It’s time for “March Madness” in the world of college basketball, but the world of DG and HSE regulations just keeps chugging along doing its safe best to protect the logistics chain. Here’s the latest news:
PHMSA
The agency will host a public Research, Development, & Technology Forum (Forum) from March 31–April 2, 2026, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Forum will provide an opportunity for PHMSA-funded research projects to present the results of recently completed or ongoing projects. OHMS will discuss upcoming hazardous materials transportation research project plans and obtain stakeholder input on the direction of OHMS’s current and future research projects. Potential topics include:
• Efficient Safety Standards • Risk Reduction for Emergency Response • Safe Energy Storage Technologies • Innovative Packaging
During the Forum, OHMS will host subject matter experts to discuss a variety of topics affecting the hazardous materials transportation industry. Additionally, OHMS will solicit input and feedback related to potential research topics that may be considered for future work and gather and review research need statements from industry, academia, and other stakeholders.
Find more information and how to participate at the link:ented, so if your site handles hazardous waste, it’s a good idea to look this proposal over. See it here:
The agency also released another tranche of Letters of Interpretation or LOI. Such letters represent PHMSA feedback to stakeholders that sought guidance as to the agency’s interpretations of specific regulatory language. While they do not bear the same force of law as a regulation does, they nevertheless present important information about how PHMSA itself views the legal structures they enforce. Find the most recent such LOI’s here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Severe storms swept across the southern plains over the last weekend, leading to significant damage and tragic loss of life. It’s another reminder that this time of year can bring dangerous weather, so please be sure your workplace plan is ready and your employees are trained to respond. Forewarned is forearmed. Here’s last week’s regulatory news of note:
EPA
In an important new action, the U.S. agency is proposing (via an NPRM) regulatory amendments to the hazardous waste manifest regulations to establish a date for prohibiting the use of paper manifests in favor of using only electronic manifests. Phaseout of paper manifests would be two years from the date of publication of any finalized rule. The proposed rule also introduces several conforming amendments to existing regulations. These include:
new registration requirements with the EPA’s e-Manifest system for RCRA hazardous waste transporters, certain PCB waste generators, and PCB waste transporters
updates to exception reporting requirements for very small quantity generators (VSQGs) managing hazardous waste from episodic events, as well as for healthcare facilities and reverse distributors handling hazardous waste pharmaceuticals
revisions to discrepancy reporting requirements for owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities operating under standardized permits
technical corrections to the import and export requirements to correct or remove obsolete text
Comments must be received on or before May 4, 2026. This is a huge change if implemented, so if your site handles hazardous waste, it’s a good idea to look this proposal over. See it here:
The agency published a list of “do’s and don’ts” for Substance Abuse Treatment Professionals that participate in DOT regulated testing and treatment programs. See the guidance here:
The agency published an ICR related to its Hexavalent Chromium Standard. It’s a hazardous heavy metal that is regulated in its use and handling. See the ICR here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Then you’ll love sharing these DG eCards on Twitter!
What are DG eCards?
They’re amusing little comments with graphics that poke a bit of fun at our business—especially people who don’t take Dangerous Goods as seriously as they should.
What do you do with them?
Just select your favorite card and click on the link to share it. Add your own comment and off it goes to your Twitter feed. Then you can sit back and enjoy your after-work UN 3065.
Share your idea in the comments below, and maybe we’ll include it in the next batch of DG eCards.
Make sure your shipments are safe and in full compliance, with a full line of solutions from Labelmaster—a full-service provider of goods and services for hazardous materials and Dangerous Goods professionals, shippers, transport operators and EH&S providers.
The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) provides essential guidance for handling hazardous materials transportation incidents.
It’s the official hazmat book used by first responders and hazmat professionals worldwide, and DOT 49 CFR172.602 requires anyone who handles or transfers dangerous goods to have emergency response information immediately available.
The ERG is updated every 4 years and now is the best time to place your order.
March is the month spring begins, and spring often brings unsettled weather. Now’s a great time to begin considering your company’s severe weather safety plans if heavy weather is a factor where your business operates. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at the week’s regulatory news:
EU ADR
The EU ADR is Europe’s set of regulations that govern road transport of dangerous goods in the EU. It is revised every two years, with the 2025 version currently in force. A new set of proposed regulatory changes for the next edition in 2027 has been released. See the proposed revisions here:
The agency published an ICR related to its Formaldehyde Standard. The chemical is a hazardous one, and is often used in both industry and commercial applications. See the ICR here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
After last week’s harmonization news, this week was considerably less active, with the exception being the FMCSA. Here’s the latest news:
FMCSA
The agency amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to remove the grandfathering provision under the physical qualifications standards for interstate drivers operating under the vision waiver study program administered from 1992 through 1994, and the vision exemption program operated from 1998 through 2022, as the grandfathering provision is now obsolete. FMCSA’s current rules permit individuals who do not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the existing distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce under specified conditions. Find the changed rule here:
The agency amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations (FMCSR) to allow dual-status military technicians to qualify for the exception for certain military personnel from commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards. Dual-status military technicians are civilian technicians employed by military units to provide day-to-day support such as training, maintenance, and other activities required to support the unit. See the rule here for full details:
FMCSA also clarified the requirement to complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). The DVIR may already be completed electronically, however the explicit language in this clarified rule will make this clear. See the rule below:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Differences between compliant and non-compliant labels and markings may be had to notice.
Shippers often complain about the hair-splitting differences spelled out by hazmat regulations. And while it’s true that a difference of a gram here or a millimeter there isn’t likely to make a shipment any less safe, regulations have to be exact, or there’s no point in enacting them.
Label regulations can seem especially persnickety. The difference between a compliant label and a cheaper, non-compliant label may be small and hard to notice, but you can bet your supply chain partners—and possibly DOT inspectors—will catch them.
Non-compliant labels will cost you more in the long run, due to fines and the cost of resending rejected shipments. But how do you spot them?
What makes these labels and markings non-compliant?
Below are six non-compliant labels and markings, side by side with their compliant Labelmaster counterparts. We’ve detailed the errors and inconsistencies that make these cheaper products non-compliant.
Pitchers and catchers reported to training camp this week in the Major Leagues—that’s a sure sign of spring, although we still have a long way to go. But progress is progress! There was progress on the regulatory front as well, as PHMSA released its long-sought HM-215R international harmonization rule in proposed form. Finalization must await comments and potential revisions. See the details as well as other regulatory news right here:
PHMSA
As noted above, the agency has released its HM-215R proposed harmonization rule, bringing the 49 CFR into line with the various international texts based on the UN Model Regs, like the ICAO TI, IATA DGR, and IMO IMDG Code. Among other items, if adopted as published here, the new rule will:
incorporate by reference updated versions of international hazardous materials regulations and standards
make amendments to the Hazardous Materials Table to add, to revise, or to remove certain PSNs, hazard classes, PGs, SPs, packaging authorizations, bulk packaging requirements, and passenger and cargo aircraft maximum quantity limits
provide an increase in authorized amounts of certain gases transported as limited quantities for modes other than air transportation
make amendments to the organic peroxides table in § 173.225, which lists individual organic peroxide formulations that are authorized for transportation without prior approval.
make amendments to provisions for the transport of tetramethylammonium
offer new provisions for sodium ion batteries: PHMSA proposes to add new HMT entries and transport provisions for sodium ion batteries to maintain consistency with changes adopted in the 2025–2026 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions and the 23rd revised edition of the UN Model Regulations. The new provisions in the international regulations regulate sodium ion batteries in the same way as lithium ion batteries and are intended to address anticipated increases in the use of sodium ion batteries as an alternative to lithium ion batteries
revise state-of-charge provisions for certain lithium and sodium ion batteries transported by air: PHMSA proposes expanding current state-of-charge requirements to certain lithium and sodium ion batteries transported by air. The new provision would limit the amount of stored energy to 30 percent or less of the battery’s capacity at the time of transport
require improved Emergency Response Information for Lithium Batteries Transported as ‘‘UN3536, Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries: ’’ PHMSA proposes to amend Special Provision 389 to require that the emergency response information for UN3536 specifically identify the predominant type of energy storage battery installed in the unit (e.g., lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries) and provide information on immediate methods for handling
add exceptions for ammonium nitrate hot concentrated solution to add specific conditions under which solutions of ammonium nitrate (hot concentrated solution) can be transported under the HMT entry ‘‘UN2426, Ammonium nitrate’’ or can qualify for exception from regulation under the HMR.
give exceptions for nitrocellulose membrane filters used in rapid test devices to add a new special provision with specific packaging requirements for ‘‘UN3270, Nitrocellulose membrane filters, with not more than 12.6% nitrogen, by dry mass’’ to be excepted from regulation
Read the complete proposal and find ways to comment no later than April 13th, 2026 at this link:
PHMSA is also extending the comment period in a request for preemption from Exxon Mobil Corporation in the matter of a lawsuit in reference to a state tort claim. The company is asking for federal relief in the matter. See details and how to comment here:
Everyone loves new lithium battery transport guidance, and IATA has come through again. The Association has prepared an updated Lithium & Sodium Battery Guidance Document for 2026, available here:
The agency is amending the regulations for State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driving credentials to non-domiciled individuals. This final rule reaffirms, with minor changes, the provisions of the interim final rule (IFR) published on September 29, 2025. Specifically, this final rule limits eligibility for nondomiciled Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for foreign-domiciled individuals to those who hold specific, verifiable employment-based nonimmigrant status. This final rule is effective March 16, 2026. Link:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
If you’re a Dangerous Goods professional, you believe in science, not superstition. You’d never go in for all that astrological nonsense, would you?
Still, even DG pros want to know what the future holds in store. That’s why we created the Hazard Class Zodiac. Find your “sign” to learn everything about your personality, your ideal match, and your future!
How can you, the Dangerous Goods professional, know your personality type?
Simple—just figure out which hazard class you belong to! Then, whatever “sign” you call your own, you’ll know what fate has in store for you!
Class 1
Explosives
January 1 — February 10
You don’t do anything quietly. People like your ability to remove obstacles, but they’re wary of you getting out of control.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 2 (Gasses)
When you two get together,
look out!
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 6 (Poison)
Poison is patient; you’re … not.
You just want different things.
New Year’s Prediction:
You’ll start the year with a bang—and probably end it the same way. If people can’t handle your occasional blow-ups, they can’t say they weren’t warned.
Class 2
GASSES
February 11 — March 22
You’re a shape-shifter. People find you mysterious. You spend a lot of time under pressure, and sometimes you just need to let it all out.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 6 (Poison)
You’re both under-the-radar, behind-the-scenes types who know the value of a breath of fresh air.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 9 (Miscellaneous)
Hard to detect, meet hard to define.
New Year’s Prediction:
Try to contain yourself, because otherwise you’re at the mercy of the wind.
Class 3
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
March 23 — May 2
Most of the time you go with the flow, but you sometimes heat up in the wrong situation. People are careful with you.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 4 (Flammable Solids)
You’re opposites, but you both love a toasty fire.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 1 (Explosives)
Your get-togethers sometimes make a big splash, but more often they just go pffft.
New Year’s Prediction:
Everything flows downhill—don’t fight what you can’t change. And watch out for those “combustion” factors: fantasy football, bad customer service and people who drive 55 in the left lane.
Class 4
FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
May 3 — June 12
You’re dependable—people know where you stand, and trust you to not just shift with the wind or disappear into thin air. But you can be volatile, too.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 7 (Radioactive)
As long as you’re both in your element, you don’t mind that your partner’s a bit unstable.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 2 (Gasses)
You can’t even share the same space.
New Year’s Prediction:
You’re at your best with your volatility under control, so try to avoid whatever sets you off: college sports, politics and that brother-in-law who won’t shut up about Game of Thrones.
Class 5
OXIDIZER
June 13 — July 23
You can be stable, but you have a tendency to bring out the worst in others.You like to mix it up—with unpleasant consequences.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 9 (Miscellaneous)
You might set each other off once in a while, but it’s usually a peaceful coexistence
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 1 (Explosives)
One bad interaction and the results can be a major disaster.
New Year’s Prediction:
Let everyone else herd together at hookah bars, pickleball games and Black Friday sales. You’re happiest by yourself.
Class 6
POISON
July 24 — September 2
Let’s face it—people tend to react badly to you. Even those who need you around handle you with care.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 7 (Radioactive)
Like two wallflowers at a party, you at least have something in common.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 8 (Corrosive)
Why be with someone who makes you feel even worse about yourself?
New Year’s Prediction:
When you make yourself useful, people will accept you for what you are. And if they handle you badly, they’ll get what they deserve.
Class 7
RADIOACTIVE
September 3 — October 13
You can’t imagine why some people are so uncomfortable around you.After all, your relationships typically have a long half-life.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 8 (Corrosive)
They may wear on everyone else, but they’re no match for your unlimited energy.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 1 (Explosives)
Your previous encounters have been historical disasters.
New Year’s Prediction:
You have the capacity to light up everything you touch. Haters gonna hate, but they can’t stop you from shining.
Class 8
CORROSIVE
October 14 — November 23
You’re the curmudgeon, the cynic, the naysayer. You may not be popular,but every organization needs someone like you.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 2 (Gasses)
No matter how caustic you get, you can’t hurt someone who’s so insubstantial.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 5 (Oxidizer)
You eat away at them;
they burn you up. Run!
New Year’s Prediction:
You are who you are, and you do what you do. You leave your mark on everyone you touch, and if they can’t deal, they’re just a buncha oversensitive poltroons.
Class 9
MISCELLANEOUS
November 24 — December 31
You’re the oddball, the independent. You just don’t fit in—but that’s okay, because you’re more popular than anyone else.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Everybody
You offer something for everyone, even if you can be a minor irritant.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Nobody
You’re the polish on our nails, the amps in our Androids, the pepper in our personal protection spray. What’s not to like?
New Year’s Prediction:
You’re so many things to so many people, we might just need another category for you someday. Stay weird!
Find your match!
Whatever “sign” you call your own, you’ll always find the exact Dangerous Goods identification you need with Labelmaster’s Placard Finder and Label Finder.
This infographic is for entertainment value only. None of the information contained herein has any basis in fact whatsoever. Besides, every DG professional in reality shares the same perpetually sunny personality that cannot in any way be compared to characteristics of hazardous materials.
Download a printable PDF of the Infographic | Hazard Class Zodiac
It’s the Monday after the “Big Game.” Did your team win? Did you eat too much? Hope the nation’s biggest informal “holiday” went the way you wanted it to. Meanwhile, here’s the latest regulatory news—always a winner!
EPA
The agency invites the public to provide input for potential charge questions and/or charge question topics which EPA could consider when consulting the e-Manifest Advisory Board (‘‘Advisory Board’’) regarding the operations of EPA’s hazardous waste electronic manifest system. Input is due by March 9th, 2026. See how to comment here:
The agency is also seeking nominations to the advisory board that it consults in its governance of the e-manifest system. See how to offer a nomination here:
The agency published an ICR related to its standard governing the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals. The standard seeks to ensure safety in the workplaces where such chemicals are present. See the ICR here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
