Regulatory Update – DOT Publishes Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials Amendments Final Rule On Wednesday, July 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule in the Federal Register on HM-218F, Hazardous Materials; Miscellaneous Amendments. Among other changes, PHMSA has added a labeling exception for consolidation bins to facilitate the use of bins in motor carrier transport; revised the definition of “person” subject to the hazardous materials regulations (HMR) to include packaging manufacturers and testers; amended the Hazardous Materials Table to harmonize certain entries with international standards; updated and clarified various hazard communication requirements; and required DOT Special Permit applicants to identify whether they are a shipper, carrier, or both. The final rule will take effect on August 19, 2011, and voluntary compliance is authorized immediately. For a copy of the final rule, go to www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-20/pdf/2011-17687.pdf.