TSA Exempts Hazmat Drivers From Background Checks

Temporary Edict to Let More Truckers Aid Relief Effort

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he Transportation Security Administration temporarily lifted its background check requirement for drivers seeking first-time hazardous materials endorsements, to make it easier for non-hazmat drivers to respond to calls for aid in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

“This temporary exemption is in response to efforts being marshaled for disaster recovery efforts in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama due to the destructive effects of Hurricane Katrina,” the TSA notice said.

TSA said it was “temporarily exempting” states from a federal rule prohibiting them from issuing hazmat endorsements without a fingerprint-based background check.

The rule was imposed earlier this year.

For the full story, see the Sept. 12 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.