Hazmat
The FMCSA BASIC category covering motor carriers authorized to transport hazardous materials under federal regulation. Covers placarding, shipping papers, package integrity, loading and segregation, driver hazmat endorsement validity, and the broader hazmat regulatory regime under 49 CFR Parts 171–180.
Why it matters
Hazmat operations carry a different risk profile than general freight. A spill or leak from a hazmat load is a public-safety event in a way a general freight accident usually is not. Federal enforcement, insurance underwriting, and procurement for hazmat-eligible lanes all read the Hazmat BASIC as a primary signal. Carriers without hazmat authority show n/a in this BASIC — the score only applies to carriers who have registered for hazmat operations.
Where it appears in a ProHRHQ carrier page
The Safety record table shows the Hazmat BASIC for carriers with hazmat authority. Carriers without hazmat authority show n/a; the absence of a score is not a deficiency, it reflects that the carrier does not operate in this category.
What the measure covers
The Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC counts roadside violations of the hazmat rules: missing or incorrect shipping papers, wrong or missing placards and markings, damaged or leaking packages, and loads not secured as required. Like the Crash Indicator, its percentile is not shown publicly. Carriers hauling certain high-hazard materials, such as some explosives and toxic-by-inhalation materials, also need a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit from FMCSA, which requires a satisfactory safety rating. Drivers need a hazmat endorsement on their CDL, which involves a security threat assessment, so hazmat fleets usually recruit from a smaller pool. The shipper is responsible for classifying and packaging the material; the carrier still has to check the shipping papers and placards before the load moves.
Related terms
Hazardous materials regulations are defined under 49 CFR Parts 171–180 and PHMSA oversight. Specific operational requirements vary by hazmat class, packaging group, and quantity. Current rules govern.