The HM-ACCESS initiative, established in 2008, strives to identify and eliminate barriers to the use of paperless hazard communication technologies to improve the delivery of critical hazardous materials (HM) safety information throughout the transportation chain.

What is HM-ACCESS?

PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) is collaborating with modal administrations, law enforcement, emergency response organizations and industry representatives to evaluate the feasibility of allowing the use of electronic shipping papers for HM shipments, for the purpose of:

(1) Improving the availability and accuracy of hazard and response information for shipments and packages that are tracked electronically;

(2) Improving the speed by which information is available to emergency responders when accidents occur;

(3) Improving the security of imported containers through better knowledge of shipments and reduced potential for diversion; and

(4) Allowing U.S. companies to compete more effectively in the global economy by using the best tools available.

The HM-ACCESS research initiative will not replace existing HM shipping paper requirements or HM communication requirements. The intent of this research initiative is to identify and evaluate options to complement existing regulatory requirements for HM shipping papers.

PHMSA's OHMS will communicate its' action and progress through public outreach, and this website will serve as a source for HM-ACCESS communication. 

Contact Us:
For more information, contact us at HMACCESS@dot.gov.