Hazmat Training

Class overview

Every state has specific and different requirements for Hazmat, CDL, and DOT. It is your responsibility to know the regulations in your state and adhere to all rules and regulations. Many states require a CDL license with Hazmat endorsement to accept and transport hazmat loads over 1001 lbs.

GoShare contracts with Sherwin-Williams and other companies to move hazardous cargo. For this training we will focus on Class 3 paint but the information and links provided relate to any hazardous material.

Paint is a Class 3 hazmat flammable product. Our projects will range in weight from 50# to 25000+#. If the cargo is hazmat, it will be notated on the project. We can move hazmat cargo in any of the GoShare vehicle types. This training covers a very broad understanding of hazmat projects.

All hazmat orders from Sherwin-Williams will have a HAZMAT designation in the Notes section of the project based on the cargo.

Safety and Equipment

Just like any other project, securing your cargo is extremely important for hazmat product. A spill in or outside of your vehicle could result in damage to property or the environment, as well as to your vehicle and cost thousands of dollars.

Use your dolly or pallet jack to get the cargo situated in the safest spot in your vehicle.
Use moving blankets on the cargo to protect it.
Use cargo straps to secure the load.
Just like any GoShare shipment, avoid leaving your vehicle unattended while it is loaded with cargo.
Do not smoke while carrying cargo that is hazmat.
Be careful when loading and unloading hazmat cargo to ensure nothing is damaged.

Any project that is hazardous will have hazmat signage on the product itself. If the cargo is over 1001 pounds, you will need to have placard signage on the outside of your vehicle.

Review the BOL if provided (the paper the store gave you when you picked up) to verify the address you are delivering to and that it matches what is in the GoShare Driver app.
Check to make sure your cargo is secure before leaving the origin location. When your vehicle is stopped, block the wheels to avoid the vehicle rolling.
If you are transporting multiple hazmat shipments at the same time, make sure they are physically separated if they are different types of chemicals.

Your safety is a top priority. These are not the only things you should consider when loading or unloading, but just the fundamental start.

Don’t smoke around the cargo.
Block the wheels and set your parking break when stopped.
Use the correct accessories to move product. Specific dollies will safely move specific cargo.

Paint is generally in the Class 3 materials for hazmat. In some cases it could be Class 8 hazmat. You can learn more by checking out the Code of Federal Regulations for transporting cargo by public highway.

Proper loading and securing of cargo is important. Review the above link for section 177.834(a) of the HMR. You never want your cargo to shift or potentially break or come out of your vehicle.

Why Do We Secure the Cargo?

It’s obvious but very important. If your cargo shifts or falls over it can cause leaks or spills. Much worse the cargo could fall from the vehicle and cause a crash or damages to property or the environment.

From a financial perspective, you could be issued a citation or fined for any damages and your vehicle could be out of commission until cleaning is performed.

It is up to you as the driver to secure the cargo. Before you start driving, check the cargo and make sure it is strapped down tightly to avoid any occurrences during:

Sudden stops or starts
Cornering
Unexpected accident
Any type of road condition

Separate hazardous material

This table indicates how to load two different types of hazmat cargo on the same transport. Look at where the column and row intersect to know if it’s ok to have them both on the same vehicle.

A blank square means you can have them on the same vehicle.
A ‘O’ means you can carry them together as long as they are separated.
A ‘X’ means you CANNOT carry both of these products together.

Placards are used to alert public safety personnel of your cargo. Above is the placard for Class 3 hazmat. Paint is in the Class 3 category.

Any shipment over 1001 pounds (including the pallet if used) will require a placard. It is your responsibility as a Delivery Professional to have the placard visible on your vehicle.

The placard must be a minimum of 9.84 inches on each side.
The class number must be at least 1.6 inches in height.
The text indicating the hazard must be at least 1.6 inches in height.

Action Plan

Call/Message Customer Service to report the incident.
The Customer Service team will direct you for next steps which may be to call the origin or destination location.
Fill out the Incident Report.

The Incident Report will comprise the following information

Driver Accident Report

Driver Name:

Driver Email:

Driver Phone:

Project ID:

Location of Incident (cross streets):

Did Incident occur inside vehicle or outside:

If outside did spill occur on roadway, grassland, body of water:

Detailed description of events leading up to the accident, what happened, and any reports from police/fire/safety personnel:

Pictures of the incident (take lots of pics):

GoShare Security Plan

Hazmat training is performed during onboarding for all drivers.
Stay on the most direct route from Pickup to Destination. Do not take unnecessary detours that will not significantly decrease your drive time.
Only GoShare partners and their customers will have access to the cargo. Keep the cargo locked and secure in your vehicle at all times.
Never allow a non-GoShare Professional to ride in your vehicle.
If your vehicle is compromised, contact Customer Service immediately by messaging through the app or calling 619-326-4404. The Customer Service team will notify Sean Peek, Director of Operations immediately of the incident.
If your vehicle is compromised, call the client to inform them of the incident.
The Delivery Professional provides in writing details of what happened by filling out the Driver Accident Report within 48 hours of the incident.
Placarding may be required on all sides of the vehicle as seen below.
- Each diamond (square-on-point) label prescribed in this subpart must be at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) on each side with each side having a solid line inner border approximately 5 mm (.2 inches) inside and parallel to the edge. The 5 mm (.2 inches) measurement is from the outside edge of the label to the outside of the solid line forming the inner border.
Click here to get your hazmat certification for CDL license. If the hazardous cargo requires a placard, you must have the hazmat endorsement on your CDL.