The Growing Compliance Gap in Hazmat Transportation—and Why Regulators Are Watching
Hazardous materials transportation has always been one of the most heavily regulated segments of the trucking industry. But as freight markets fluctuate and cost pressures intensify, a concerning trend is emerging in 2025 and heading into 2026: the compliance gap between high-performing hazmat carriers and the rest of the market is widening—and regulators are paying close attention. While some fleets continue to invest in training, equipment, and safety systems, others are cutting corners to survive. That divide is creating heightened risk on U.S. highways—and triggering increased scrutiny from federal and state agencies. What is the Hazmat Compliance Gap? The hazmat compliance gap refers to the growing disparity between carriers that strictly adhere to hazardous materials regulations and those that struggle—or fail—to meet them consistently. High-compliance hazmat carriers typically maintain: DOT-compliant equipment and proper placarding current Hazmat...