DOT Hazmat Ground Shipper Training (Also Known as HM-181 Employee Training)

Online Training · Highway (Ground)

DOT Hazmat Ground Shipper Training

Get every hazmat shipment right before it leaves your dock.

Learn online, at your own pace, from the first step to the last. This course follows one shipment from start to finish and is designed to help satisfy initial or recurrent hazmat employee training requirements under 49 CFR 172.704 for professionals who prepare and offer shipments by highway.

Often called HM-181 employee training, it's built on the current U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations.

Enroll Now View Course Agenda
49 CFR 172.704Initial or recurrent
OnlineSelf-paced
Approximately 13 HoursHighway (ground) shipping
13 REHS CEUsPlus certificate of completion

Course Details

DOT requires new hazmat employees to be trained within 90 days of hire or job change, and recurrent training is required at least every three years (49 CFR 172.704(c)).

This course covers the training areas listed in 49 CFR 172.704: general awareness, function-specific, safety, security awareness and in-depth security training, all built around the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171–180).

Key Learning Objectives

  • Follow the DOT hazardous materials regulations when you prepare and offer ground shipments
  • Classify, name, package, mark, label, placard, load and unload hazardous materials
  • Complete shipping papers and Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests
  • Use the Emergency Response Guidebook, report incidents and respond to security threats
  • Earn REHS continuing education units (CEUs)

Who Should Attend

If your job touches a hazardous materials shipment, this course is for you. No prior hazmat training is needed.

  • Shipping and receiving staff
  • Warehouse and dock workers
  • Packers
  • Production and laboratory personnel
  • EHS and compliance staff
  • Supervisors who oversee them
  • Anyone who signs shipping papers or hazardous waste manifests
  • Anyone who loads and unloads vehicles
Good to know: This course covers highway (ground) shipping only. Air and vessel shipping have additional requirements. Employers are responsible for determining who needs training, for site-specific training, and for keeping training records.

Why Learners Choose This Course

  • Online and on your schedule, so training fits around the workday
  • Follows a real shipment, so every lesson builds on the last
  • Worked examples, exercises and knowledge checks let you practice, not just read
  • A case study of common violations shows what mistakes look like and what they can cost
  • Final exam and a certificate of completion when you finish

Certificate & REHS CEUs

Complete the course and pass the final exam to receive a certificate of completion from NATEC International, Inc., emailed to you free of charge.

NATEC is approved to offer REHS continuing education units. Registered Environmental Health Specialists earn 13 REHS CEUs for completing this course.

Course Agenda

13 to 16 hours | Online | Highway (ground) shipping | REHS CEUs available

Module 1

Welcome and Introductions

Course overview, key definitions and hazmat employee training requirements

Module 2

General Awareness of Hazardous Materials

Regulations, hazard classes and the Hazardous Materials Table

Part 2 — Classification and Proper Shipping Names: assign the hazard class and packing group and choose the shipping name

Part 3 — Packaging Requirements: select authorized packaging, read UN markings, fill and close packages

Module 3

Shipping Papers and Marking

Prepare shipping papers, the shipper's certification and package marks

Module 4

Labeling and Placarding

Apply hazard labels and provide vehicle placards

Part 2 — Loading, Unloading and Segregation: load safely, read the segregation chart and hand the shipment to the carrier

Module 5

Emergency Response

Use the Emergency Response Guidebook and respond to hazmat emergencies

Part 2 — Incident Reporting, Exceptions and Special Permits: know what to report, when exceptions apply and what special permits are

Module 6

Security Awareness and Security Plan

Recognize security threats and understand security plan requirements

Module 7

Documentation and Recordkeeping

Complete the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest and keep required records

Finish

Course Review and Written Exam

Review key points, pass the exam and receive your certificate of completion

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is DOT hazmat training required?
New hazmat employees must be trained within 90 days of hire or job change, and recurrent training is required at least every three years (49 CFR 172.704(c)).
Is this the same as HM-181 training?
Yes, in the way most people use the term. HM-181 was a 1990 rulemaking that brought U.S. hazmat packaging in line with UN standards. Its requirements were built into the Hazardous Materials Regulations long ago, and employee training is now found in 49 CFR 172.704, which added security awareness training after 2003. Many people still call it "HM-181," but this course is built on the current rules.
Does it cover air or vessel shipping?
No. This course covers highway (ground) shipping only. Air and vessel shipping have additional requirements.
Do I need prior hazmat training?
No. The course works for both initial and recurrent training, so new hazmat employees can start here.
Will I get a certificate and CEUs?
Yes. Pass the final exam to receive a certificate of completion from NATEC International, Inc. and 13 REHS CEUs.
Can I register my whole team?
Yes. Choose the number of students when you enroll and enter each student's name and email. For private group bookings, contact your sales agent at (800) 969-3228 or training@NATECintl.com.

Ready to Ship with Confidence?

Enroll today, learn online, and finish with a certificate of completion and 13 REHS CEUs. $200 per student.

Enroll Now Call (800) 969-3228

This training is designed to help satisfy initial or recurrent hazmat employee training requirements under 49 CFR 172.704 for highway shipping. Employers remain responsible for site-specific training and training records.

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