PHMSA Proposes 2024 Hazardous Materials Registration Fees Increase: Significant Changes Ahead

Discover how PHMSA’s proposed fee increases for 2024 could impact hazardous materials registration fees for businesses of all sizes.
Learn about the shift towards electronic registration and payments, and how it aims to improve efficiency in hazardous materials transport.
Find out how industry stakeholders, including the National Tank Truck Carriers, are responding to these proposed changes.

PHMSA Proposes 2024 Hazardous Materials Registration Fees Increase

Understanding the Proposed Changes

PHMSA’s proposed fee adjustments aim to meet the mandated funding level of $46,825,000 for the HMEP grants program.

On May 24th, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Hazardous Materials: Adjusting Registration and Fee Assessment Program.” This proposal aims to increase the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) registration fees due to inflation. For more news and updates on carrier fees, check out this page.

Key Fee Adjustments

Small Business Impact

For small businesses, the registration fee is set to increase from $250 to $375. This adjustment aims to ensure that the HMEP program receives the necessary funding to maintain safety and preparedness standards.

Large Business Impact

For larger businesses, the registration fee will rise from $2,575 to $3,000. This fee hike is part of PHMSA’s strategy to meet the mandated funding level of $46,825,000 for the HMEP grants program. For additional insights into the challenges facing hazardous goods transportation, explore this page.

Sponsorship

Electronic Registration and Efficiency

New Requirements

U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Proposes 2024 Hazardous Materials Registration Fees Increase

PHMSA proposes significant increases in hazardous materials registration fees for both small and large businesses.

In addition to the fee increases, PHMSA proposes that the certificate of registration can be carried in either electronic or paper form for both motor carriers and those transporting hazardous materials by vessel. This shift towards electronic-only payments and registrations is expected to enhance operational efficiency. To dive deeper into the topic of PHMSA regulations and their impact on the industry, follow this link.

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Stakeholder Involvement and Feedback

Support from Interested Parties

The proposal aligns with previous suggestions from a hazardous materials stakeholders group known as Interested Parties for Hazardous Materials Transportation. This group, which includes the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), had expressed support for raising the statutory $3,000 fee cap in December 2022.

“The annual registration fee is currently set at $250 — plus a $25 processing fee — for registrants qualifying as small businesses or not-for-profit organizations and $2,575 plus a $25 processing fee for registrants not qualifying as small businesses or not-for-profit organizations.”

How to Participate

Comment Submission

Small business registration fees are set to rise from $250 to $375 under the new proposal.

PHMSA encourages comments on this proposal before August 22. Members of the NTTC wishing to submit their opinions can do so by emailing NTTC staff at jeberts@tanktruck.org before June 7. The NTTC will keep its members informed as the rule-making process progresses. Stay updated on the latest trends in safety regulations, check out this link.

Implications of the Fee Increases

Financial Impact on Businesses

The proposed fee increases could have significant financial implications for businesses of all sizes. Companies that opt for multi-year registrations might need to make additional fee payments if increases occur after their initial registration.

Improving Preparedness

Close-up of the side of the tanker on road at night

The move towards electronic-only payments and registrations is expected to enhance operational efficiency

These adjustments are crucial for maintaining and improving hazardous materials safety and preparedness. The additional funding will help PHMSA meet its mandated goals and continue supporting the HMEP grants program.

Future Prospects

Long-Term Efficiency Gains

The move towards electronic registration and payments is expected to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens. This change reflects a broader trend towards digital transformation within regulatory frameworks.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Ongoing collaboration with stakeholders like NTTC ensures that the proposed changes are aligned with industry needs and perspectives. This cooperative approach is vital for effective regulation and implementation. Understand the strategies being employed in transportation safety to optimize outcomes, explore this link.

Conclusion

PHMSA’s proposed adjustments to hazardous materials registration fees and the shift towards electronic processes mark significant steps in enhancing safety and efficiency within the industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the discussion and provide feedback to shape the future of hazardous materials transportation regulations. Explore our news on factors influencing the National Tank Truck Carriers across the industry, visit this link.

Larger businesses will see their registration fees increase from $2,575 to $3,000.

Key Developments in PHMSA’s Proposed Fee Increases

Inflationary Fee Increases: Registration fees for small businesses will rise from $250 to $375, and for large businesses from $2,575 to $3,000.
Electronic Registration Option: Certificates of registration can now be carried in either electronic or paper form, enhancing efficiency.
Stakeholder Involvement: The proposal is supported by a stakeholders group including the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC).
Comment Period: Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments before August 22, with NTTC members having a deadline of June 7 for initial feedback.

Contact Information for Comments:

Email: jeberts@tanktruck.org
Deadline: June 7 for NTTC comments, August 22 for PHMSA comments

Additional Information

HMEP Program Overview

Purpose: To enhance hazardous materials safety and preparedness.
Funding Level: $46,825,000 mandated funding.

PHMSA’s Role

Agency: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Function: Regulates and ensures the safe transport of hazardous materials.

For more details on the NPRM and how it might affect your business, visit PHMSA’s official website.

Explore Further Resources and Insights

To gain a deeper understanding of the proposed changes to hazardous materials registration fees and other related topics, check out the following external resources:

Learn More About PHMSA’s Proposal: Detailed information on PHMSA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and fee adjustments can be found on the PHMSA website.
Federal Register Documentation: For comprehensive documentation and updates regarding the NPRM, visit the Federal Register.
U.S. Department of Transportation Insights: Find out more about the implications of these regulatory changes on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official page.
Regulations and Compliance: Explore the specific regulations and compliance details related to hazardous materials registration at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).
Comment and Participation: Engage in the public comment process for this rulemaking via Regulations.gov.
Hazardous Materials Grants Program: Understand how the registration fees support the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grants program at PHMSA’s Grants Program page.