Transportation operations involving hazardous substances and dangerous goods are often subject to additional federal and state regulations. It is essential to consult an experienced attorney to determine whether the goods being transported are hazardous and, if so, to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations. Failure to comply can result in steep penalties and irreversible damage to the public.

Scopelitis has extensive experience assisting with hazardous substance matters involving hazardous materials and hazardous waste, including:

• Transport of hazardous substances via intrastate, interstate, and international commerce
• Establishing hazardous substances training and emergency response programs required under federal and state law via our DOT consulting services
• Successfully defending clients in administrative or civil litigation proceedings when the transportation or unintentional release of a hazardous substance results in liability claims or government fines

Companies that handle or transport hazardous substances are subject to a litany of regulations from the DOT, the EPA, OSHA, and individual states. Interstate transport of hazardous materials can be particularly problematic because each state through which a shipment may travel has unique permitting, routing, and emergency response procedures. The complexity is only magnified when transporting hazardous waste, given the relatively significant authority municipalities have to regulate hazardous waste in many states.

The rules related to the shipping and transportation of hazardous substances and dangerous goods are set forth in hyper-scientific and legal terms, making it nearly impossible for a layperson to decipher. This is not, however, a valid excuse for a failure to comply with the applicable regulations. Fortunately, Scopelitis attorneys have decades of experience assisting clients with these issues, and we can help companies navigate this complex part of the transportation industry in simple terms.