative burdens on professional drivers, and enhances interstate commerce. We applaud the city council for recognizing the need to streamline regulations in a way that supports both safety and economic vitality.”
Doraville is home to a major fuel terminal hub serving the Metro Atlanta area and Southeastern United States. Removing the permit requirement ensures unimpeded access for qualified hazmat drivers, enhances supply chain fluidity, and helps prevent regulatory confusion and delays that could impact fuel delivery and public safety.
“This decision is a model of smart local governance,” said David Price, UPT executive vice chairman and NTTC chairman of the board. “We commend Doraville’s leadership for recognizing that national safety standards must remain consistent and for acting decisively to ensure that professional tank truck drivers can perform their vital work without unnecessary local interference.”
