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DOT-SP 8249 Designation Evolves From 'Exempt 'to 'Special Permit'

Examining the protocol for safely shipping hazardous materials mixed with other freight types via standard trucking process that’s used by freight carriers worldwide.

Examining the protocol for safely shipping hazardous materials mixed with other freight types via standard trucking process that’s used by freight carriers worldwide. Photo supplied by LPS Industries.
Examining the protocol for safely shipping hazardous materials mixed with other freight types via standard trucking process that’s used by freight carriers worldwide. Photo supplied by LPS Industries.

The origins of DOT 8249 trace back to the 1970s when United Parcel Service sought to expand their capabilities by developing a protocol for safely shipping hazardous materials mixed with other freight types via their standard trucking process.

Up to that point, federal regulations prohibited any size of hazmat shipment labeled as “poison” to be comingled with any consumables on the same truck. This forced manufacturers and distributors of dangerous goods to segregate, palletize, and ship the hazardous materials via a general freight carrier trucking company—a process that added time and cost.

At the same time, UPS was also receiving requests from smaller shippers, such as chemical companies, paint and coating manufacturers and distributors, among others, to find a solution to their hazmat shipping challenges. Their collective need was for a practical, cost-effective method of delivering small quantities of hazardous materials, typically products or samples in 1L or smaller primary containers, to stores and customers.

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