Hazmat Authority

Definition

Hazmat authority is shorthand for operating authority held by a for-hire carrier that transports hazardous materials regulated under 49 CFR Parts 100–185. The operating-authority application, the $300 FMCSA fee per authority type and the BOC-3 requirement are the same as for general freight. What changes is the insurance: hazmat carriers face higher public-liability minimums ($1 million to $5 million depending on the commodity) under 49 CFR Part 387, proven by the insurer’s filing with FMCSA. Drivers need an "H" CDL endorsement, and some commodities also require an FMCSA Hazardous Materials Safety Permit.