Not all hazardous materials transporters are commercial haulers or delivery workers. Many of us transport hazardous products throughout our communities as a usual occurrence without thinking about the risk involved. Maybe it's a propane tank for the family grill, paint to renovate the childrens' bedrooms, or gasoline for the lawnmower. Whatever the product may be, we may not know or fully understand the hazards it poses to our safety should an emergency situation arise.

PHMSA provides resources to state emergency responders and anyone involved with the transport of hazardous materials, whether that be a commercial shipper or carrier or concerned citizen. 

PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Info Center provides useful information concerning hazardous materials transportation, including rulemakings and training materials, and also serves as a way to report violations of the hazardous materials regulations. Contact PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Info Center at 1-800-467-4922 or 202-366-4488 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (messages provided during non-business hours will be returned the following business day).

PHMSA also jointly publishes and distributes the Emergency Response Guidebook, or ERG with our counterparts in Canada and Mexico. The ERG is an aid for first responders to quickly identify specific hazards of substances involved in incidents and to protect themselves and the general public. You too can use the Guide to understand what products are considered hazardous, the potential harmful effects they could have on you and your family, and how to protect yourself if hazardous materials are encountered during a transportation emergency.