This section is a guide to complying with laws and regulations that apply to businesses that transport people, cargo, goods, merchandise and products by land, air or sea. This section also includes compliance assistance information for businesses engaged in importing and exporting, customs brokerage, packing, warehousing, and storage.
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Aviation Industry
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Accident Plans
Outlines requirements for U.S. and foreign air carriers to develop and submit to the National Transportation Safety Board a plan to address the needs of families of passengers and other victims involved in any aircraft accident involving an aircraft of the air carrier and resulting in a major loss of life. The requirement applies to both passenger and all-cargo carriers. All-cargo carriers are included in this requirement to cover cargo attendants, non-revenue passengers, and persons on the ground that could be affected by an accident. -
Aircraft Certifications
Lists certifications granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). -
Aircraft Manuals and Handbooks
Provides aircraft operations and maintenance manuals. -
Alien Flight Student Program
Contains application for non-U.S. citizens seeking to train at FAA-regulated flight schools. Candidates are required to complete this application prior to beginning flight training. -
Aviation Manuals and Handbooks
Offers aviation operations handbooks, safety manuals, and pilots guides. -
Canadian Air Taxi Operators
Covers how Canadian operators of small aircraft (fewer than 60 seats) that want to operate trans-border services between the U.S. and Canada must register with the Department of Transportation (DOT), and provide evidence of insurance coverage for their operations. -
Emission Standards: Aircraft
Provides information about air pollutant emissions from commercial aviation, including regulations, guidance, and other information related to aircraft. -
FAA Licenses and Certificates
Gives forms and certificates granted by the FAA. -
FAA Recent and Upcoming Compliance Dates
Provides a calendar of upcoming deadlines concerning FAA's various requirements. -
FAA Regulatory and Guidance Databases
Explains the Regulatory & Guidance Library (RGL), a set of searchable databases which contain regulatory, guidance and aviation product information. -
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about FAA licenses, certificates and regulations affecting the airline industry. -
Flight Standard Service
Offers information on standards for certification and oversight of airmen, air operators, air agencies and designees. -
How to Become a Certified Air Carrier
Supplies information regarding the analysis and evaluation of all applications for new economic authority to determine whether the airline applicant is 'fit, willing and able ' to conduct commercial airline operations, and that the applicants are U.S. citizens as defined by the transportation statue. -
Mechanic Licenses and Training Requirements
Provides a list of regulations, policies, license and certifications for aircraft mechanics. -
OSHA eTool: Baggage Handling Ergonomics
Offers an e-Tool describing many of the common hazards associated with the baggage handling process as well as providing possible solutions that are ranked according to their feasibility to the operations. -
Pilot Licenses and Training Requirements
Provides a list of regulations, policies, license and certifications for airline pilots. -
Public Charter Flights Agreements
Explains that all persons who wish to arrange public charter flights must first submit a charter prospectus to the DOT which contains information about the proposed charter program. -
TSA Funeral Home Partners
Details a program that allows funeral homes to partner with TSA to accommodate air travelers with crematory remains.
Customs Brokers
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Automated Export System
Offers an electronic way to file the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) and ocean manifest information directly to U.S. Customs. -
Becoming a Customs Broker
Lists frequently asked questions about how to become a customs broker. -
Customs Broker Compliance
Provide publications relevant to customs brokers. -
Customs and Board Patrol: Import/Export Trade Publications
Offers publications covering import and export procedures, regulations and requirements. -
Customs and Border Protection: Import and Export FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about customs requirements and other importing/exporting issues businesses face when doing business overseas. -
Customs and Border Protection: Automated Systems
Lists all automated systems used to perform customs and import activities. -
Export Documents, Licenses and Requirements (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Provides links to export documents, licenses and requirements required by companies responsible for shipping items overseas. -
Export Logistics
Explains that, when shipping a product overseas, the exporter must be aware of packing, labeling, documentation, and insurance requirements. -
Restricted/Prohibited Goods
Covers that exporters must be aware of restricted and prohibited goods when clearing customers. -
What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About
Offers compliance guides and publications for the trade community.
Drug Testing Policies
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Drug and Alcohol Compliance Publications and Forms
Provides access to various compliance documents and guidance on the DOT drug and alcohol collection processes. -
How to Become a Collector for DOT Drug Testing
Discusses some of the fundamental questions individuals have when they want to become collectors in DOT's drug testing program. -
Transportation Workers Drug and Alcohol Testing FAQs
Contains a list of the most commonly asked DOT drug and alcohol questions the office has received. -
Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures
Contains the complete updated Part 40 rule text with links to official interpretations/guidance material. -
U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance
Contains the official Part 40 policy interpretations.
Hazardous Materials Transportation
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Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Resource and Payment Page
Offers an electronic payment system used for purchasing materials, submitting registration fees, and paying civil fines and penalties. -
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Publications and Reports
Provides information to aid in complying with the requirements set forth in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
Maritime and Ocean Transport
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Cargo Preference
Covers compliance with U.S. cargo preference laws and regulations. -
Common Carrier Tariffs: FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about common carrier tariffs. -
Deep Water Port Licensing
Provides a look into the Deepwater Port application and licensing process. -
Emission Standards: Diesel Boats and Ships
Provides general and technical information on the EPA's marine diesel engine rulemakings. -
Emission Standards: Gasoline Boats and Personal Watercraft
Supplies consumer information as well as environmental regulations and guidance documents on gasoline marine engines that are used in outboard motors and personal watercraft. -
Federal Maritime Commission Bureau of Certification and Licensing
Covers passenger vessel certification and ocean transportation intermediary programs. -
Federal Maritime Commission Forms and Applications
Gives forms for ocean transportation intermediaries, passenger vessel operators, agreements and tariffs. -
Federal Maritime Commission Summary of Fees
Summarizes FMC fees. -
Federal Ship Financing Program - Title XI Financing
Offers program information, documents and forms. -
How to File an MTO Agreement
Gives a how-to guide to filing a marine terminal agreement. -
Import Cargo Control
Details cargo control documents. -
Introduction to Marine Terminal Operators
Overviews how the Federal Maritime Commission regulates marine terminal operations under the Shipping Act of 1984. -
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation FAQs
Provides information on medical benefits, compensation, claims and insurance requirements under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. -
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Information
Contains home page of the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs in the U.S. Department of Labor. -
Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation
Acts as the primary web portal for merchant marine licensing. -
Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier Service Agreements
Lists frequently asked questions about NVOCC service agreements. -
OSHA eTool: Shipyard Employment
Offers an eTool describing common hazards and possible solutions for tasks performed during the ship building and repair processes. Shipyard work is traditionally hazardous, with an injury-accident rate more than twice that of construction and general industry. -
Ocean Discharge Criteria
Discusses the ocean discharge criteria laid out in the Clean Water Act and links to resources with more information. -
Ocean Regulatory Programs
Provides information about waste management programs and links to resources about ocean dumping and dredged material management. -
Ocean Transportation FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about shipping laws and regulations. -
Ocean Transportation Intermediaries: FAQs
Compiles frequently asked questions regarding ocean transportation intermediaries. -
Ocean Transportation Intermediary General Information
Overviews ocean transportation intermediaries, licensing and registration requirements, and financial responsibility requirements. Also provides links to FAQs, Ocean Transportation Intermediary rules, and related information. -
Ocean Transportation Intermediary Licenses
Provides a general description of the Office of Transportation Intermediaries with appropriate contact information. -
Passenger Manifests
Explains that U.S. and foreign airlines operating aircraft with more than 60 seats are required to collect information on the name of each U.S. citizen on the aircraft and to request the name and phone number of a contact for that passenger for all flights that have either an origin or destination in the U.S. -
Passenger Vessel Operators: FAQs
Gives frequently asked questions and answers about regulatory responsibilities of passenger vessel operators. -
Passenger Vessel Operators
Provides customs requirements for passenger vessels. Operators of vessels having berth or stateroom accommodations for 50 or more passengers and embarking passengers at U.S. ports must provide customs with proof of financial responsibility (i.e., a certificate) to reimburse passengers for the water portion of their fare in the event of nonperformance, and provide coverage in the event of death or injury to passengers or other persons on voyages to or from U.S. ports. Customs and Border Protection will generally not clear cruise vessels failing to hold these certificates. -
Shipbuilding and Ship Repair: EPA Rules and Implementation Information
Outlines rules and documentation related to Subpart II- National Emission Standards for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair. -
Shipping Your Product Overseas
Links to all documentation and forms needed to ship your product overseas. -
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works, Regulatory Program
Details this program, working to provide strong protection of the Nation's aquatic environment, efficient administration of the Corps' regulatory program, and fair and reasonable decision-making for the regulated public. -
Vessel Operating Common Carriers
Outlines that an ocean common carrier is defined in the Shipping Act of 1984 as a vessel-operating common carrier (VOCC). VOCCs are required to keep tariffs (a showing of its rates, charges, classifications, rules, and practices between all points or ports) open for public inspection.
Rail Industry
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Emission Standards: Locomotive Engines
Provides general and technical information on the environmental rules and regulations affecting railroads, locomotive manufacturers, and remanufacturers. -
So You Want to Start a Small Railroad
Outlines procedures and standards for authority to acquire and operate a line of railroad, especially operating or expanding a small railroad.
Road Construction
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Crash Testing of Work Zone Safety Appurtenances
Provides questions and answers about crash testing of work zone appurtenances. -
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
Explains FARS data, which can be used to answer many questions on the safety of vehicles, drivers, traffic situations, and roadways. -
Guide to FHWA Funded Wrap-Up Projects: FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about Federal Highway Administration funded wrap-up projects. -
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about traffic control devices.
Trucking Industry
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Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Standards
Covers the federal standards center on a commercial vehicle's weight, length, and width. -
EPA Transportation and Air Quality Industry Partner Programs
Offers voluntary industry compliance programs aimed at reducing pollution and improving air quality. -
Motor Carrier FAQs
Lists frequently asked questions about the regulatory requirements of commercial operations of large trucks and buses. -
Motor Carrier Forms
Provides the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) portal for all compliance forms. -
Motor Carrier Registration and Licensing
Provides the FMCSA's registration and licensing portal. -
Motor Carrier Rules and Regulations
Outlines rules and regulations enforced by the FMCSA. -
Motor Carrier Safety and Security Guide
Gives the FMCSA's guide to providing safety and security initiatives aimed at reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Commercial operators must comply with these safety regulations. -
Oversize and Overweight Load Permit Information
Details federally mandated maximum weights for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. -
Smartway Transport Partnership
Explains how the EPA partners with several lenders to make loans available to small trucking companies to help pay for technologies that will save fuel and money while reducing pollution. -
Surface Transportation Board Guide to Environmental Rules
Assists in understanding and applying the Board's environmental rules. It highlights the various environmental and historic reporting requirements, notice requirements, those actions exempt from environmental and historic review, and the types of environmental documents generally prepared for actions before the Board -
Vehicle Size and Weight Standards
Covers requirements to preserve our Nation's infrastructure and to keep trucks and buses moving efficiently. States must ensure that commercial motor vehicles comply with federal size and weight standards. FHWA is responsible for certifying state compliance with federal standards. This site provides a ready source of information on federal standards and guidelines, state enforcement activities, reporting requirements, and contacts.