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Hazardous Materials

Understanding 49 CFR Part 172: Hazmat Training Requirements for Employers

49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H

Federal law requires all hazmat employees to receive training before performing hazmat functions. Learn what types of training are required, how often recurrent training must occur, and how to document compliance.

6 min readRead Article
Drug & Alcohol

DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training: What the Regulations Actually Require

49 CFR §382.603

49 CFR §382.603 mandates that supervisors who oversee CDL drivers receive at least 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substance use. Here's what that training must cover.

5 min readRead Article
New Entrant

FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit: A Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

49 CFR Parts 385, 390

New motor carriers operating under their own authority must pass an FMCSA Safety Audit within 12 months of receiving operating authority. This guide walks through every compliance area auditors examine.

8 min readRead Article
Driver Qualification

Driver Qualification Files: What Every Motor Carrier Must Keep on File

49 CFR Part 391

49 CFR Part 391 specifies exactly which documents must be in every driver's qualification file, how long they must be retained, and what triggers disqualification. Non-compliance is one of the most common audit findings.

7 min readRead Article
Security

Hazmat Security Awareness vs. In-Depth Security Training: Key Differences

49 CFR §172.704(a)(4)-(5)

Not all hazmat employees need the same level of security training. Learn which employees require general Security Awareness training and which must complete In-Depth Security training under 49 CFR §172.704.

4 min readRead Article
Owner-Operator

Operating Under Your Own Authority: Federal Compliance Checklist for Owner-Operators

49 CFR Parts 382–396

From USDOT number registration to drug and alcohol program enrollment, owner-operators face a complex web of federal requirements. This checklist covers the essentials under 49 CFR Parts 382–396.

9 min readRead Article

Explore Our Compliance Courses

Every course is built directly from FMCSA, DOT, PHMSA, and CFR regulations — not interpretations.

Federal Registration

FMCSA Registration & Motus Account Mastery

49 CFR Parts 390–396

1.5 to 3 hours$249.99

A comprehensive course covering FMCSA registration requirements and full Motus account setup for motor carriers. Learn how to register your company with FMCSA, obtain your USDOT number, apply for operating authority, and master the Motus platform for ongoing compliance management.

Hazardous Materials

Hazmat General Awareness Training

49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour$249.99

This course provides a foundational understanding of hazardous materials regulations, classification, labeling, and the responsibilities of employees who handle or transport hazmat. Required for all employees who handle, offer for transport, or transport hazardous materials.

Hazardous Materials

Function-Specific Hazardous Materials Training

49 CFR §172.704(a)(2)

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour$249.99

This course provides Function-Specific Training required under 49 CFR §172.704(a)(2) for hazardous materials employees whose assigned duties involve preparing, handling, offering, loading, unloading, documenting, transporting, inspecting, or supervising hazardous materials transportation.

Hazardous Materials

Hazmat Safety Training

49 CFR 172.704(a)(3)

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour$249.99

This course covers the safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and personal protective measures required when working with or near hazardous materials. Employees will learn how to recognize, respond to, and report hazmat incidents.

Security

Security Awareness Training

49 CFR §172.704(a)(4)

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour$249.99

This course provides all hazmat employees with a general awareness of the security risks associated with hazardous materials transportation and the measures used to address those risks. Required for all hazmat employees under 49 CFR §172.704(a)(4).

Security

In-Depth Security Training

49 CFR §172.704(a)(5) and 49 CFR 172.800–172.822

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour$249.99

This course is designed for hazmat employees who perform duties related to a transportation security plan, including personnel security, unauthorized access, en route security, threat recognition, and security responsibilities applicable to the employee's assigned function.

Drug & Alcohol

Supervisor Drug & Alcohol Training

49 CFR §382.603

Approximately 2 hours (60 min. drugs · 60 min. alcohol)$249.99

This course satisfies the supervisor training requirements of 49 CFR §382.603. It prepares supervisors to recognize the observable signs and symptoms of controlled substance use and alcohol misuse, understand applicable DOT regulations, and respond appropriately when reasonable suspicion exists.

Compliance

New Entrant Safety Audit Preparation

49 CFR Parts 385, 390

Approximately 1 hour$249.99

This course is designed to help motor carriers understand the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, establish effective safety-management controls, organize required records, identify possible compliance deficiencies, and prepare responsibly for an FMCSA Safety Audit.

Compliance

Owner-Operator Compliance Boot Camp

49 CFR Parts 382–396

Approximately 1 hour$249.99

This course provides practical education on federal motor carrier requirements for owner-operators operating under their own authority or leased to an authorized carrier. Topics include business formation, federal and state registration, driver qualification, drug and alcohol compliance, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, freight contracts, safety management, and financial compliance.

Compliance

Driver Qualification File (DQF) Compliance

49 CFR Part 391

Approximately 1 hour$249.99

This course teaches employees, owner-operators, and motor carriers how to create, review, maintain, and audit Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR Part 391. Topics include determining when a DQF is required, collecting required qualification documents, conducting background investigations, tracking annual and expiration-based records, and correcting deficiencies.

Hours of Service

HOS/ELD Compliance Training

49 CFR Part 395 / FMCSA ELD Rule

Approximately 2-2.5 hours (15 modules, 40 lessons)$199.99

This course covers the full scope of FMCSA Hours of Service regulations and the Electronic Logging Device mandate. Students learn the 11-hour driving rule, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break requirement, 60/70-hour limits, sleeper berth provisions, adverse driving and short-haul exemptions, ELD operation, log auditing, and violation consequences.

Free Compliance Resources

Download regulation summaries, compliance checklists, and quick-reference guides — no enrollment required.

Checklist

Driver Qualification File Checklist

49 CFR Part 391

Ensure every driver qualification file contains all required documents — CDL, medical certificate, road test, employment application, and annual review records.

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Reference Guide

Hours of Service Quick Reference Guide

49 CFR Part 395

A concise reference covering the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break rule, 60/70-hour limits, and sleeper berth provisions.

PDF
Form Template

Pre-Trip Inspection Report Template

49 CFR Part 396

A standardized driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) template covering all required inspection points for tractors, trailers, and straight trucks.

PDF

Free Motor Carrier University is an educational resource provided by Free Motor Carrier Services LLC. Course completion does not constitute legal advice, government certification, or a guarantee of regulatory compliance. Always consult the current CFR text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.