The Congress finds that the movement of hazardous materials in commerce is necessary and desirable to maintain economic vitality and meet consumer demands, and shall be conducted in a safe and efficient manner. (HMTUSA; 49 App. U.S.C. 1801).

Satisfying the needs of our highly competitive industrialized society, while maintaining an acceptable level of safety at a reasonable cost, is a regulatory challenge that PHMSA consistently, and successfully, meets through its hazard/risk-based approach to the management of the hazardous materials transportation safety program.

The terms below have many forms and meanings. Click each term to read the definition for hazardous materials safety: