Hazardous Materials Routing Data Renewal Is Now Under Review

FMCSA Moves to Renew Hazardous Materials Routing Data Collection

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is taking steps to renew a federal data collection tied to hazardous materials routing on U.S. highways. The agency outlined the plan in a new Federal Register notice under Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0325.

This action is part of a routine process. It ensures that routing information stays current and available for use across the trucking industry.

What the Proposal Is About

FMCSA is asking for approval to renew an Information Collection Request (ICR). The title of the request is “Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Highway Routing.”

This request falls under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. That law requires federal agencies to get approval before collecting certain types of information.

The goal is simple. FMCSA wants to continue gathering routing data from states, territories, and Tribal agencies. This data helps track how hazardous materials move on public highways.

What Information Is Collected

The data collected includes several key details about hazardous materials routes. These include:

• Routes that are approved for hazardous materials
• Routes that are restricted or limited
• Rules that affect how materials can be moved
• Dates when routes were created or changed
• Any updates or new routing designations

This information helps build a national record of where hazardous materials can travel.

How the System Works

Federal law requires this process. Under 49 U.S.C. 5112 and 5125, the Department of Transportation must keep a current list of hazardous materials routes.

States and Tribal agencies play a key role. They must report any new routes or changes. This must be done within 60 days of the change.

FMCSA collects that data. It then combines the information into one system. Updates are published each year in the Federal Register. They are also posted online in the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry.

Who Must Report on Hazardous Materials

The reporting requirement covers many areas across the country. These include:

• All 50 states
• The District of Columbia
• U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico and Guam
• Indian Tribes with designated routes

FMCSA estimates there are 57 total respondents involved in this process.

Each group reports every two years. They may also report sooner if changes happen.

Time and Workload for Reporting

FMCSA states that the reporting process is short. Each response takes about 15 minutes to complete.

When added together, the total yearly burden is about 7.125 hours. This reflects all respondents combined.

The agency says this is a small workload. It is meant to keep the system updated without placing a heavy burden on states or Tribal agencies.

Public Comment Period Open

FMCSA is now asking for public input. The agency is accepting comments on the proposed renewal.

It is looking for feedback on several points:

• Whether the data collection is needed
• Whether the time estimates are accurate
• How the data could be improved
• Ways to reduce the reporting burden

Comments must be submitted within 30 days of the notice being published. Submissions are made through Reginfo.gov using the docket number listed in the notice.

No Feedback in Earlier Review

FMCSA noted that no comments were received during the earlier 60-day comment period. That review period began in November 2025.

The current 30-day window is the next step before final review by the Office of Management and Budget.

Why This Matters for Truck Drivers

This proposal does not create new rules. However, it supports a system that affects daily operations for many drivers.

Hazardous materials loads must follow specific routes. These routes are not optional. They are set by state and federal rules.

Accurate routing data helps drivers stay compliant. It also helps avoid violations tied to using the wrong route.

Drivers and carriers rely on this information when planning trips. Changes to routes can affect travel time, fuel use, and delivery schedules.

Impact on Carriers and Route Planning for Hazardous Materials

The National Hazardous Materials Route Registry is a key tool. It provides updated route information for carriers.

If a route changes, carriers may need to adjust plans. This can affect dispatch decisions and load timing.

For drivers hauling hazardous materials, staying informed is critical. Even small routing changes can lead to compliance issues if missed.

Why Hazardous Materials Routing Data Changes

Hazardous materials routes can change for several reasons. These include:

• Safety concerns in certain areas
• Road or infrastructure updates
• Changes in population or traffic patterns
• Environmental risks

Because of this, updates must be reported quickly. The 60-day reporting rule helps keep the system current.

What Happens Next

After the comment period ends, FMCSA will review any feedback. The agency will then submit the request to the Office of Management and Budget.

If approved, the data collection will continue without major changes.

The current approval is set to expire on April 30, 2026.

Renewal is needed to keep the system in place.

Ongoing Role in Hazardous Materials Transport

This effort supports a larger safety system. It helps define where hazardous materials can travel on U.S. highways.

For commercial truck drivers, this information shapes daily operations. It guides route planning and helps ensure compliance.

Keeping the data accurate remains a key part of FMCSA’s role.