Skip to main content

Practices

Hazardous Materials

Our experience with hazardous materials matters includes:

  • Advising shippers, motor carriers, NVOCCs and other intermediaries regarding PHMSA, FRA, USCG, FMCSA, FAA and TSA hazardous materials safety and security compliance.
  • Providing guidance to and defending shippers in PHMSA, FAA and FRA hazardous materials enforcement matters, including matters involving crude oil, cosmetics, aerosols, paint and bulk chemicals.
  • Advising a broad range of companies, including motor carriers and major chemical and automotive companies, on PHMSA registration and FMCSA permitting requirements.
  • Assisting major chemical companies in obtaining special permits from PHMSA and the USCG.
  • Advising a logistics provider and an automotive parts manufacturer on PHMSA lithium-battery regulations.
  • Obtaining an interpretation letter from PHMSA for a client regarding the applicability of regulations to the transportation of crude oil and other flammable liquids in tank cars.
  • Assisting a shipper with obtaining expedited PHMSA approvals.
  • Providing guidance on regulatory rulemakings and other proceedings.
  • Preparing comments and testimony for trade associations and shippers in STB proceedings involving the carriage of hazardous materials by rail.
  • Testifying on behalf of two trade associations and three major chemical companies in an STB hearing on the common carrier obligation of railroads to transport hazardous materials.
  • Preparing comments on rail tank car safety standards for two major chemical companies and a trade association to submit to FRA and PHMSA.
  • Advising shippers and trade associations on a PHMSA rulemaking on the alternative routing of hazardous materials.