Regulators aren’t slowing down, and the latest hazmat enforcement sweep makes that clear. Over five days in June, CVSA inspectors conducted 5,046 inspections across the U.S. and Canada, targeting commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials and dangerous goods. The result: 683 vehicles placed out of service, a 13.5% OOS rate that underscores how high the stakes are when HM/DG compliance slips.
This annual, unannounced blitz is designed to expose gaps in training, documentation, cargo securement, and packaging integrity. And this year’s findings show that many carriers are still struggling to meet the heightened standards required for hazmat transport.
Inspectors uncovered undeclared packages, missing or incorrect training certificates, HM registration violations, safety permit issues, and dozens of emergency response information failures. They also found 128 cargo securement OOS violations, 29 package integrity OOS violations, and 55 placarding OOS violations, all critical issues that can escalate into catastrophic incidents if left unchecked.
Transporting hazardous materials isn’t routine trucking. It demands rigorous training, airtight documentation, and flawless execution. Drivers must understand the nine HM/DG classes, carriers must comply with HMR or TDG regulations, and every package, label, placard, and shipping paper must be accurate. Anything less puts drivers, the public, and the environment at risk.
The message from regulators is unmistakable: hazmat compliance is non‑negotiable. The industry is being held to a higher standard, and enforcement is tightening year over year.
At Highway Driver Leasing, we see these results as a reminder of what responsible operations look like. Strong training, verified documentation, and proactive compliance aren’t just regulatory requirements, they’re the foundation of safe, reliable fleet performance.The crackdown continues. The carriers who invest in doing things right will be the ones who stay on the road.