Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Department of Transportation was asked to identify areas within the transportation system that were vulnerable to terrorist attack. FMCSA conducted a field operational test (FOT) to quantify the security costs and benefits of an operational concept that applied technology and improved enforcement procedures to hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation.

Deployment:  The FOT demonstrated an approach that enhances the safety and security of hazmat shipments from origin to destination by examining possible vulnerabilities in the hazmat transportation system. More detail on the project design can be found in the FOT Statement of Work and the Deployment Documents below.

Evaluation:  An independent evaluation was conducted in parallel with the FOT. The evaluation team determined whether or not the FOT met the objective of ensuring the safety and security of hazmat shipments from origin to destination. The evaluator also conducted a benefit-cost analysis that considered safety, security and efficiency. More detail on the evaluation can be found in the Evaluation Statement of Work and the Evaluation Documents below.

Technology Compendium:  The project also included the development of a technology compendium, designed to be a comprehensive listing of the different safety and security technologies that are available. The technology compendium is an ongoing effort that will continue to expand and be updated. The most recent version published can be found in Appendix C of the Final Deployment Report.

Attention Technology Providers:  To be included in the technology compendium, complete the vendor survey.

This page will follow the progress of the FOT. Below is a schedule of the planned research. Due to the sensitive nature of the findings of this research, not all information will be made available to the public. Updates and non-sensitive information will be made available to this Web site periodically.

Deployment Documents

Evaluation Documents

For additional information, please contact Joe DeLorenzo at joseph.delorenzo@fmcsa.dot.gov.